The Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) gig economy is the main driver of economic growth on the dark web, and is getting bigger every year. Cybercrime specialists typically sell their goods and services on dark web message boards, Discord servers and Telegram channels, and are generally paid in cryptocurrency. An estimated 90% of posts on popular dark web forums are from buyers looking to contract someone for cybercrime services. Nathan is an internationally trained journalist with a special interest in the prevention of cybercrime. For VPNOverview he conducts research in cybersecurity, internet censorship, and online privacy. He contributed to developing our rigorous VPN testing and reviewing procedures.
Given it would beproblematic if past versions of websites turned up when you searched for thecurrent one, these archived websites and pages are all unindexed. Need to look up an oldnewspaper article from 10, 50 or even 100 years ago? Elephind is an archive of historical newspapers from around the world with more than 200million items across 4345 newspaper titles, accessing dark web including millions from Australia. Content on the dark webcan range from benign to abhorrent to organised criminal activity. Think ofit as a part of town where everyone wears a disguise and there’s little to nolaw enforcement. Regardless of the device you use, whether it’s a computer, an Android device, or an iPhone, safety should always be your top priority.
Some are looking for something in particular that simply can’t be sourced on the regular internet, others are simply curious. For all the illegal activity and secrecy that takes place on Tor, you may be surprised to learn its origin story. Tor was developed—and continues to be partially funded by—the US government. As detailed in the prior section, this is where unlisted, anonymous websites exist and can be accessed. Since sometimes websites are hosted on personal computers, it’s totally possible that you won’t be able to access a site since the computer is just shut down. DuckDuckgo is a search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers’ privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results.
Commercial Services
The BBC website is a prime example of a news source that isn’t accessible in certain oppressive countries. Some users use this website as a way around the government censorship that exists in some countries. By using the dark web version of Facebook, people can attempt to stay anonymous and speak freely. The Hidden Wiki is a dark web version of Wikipedia that offers links to different websites on the dark web.
- Payment for these services is generally made using difficult-to-trace digital currency, such as Bitcoin.
- You can buy almost anything on the dark web with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, from secondhand furniture to illegal drugs, porn, exotic animals, and all manner of criminal services-for-hire.
- The Dark Web, while it has its legitimate uses, can also be rife with malware, hackers, and illegal activities, which necessitates robust safety measures.
- Once you go to this website, you will be able to find the .onion extension.
The deep web, also known as the invisible web, is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines such as Google or Bing. It is estimated that the deep web is over 500 times larger than the surface web and contains a vast amount of information that is not accessible through traditional means. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get in the deep web, including the necessary tools, precautions, and tips.
Protecting Yourself
The dark web is a subsegment of the deep web that can only be accessed with special tools, such as the Tor browser. One of the problems with free VPNs is that they have a poor user-to-server ratio, with too many users and not enough servers. This is not what you want when also using the Tor network, as the two in conjunction will be painfully slow. Proton VPN is part of the Proton family of services provided by Proton Technologies AG.
What is the Deep Web?
The deep web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines. It contains a vast amount of information, including academic databases, government records, and private networks. The deep web is often confused with the dark web, which is a small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.
How to Access the Deep Web
Accessing the deep web requires the use of a special browser called Tor. Tor is a free software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing their traffic through a network of servers around the world. This makes it difficult for anyone to track the user’s online activity or location.
Start With These Dark Web Sites
Step 1: Download and Install Tor
To get started, download the latest version of Tor from the official website (https://www.torproject.org/). Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the prompts to install Tor on your computer.
Step 2: Launch Tor Browser
Once Tor is installed, launch the Tor browser from your desktop or start menu. The Tor browser looks and feels like a regular web browser, but all of your traffic is routed through the Tor network.
Step 3: Browse the Deep Web
To access the deep web, simply enter the URL of the deep web site you want to visit in the Tor browser’s address bar. Keep in mind that many deep web sites require special authentication or may be inaccessible due to technical reasons.
Precautions and Tips
Accessing the deep web can be risky, as it contains a lot of illegal and potentially harmful content. Here are some precautions and tips to keep in mind:
- Use a trusted VPN service to further protect your online privacy and security.
- Never share your personal information or login credentials with anyone on the deep web.
- Be cautious when downloading files or software from the deep web, as they may contain malware or viruses.
- Avoid visiting sites that promote illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or child pornography.
- Consider using a separate computer or device dedicated solely to deep web browsing.
FAQs
Can I use my regular web browser to access the deep web?
No, you need to use the Tor browser to access the deep web.
Is it illegal to access the deep web?
No, accessing the deep web is not illegal in itself. However, many deep web sites contain illegal content, so it’s important to be cautious and follow the law.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the deep web?
How to do a dark web scan?
- Go to one.google.com.
- Under “Dark web report,” click Try now.
- Click Run scan.
Accessing the deep web is not illegal, but visiting certain sites or engaging in illegal activities can how do you get on the dark web get you in trouble with the law. It’s important to use common sense and follow the law at all times.
Can I access the deep web on my phone?
Yes, you can use the Tor browser on your phone to access the deep web. However, it’s recommended to use a dedicated device for deep web browsing to avoid potential security risks.
Do I need to use a VPN with Tor?
What if my phone number is on the dark web?
If your phone number is in the wrong hands, your identity and sensitive information could follow. Scammers and hackers could use your number to access your cloud accounts, which might hold private photos and details about you. They could then threaten to reveal your identity or information unless you pay a ransom.
Using a VPN with Tor can provide an extra layer of security and privacy, but it’s not necessary. However, it’s recommended to use a trusted VPN service to further protect your online privacy and security.
Can I access the deep web on a public Wi-Fi network?
It’s not recommended to access the deep web on a public Wi-Fi network, as it may increase the risk of your online activity being intercepted or monitored.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal personal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords.
