RestorePrivacy is a digital privacy advocacy group committed to helping people stay safe and secure online. You can support this project through donations, purchasing items through our links (we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you), and sharing this information with others. A message of this size entered the network at time X from a computer with this IP address. A message of the same size left the network headed for a different computer at time X+Y. Reportedly, an attacker has been adding thousands of compromised nodes to the Tor network since January 2020.
How to Surf the Dark Web
Thanks to the onion routing used in this network, no node can know both the origin and destination of a message. Tor (The Onion Router) is FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) that allows you to send messages over the Tor network of onion routing nodes. The Tor project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that maintains the Tor software. Ultimately, the Dark web has the allure of a place that most people can’t visit.
You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app. Install a mobile dark web browsing app — like Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iPhone — and enter a [dot] onion URL to start browsing. When data brokers get hacked, the stolen data can include compromised credit cards, social security numbers, and other data, depending on what was exposed in the breach. This is a common way for identity theft and doxing attacks to occur.
Riseup supports the causes of “human liberation, the ethical treatment of animals, and ecological sustainability.” Riseup also provides organizational tools, mailing lists, and more. As a bonus, ProPublica is one of the most polished web experiences you’ll have on the dark web. You can also use Tor to read The New York Times and other news sites or use their SecureDrop integration for whistleblowing purposes.
”, the search results page returns Internet locations (i.e. webpages) that contain those words. Some examples of things on the Deep Web include email, subscription content (like Netflix), online banking, databases, internal company networks, or even non-public social media pages. Generally any webpage or content that requires a login or custom tool to access will be considered part of the Deep Web. The deep web is the part of the internet that’s behind closed doors, consisting of databases and pages that are only meant for a specific group of people within an organization. This part of the internet rests below the surface and, like the bulk of an iceberg unseen underwater, actually accounts for 90% of all websites.
Surfshark is also really user-friendly, as its apps are all intuitive and make it very simple to find and connect to servers. CyberGhost is a great choice if you’re new to VPNs, as it has user-friendly apps for all major platforms. The apps have an intuitive interface that makes it simple to find and connect to a VPN server to start securely surfing the dark web. Also, all settings and features have helpful explanations, which is great.
Exploring the dark web can be a daunting task, but understanding some key concepts, tools, and safety measures can make the experience safer and more informative. This article will guide you through the essential steps on how to surf the dark web effectively.
With that email attack surface, they can launch social engineering, spear phishing and ransomware attacks on your organization. KnowBe4’s Email Exposure Check Pro (EEC) identifies the at-risk users in your organization by crawling business social media information and now thousands of breach databases. If you think that search engines like Google (there are more!) know about everything on the internet, you’d be wrong. Some stats from from Worldwidewebsize.com show at the start of November 2017, search engines have indexed at around 4.57 billion pages .
If you use the Tor network regularly, you will want a way to share stuff with your dark web friends. Once you access the site, you’ll soon notice that the questions touch on various topics. When people have the ultimate anonymity the internet can offer, they still ask where your nickname comes from, or would you have your head cryo-frozen after death. I’ll only look at the dark web links in this article, so if you also want to know how to use Tor safely, check out our guide. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a portion of the internet not indexed by standard search engines. While it is often associated with illegal activities, it also hosts forums, marketplaces, and privacy-focused content.
Essential Tools for Accessing the Dark Web
To begin your journey into the dark web, you’ll need some specific tools:
- Tor Browser: The most common way to access dark web sites, allowing for anonymous browsing.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Adds an extra layer of security and anonymity.
- Search Engines: Use dark web search engines like DuckDuckGo and Ahmia designed for hidden sites.
Should I Use TOR To Browse The Deep Web?
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Surf the Dark Web
Follow these steps carefully:
- Install a VPN: Before accessing the dark web, download and install a reliable VPN. This masks your IP address and protects your location.
- Download Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download and install the Tor browser securely.
- Connect to the VPN: Launch the VPN application and connect to a server before opening the Tor browser.
- Launch Tor Browser: Open the Tor browser and allow it to connect to the Tor network.
- Use Dark Web Search Engines: Go to search engines designed for the dark web to explore various sites safely.
- Stay Cautious: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or entering personal information on unknown sites.
- The dark web is also used by whistleblowers and by people living under authoritarian regimes to break through firewalls, and protect their identities while sharing sensitive information.
- Keep reading the following part, which will introduce 9 dark/deep web browsers that are designed to enable you to access the dark web.
- Tor browser also has a feature to reset the entire browser to delete all logs and traces of activity.
Safety Tips for Surfing the Dark Web
To ensure a safe experience while surfing the dark web, follow these guidelines:
- Stay Anonymous: Never share personal information like your real name or location.
- Avoid Downloads: Do not download files from untrustworthy sources.
- Use Cryptocurrency: If transactions are necessary, prefer using cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
- Know the Risks: Be aware of legal and ethical concerns associated with dark web content.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your Tor browser and VPN are always up-to-date to avoid vulnerabilities.
FAQs About Surfing the Dark Web
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities or purchasing illicit goods is against the law.
2. Can I be tracked while on the dark web?
While tools like Tor and VPNs provide anonymity, there is still a risk of being tracked through various means. Always take precautions.
3. What kind of content can I find on the dark web?
Content ranges from forums discussing privacy, hacking, and political activism to illegal marketplaces.
4. How can I find dark web links?
Dark web links often end with .onion. You can find directories or use search engines built for the dark web to discover these links.
Conclusion
Learning how to surf the dark web requires understanding tools, safety measures, and being aware of the risks involved. By taking proper precautions, you can explore this hidden part of the internet effectively and responsibly.
