How To Access The Dark Web
There isn’t any one way to access the deep web — it just depends on what you’re looking for. You need passwords to access your work email, or you’ll need to follow an internal link to find the right shirt to buy for an event. It takes more effort to access, but it doesn’t require the same level of legwork that accessing the dark web needs. But keep in mind that no matter what layer of the internet you’re using, your accounts and personal information could be at risk.
Understanding the Deep Web
Any Tor client that wants to connect to the hidden service can now do so through these introduction points. Tor software operating on a Tor host will create a local file directory, assign a port number for the service, and generate a public-private key pair when it configures a hidden service. Tor networks are popular solutions for maintaining anonymity and privacy and for defeating traffic analysis. Journalists, whistleblowers, dissidents, or generally any Internet users who do not want third parties to track their behavior or interests.
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This vast segment of the web is often misunderstood, and it is essential to distinguish it from the more illicit aspects associated with it.
“The dark web requires a different mindset and skill set,” says Peraton vice president John M. There is no way to stumble upon websites, outside of the links posted by others publicly—every action must be deliberate. Sites and website pages or forums go up and come down, sometimes in a matter of days, adding another element of navigational difficulty that differentiates the dark web from the surface web. Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want. Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites.
What Comprises the Deep Web?
The deep web is significantly larger than the surface web, which consists of accessible websites that can be found via standard search engines. Components of the deep web include:
Even simply browsing the dark web out of curiosity can expose you to such threats, like phishing malware or keyloggers. While an endpoint security program can identify such threats if they end up on your computer, it’s ideal to avoid them altogether. That said, while it’s not illegal to browse the dark web, it’s also not completely void of criminal activity.
There are dedicated indexing platforms that you can use, however, such as The Hidden Wiki. NordVPN tops this list because of its best-in-class security features. It has DNS leak protection and a kill switch, which shuts off your internet connection whenever your VPN disconnects, preventing IP address leaks. As we mentioned above, a VPN is a must-have when accessing the dark web because it encrypts your traffic, making it hard for snoopers to track you. Additionally, you can spoof your location by changing your IP address. To ensure your safety when browsing the dark web, our cybersecurity experts have prepared some tips on how to avoid unnecessary risks.
This is what’s known as the “deep web.” The deep web comprises the “gated” internet, or to put it simply, pages that aren’t easily accessible. The deep web is also used by corporate organizations that want to protect sensitive business-related information, such as hospitals with online networks for internal use only. Later, the U.S. government developed The Onion Router (Tor) to let their intelligence officers communicate anonymously.
- Online databases (e.g., academic journals, medical records)
- Private corporate websites that require authentication
- Dynamic web pages with content generated in real-time based on user queries
- Intranets used by organizations for internal communication
- Subscription-based content platforms
If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. However, you can still take illegal actions within Tor that could incriminate you regardless of the browser’s legality. You could easily use Tor in an attempt to pirate copyrighted content from the deep web, share illegal pornography, or engage in cyber terrorism. Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web.
If the surface web is the visible part of an iceberg above water, the deep web is the part submerged beneath – much larger but hidden from plain view. Some people use the terms ‘dark web’ and ‘deep web’ interchangeably; however, significant portions of the deep web are completely legal and safe to use. You could certainly go much deeper into the topic, but we hope the information provided here has given you a basic understanding of what the deep web/dark web are, how they function and why they exist. More importantly, you should now know how to access these hidden sectors of the internet at your leisure. That means that if your incoming traffic is routed through a node operated by cybercriminals, they can inject malware into the code of the response, without you ever knowing that it’s happened. With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access.
Misconceptions about the Deep Web
There are several misconceptions about the deep web, often conflated with the dark web:
- Use it to get an idea of what sort of dark websites you may be interested in visiting.
- Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law.
- To securely engage in the trade of child sex abuse content, away from the long arm of the law, groomers and abusers turn to the safest and most anonymous corner of the Internet.
- A savvy security team should, therefore, include deep web monitoring into their threat intelligence program.
- It has DNS leak protection and a kill switch, which shuts off your internet connection whenever your VPN disconnects, preventing IP address leaks.
- The deep web is illegal: The majority of the deep web consists of lawful activities and information.
- All deep web content is dangerous: While some content may be illicit, much of it is benign and useful.
- The deep web is inaccessible: Many deep web sites are accessible with proper credentials or tools.
Exploring the Dark Web
While the deep web encompasses a vast array of content, the dark web is a smaller portion that requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Common features of the dark web include:
- Illegal marketplaces for drugs, weapons, and stolen data
- Anonymity: Users often employ tools like Tor to maintain privacy.
- Forums: Places for discussions on various topics, including sensitive or controversial issues.
Accessing the Deep Web Safely
Gaining access to the deep web can be done legitimately and safely. Here are some recommended practices:
- Use a reliable VPN to protect your identity and data.
- Understand the legality of the content you access.
- Utilize trustworthy databases and platforms.
- Keep your software and devices updated for security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the deep web the same as the dark web?
No, the deep web includes legal and legitimate content, while the dark web contains a small fraction of illegal activities.
2. Can I access the deep web through regular browsers?
Most of the deep web can be accessed through standard browsers, but some parts may require specific tools.
3. Why is the deep web so important?
The deep web serves critical functions like data storage, academic research, and secure communications.
4. How can I find information on the deep web?
Utilize specific databases, portals, or academic repositories that cater to the type of information you’re seeking.
In conclusion, the deep web plays a crucial role in today’s internet landscape, hosting valuable resources that contribute to various fields ranging from academics to secure communications. Understanding its nature is essential for responsible navigation and usage.
