How Do I Search For Dark Web Websites?
How to Surf the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It offers a layer of privacy and anonymity for users, but accessing it requires specific tools and precautions. If you’re curious about how to surf the dark web, follow this comprehensive guide.
What You Need
One of the most popular ways to get around the dark web is not to use a search engine at all. Just like in the old days of the internet, the dark web maintains numerous indexes of sites, like The Hidden Wiki. Unlike Ahmia and Haystak, however, DuckDuckGo doesn’t search .onion sites.
Before diving into the dark web, ensure you have the following:
That’s where the “dark” part comes in — accessing the dark web requires the use of specific software that keeps you anonymous. The dark web contains content that’s only accessible through networks like Tor. Tor browsers create encrypted entry points and pathways for the user, so dark web activity remains anonymous. The encryption technology routes users’ data through a large number of intermediate servers, which protects the users’ identity and guarantees anonymity. The dark web is a haven for scams, illegal products and stores, and information and media that would otherwise be blocked by search engines, web browsers, and social networks. The dark web is an online underground market, where people can buy and sell illegal products and services, remain hidden from their government, and contact people anonymously.
Accessing dark web websites requires specific software or special network configurations. Whether your search engine of choice is Google, Bing, Baidu, Yahoo! The true internet – that which includes content not indexed by these search engines – is hundreds of times bigger. Content in the dark web is designed to be hidden and you’ll need special software to access it.
Greater anonymity allows cyber criminals to do their thing, and the rise of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency which allows incognito payments, has also contributed to illegal trade. These three terms are often a source of confusion, especially in connection with cybercrime and where that comes from. It is why you also need a trustable VPN service that promises to respect your privacy every step of the way. FastestVPN guarantees a no-logs policy, allowing you to leave no footprint of your browsing history. Tor is relatively safer than open access, but it can get you traced. So it is better to use the tor-over-VPN technique to avoid future problems.
- VPN Software: A secure Virtual Private Network will help protect your identity.
- Tor Browser: This is the primary tool used to access .onion websites.
- Security Software: Make sure your antivirus and anti-malware tools are up to date.
- Basic Know-how: Familiarity with internet safety practices is essential.
Be creative with your approach and develop training that is fun and interactive but stresses the dangers of the deep web. The deep web has been around for years but it is still unknown to most people. I conducted an informal survey with consummate security professionals and almost 4 out of every 5 could not tell me what the deep web was or how to access it. While it’s not illegal in many places to simply get on the dark web, the dark web is used for some illegal purposes. Many things for sale on dark web marketplaces are illegal, like ransomware or other strains of malware, illicit drugs, weapons, and in some cases, even human organs.
To access darknet websites, special software is needed, as darknet networks are encrypted and cannot be accessed directly via regular web browsers. For example, to access the TOR network, you should use the TOR browser. Notorious ransomware groups are the ones that use onion.ly links most often. This is because when a victim’s computer is infected by ransomware, attackers demand ransom through dark websites. Therefore, they provide onion.ly links so victims can access dark websites with regular browsers.
Every time you access your bank account, stream tv on your account, enter a database. The threat comes when you access illegal sites or engage in illegal transactions. This includes things such as purchasing unlicensed weapons, child pornography, or worse. In essence, the illegal areas of the deep web belong to the dark web.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to safely navigate the dark web:
- The blog contains tons of useful guides about how you can avoid online surveillance.
- Here’s a quick tutorial on how to safely access the dark web and tips on how to use it.
- While the Dark Web content—a subset of the Deep Web, known for its illicit activities—often grabs headlines, it’s just a fraction of the immense reservoir of the Deep Web.
- Choose Tor when you need to stay anonymous or want to get to the dark web.
- I tested Image Hosting and was able to upload and share an image on Facebook in less than 10 seconds.
- Download and Install a VPN: Choose a reliable VPN service and install it. Activate it before every session to mask your IP address.
- Download the Tor Browser: Get the Tor Browser from its official website. Avoid downloading it from third-party sources to prevent malware.
- Open the Tor Browser: Once installed, start the Tor Browser. It is slower than regular browsers due to its encryption, but this is necessary for anonymity.
- Adjust Security Settings: Configure the Tor settings to the highest level for maximum safety. Under the security settings, select “Safer” or “Safest” mode.
- Access .onion Websites: Use trusted directories to find .onion links. Avoid clicking on unknown links to prevent exposure to harmful content.
- Stay Anonymous: Do not share personal information, and consider using a secure pseudonym.
Best Practices for Safety
To enhance your security while browsing the dark web, keep in mind the following best practices:
- Never Enable Scripts: Disable JavaScript in the Tor Browser settings to minimize the risk of exploitation.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Avoid downloading any files from the dark web, as they may contain harmful malware.
- Use HTTPS: Whenever possible, ensure that the sites you visit use HTTPS for encryption.
- Limit Your Time: Set a time limit for your browsing sessions to decrease the risk of encountering dangerous content.
Common Misconceptions
Understand some common misconceptions about the dark web:
- All Dark Web Content is Illegal: While there are illegal sites, the dark web also hosts legal content, like forums and privacy-focused platforms.
- Using Tor Guarantees Absolute Anonymity: Tor enhances privacy but does not guarantee complete anonymity. Additional measures are necessary.
- Only Hackers Use the Dark Web: Many users are simply seeking information or a space for free speech.
FAQs about Surfing the Dark Web
1. Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, accessing the dark web is legal. However, engaging in illegal activities while there is not.
2. Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
While the risk is reduced, it is still possible to be tracked. Always use a VPN and follow safety best practices.
3. What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
Exit the site immediately and consider reporting it to the appropriate authorities.
4. Can I use my regular email on the dark web?
It is not advisable to use your regular email. Create a new account with basic information for added safety.
Conclusion
Understanding how to surf the dark web safely requires preparation and adherence to privacy protocols. By following the outlined steps and best practices, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet while minimizing risks to your anonymity and security.
