Some countries that block Tor include Belarus, Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. China also blocks all Tor traffic to prevent users from bypassing the Great Firewall. The extent of crime on the dark web doesn’t just end with financial scams and drugs. This hidden part of the internet is also a place for organized crime to advertise and sell illegal images and videos, often involving human exploitation. Once this information is stolen, the scammer might sell this information on a darknet marketplace for a profit. To avoid these scams, we recommend verifying each .onion site you visit before interacting with it.
Introduction to the Deep Web
The deep web refers to parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing.
Moreover, the completion of a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive. Most items ordered from the darknet websites may need to cross international borders. It is also checked by customs officials, which may crackdown on suspicious parcels. The dark web news site DeepDot is always full of stories of buyers who have been arrested or jailed for attempting illegal purchases. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be completely anonymous online.
Nicknamed “TorMoil,” the flaw allowed a user’s operating system to connect to a remote host, bypassing the Tor Browser entirely. Even if you are using the Tor browser, your network traffic can still be traced back to you by government agencies and person with enough time and know-how, for example, NSA and FBI. If you decide to get into the dark web, it’s smart to be selective about the websites you access. The dark web is not safe in every moment but may be safe in some cases like think, legitimate content but it is not safe in other cases. If you are on the dark web you can’t feel completely safe like the clear web.
Proton VPN makes it easy to safely gain access to the dark web by connecting users to the Tor Network in a single click. Its server network includes dedicated nodes set up to reroute internet traffic through the Tor network. Tor Over VPN servers are identified with an onion symbol and found in the country list. These steps are all the same if you want to access anything on the deep web.
It encompasses a vast array of content, ranging from academic databases to private corporate networks.
Understanding how to access the deep web is crucial for anyone interested in exploring its vast resources safely and effectively.
You’ll have to visit sites using their onion URLs or search with an onion search engine. Surface web, also known as visible web, refers to the indexable parts of the internet. In other words, content in this portion of the World Wide Web is readily accessible and searchable with search engines. The surface web accounts for roughly 5% of information on the internet. If you want to view archived content (pages or whole websites that are no longer “live” online), the Wayback Machine stores older versions of many websites. It also stores content like old news reports or social media posts, and preserves information that is otherwise rendered inaccessible.
This is important to block trackers and protect your privacy from snooping third parties. While there’s no official Tor browser app for the iPhone, the Tor Project, which manages the Tor network used to access the dark web, recommends the Onion Browser. However, if you want to try an alternative, we’d recommend OrNet Browser, which boasts granular security control features. While it is possible to use iPhone’s Lockdown Mode for extra security while browsing the dark web, we don’t necessarily recommend this.
Why Access the Deep Web?
While personal information may seem invaluable to you, cybercriminals trade personal information for a mere few dollars on the black markets that exist on the Dark Web. While no one can pinpoint the origins of the Dark Web, it’s now referenced in mainstream conversations about technology and digital security as the seedy source of many security issues. The Deep Web hosts information that usually requires a username and a password to access, mainly for security and privacy-related reasons. Because not all the information you can access online belongs in the public domain. Aura’s app keeps you safe from scams, fraud, and identity theft.
Individuals may want to access the deep web for various reasons, including:
Here’s what you should do if a scammer has your email address to stay safe. Your first step is to check if your personal information is for sale on the Dark Web. Use Aura’s free Dark Web scanner to see if you’ve been the victim of a recent data breach. Later, the U.S. government developed The Onion Router (Tor) to let their intelligence officers communicate anonymously. This later became open source, leading to the Tor that we see today which lets civilians access the Dark Web, for good or bad. This includes corporate or government whistleblowers (such as WikiLeaks) that publish sensitive information on the Dark Web.
- Research purposes: Accessing academic and scientific databases.
- Privacy: Users seeking anonymity may utilize deep web tools.
- Specialized content: Watching films or reading books that aren’t readily available.
How to Access the Deep Web
Accessing the deep web is not as straightforward as using regular browsers and search engines.
Here are the main steps to follow:
1. Download a Specialized Browser
- However, there are several “.onion” search engines like “onion.city”, “onion.to”, and “notevil” that you can use to find suitable marketplaces.
- Unlike other search engines, Duck Duck Go does not track your activity or store your personal information.
- By monitoring the dark web, security teams can gain information that will enable them to stay ahead of the threats.
- This encryption is done in 4 different layers- and you can access, both, the surface and the underground through a layered stream.
To access many areas of the deep web, you will need a special browser.
- Tor Browser: The most popular browser for accessing the deep web. It anonymizes your internet activity by routing it through multiple servers.
- Freenet: A peer-to-peer platform that allows censorship-resistant communication and publishing.
- I2P: An anonymous layer that allows applications to send messages to each other.
2. Install and Configure the Browser
Can I Access The Dark Web On Mobile?
Once you have downloaded the browser, follow these steps:
- Install the browser like any other application.
- Ensure you have the latest version for improved security and access to deeper web pages.
- Configure the settings to enhance privacy, such as disabling scripts and blocking trackers.
3. Use .onion and Other Special Domains
Many deep web resources have unique domains:
- .onion: The primary domain used by Tor hidden services.
- .i2p: Domains specific to the I2P network.
- Other non-standard TLDs often contain deep web resources.
4. Find Directories and Resources
Several directories can help you find deep web resources:
- The Hidden Wiki: A well-known directory listing Tor hidden services.
- Search Engines: Use specific search engines designed for the deep web, like DuckDuckGo or NotEvil.
- Forums and Online Communities: Engage with others who explore the deep web for resource sharing.
Important Safety Tips
When exploring the deep web, safety is paramount:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) for additional anonymity.
- Do not share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
- Be wary of scams and phishing attempts.
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a part of the deep web intentionally hidden and often involved in illicit activities.
Is it legal to access the deep web?
Accessing the deep web is legal; however, some activities conducted on the dark web may be against the law.
Can I access the deep web using a regular browser?
No, you cannot access most deep web resources without specialized software like Tor or I2P.
How do I stay safe while browsing the deep web?
Always use a VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and be cautious of links and downloads.
Conclusion
Understanding how to access the deep web equips you with knowledge to explore vast resources outside traditional search engines.
With the right tools and precautions, you can safely navigate this less-visible part of the internet.
