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Who Uses Tor, And Why?
Understanding the Deep Web
Additionally, refrain from entering personal information or engaging in illegal activities to ensure your safety while exploring the Deep Web. The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals. That’s because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for people who buy and sell on the dark web. By using the simple VPN app, your dark web activities will be hidden from your ISP and government agencies as all of your internet usage will be encrypted. No one will even know you are using TOR, let alone browsing for darknet markets. Yes, you can access the dark web on a smartphone, but you’ll need an appropriate browser, like Tor browser for Android or Onion browser for iPhone.
The Tor team keeps detecting and disabling the bad exit nodes, but the attacker keeps deploying new ones. The most commonly-known portion of the Dark web is the Tor network. While there are other networks in the Dark web such as I2P ( the Invisible Internet Project), Freenet, and Riffle, we’re going to concentrate on the Tor network for exploring the Dark web. DeepWatch continuously monitors the dark web and protects your organization from cyber threats. We at DeepWatch protect your business from cyber threats with 24/7 monitoring on the dark web.
The deep web refers to parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This layer is much larger than the surface web and comprises various content that can range from private databases to academic resources.
Why Access the Deep Web?
Many seek to access the deep web for various reasons, such as:
- Research purposes
- Accessing academic journals and articles
- Exploring private databases
- Seeking anonymity
If you want to check what people can find out about you now on surface-level search engines, take advantage of your instant free Reputation Report Card scan. We offer this service so you don’t have to put yourself at risk trying to navigate the Deep Web yourself. If you have concerns about your personal data and need any help, give us a call. Here’s where the ability to zero in on a specific domain or website becomes invaluable.
You can find legitimate products such as basketball shoes, apparel, research papers, and other items on the dark web. Of course, you can also find plenty of illegal items such as hacked Netflix accounts, stolen Social Security numbers, credit card account numbers, firearms, and drugs, too. The dark web may be safe in some cases—think legitimate content—and not in others. Only about 6.7% of global users use the dark web for malicious purposes, but it’s smart to be selective about the websites you access. The dark web is a part of the internet consisting of hidden sites that aren’t indexed by conventional search engines.
The same anonymity that publishers enjoy on the dark web can be utilized by users who want to read the available information. Again, people who live in countries where the freedom of the internet is limited, for example in China, can really benefit from using Tor. In 2002 the dark web began to grow significantly when researchers backed by the U.S. Journalists in overly restrictive countries also appreciate the anonymity of the dark web. Silk Road became one of the most famous online black markets on the dark web for illegally selling drugs. You can also find email messages, online bank statements, and much more information on the deep web – information that is usually private and inaccessible by the public on the surface web.
For some users — like journalists or whistleblowers — the dark web is about identity protection. It’s where individuals can share anonymous tips with the press on secure drop sites. Special agents like Swensen are looking for the kinds of users who want this full cloak of anonymity in order to mask their illegal activity.
How to Access the Deep Web
- As the Dark Web operates on the principle of anonymity, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure your online activities remain untraceable.
- For instance, the G20 and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have both called for cryptocurrency companies to provide information on buyers and sellers in transactions conducted online.
- We also recommend you use NordVPN when logging into websites with sensitive data, like your online bank account or cloud storage.
- However, because it’s almost completely anonymous, there are a lot of illegal images, information, products, and services on the dark web.
- A deep search is perfect for finding out if your private information is floating out in this space.
Accessing the deep web can be accomplished through several methods. Here are some ways to get started:
1. Use Specialized Search Engines
Traditional search engines won’t yield results from the deep web. Instead, consider using specialized search engines designed for this purpose:
- Deep Web Technologies – A search engine for deep web resources.
- Infotopia – A metasearch engine that focuses on academic and privacy-conscious users.
- DuckDuckGo – Though not exclusively a deep web search engine, it prioritizes privacy.
2. Install the Tor Browser
The Tor browser is a well-known tool for accessing the deep web. Here’s how to install it:
- Download the Tor browser from the official Tor Project website.
- Install the browser by following the provided instructions.
- Open the Tor browser and connect to the Tor network.
- Start browsing .onion websites, which are only accessible through Tor.
3. Use VPN Services
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can enhance your privacy when accessing the deep web. Follow these steps:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider.
- Download and install the VPN software.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor browser.
Best Practices While Exploring the Deep Web
When you enter the deep web, consider these best practices to ensure safety:
- Do not share personal information.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Avoid illegal activities.
- Maintain anonymity.
FAQs About Accessing the Deep Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all unindexed sites, whereas the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that requires specific software (like Tor) to access and often contains illegal activities.
Is it legal to access the deep web?
Accessing the deep web is legal, but engaging in illegal activities while on it is not. Always ensure that your actions comply with local laws.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to access the deep web?
No, you don’t need to be tech-savvy. With the right tools and guidance, anyone can learn how to access the deep web safely and effectively.
Can I be tracked while using the deep web?
While using the Tor browser provides a degree of anonymity, complete privacy is never guaranteed. Using a VPN with Tor can help enhance your security.
