I also like that the security guides are very easy to read — the format is easy to scan, complicated terms are explained very well, and there are videos and screenshots. It’s great how the site has a Security Scenarios section too, where it offers personalized security tips for specific audiences (activists, academic researchers, journalists, and more). The link checker lets you test a .onion link to see if it’s active or not. Some dark web links take ages to load or don’t work on the first try, so this tool lets you quickly check if they’re active.
Dark Web Websites
The deep web is made up of email platforms, workplace portals, subscription services, and banking websites — basically anything that requires a login. The “surface web,” on the other hand, is the publicly available part of the internet that search engines index. Each dark web service can be accessed via self-installed software or a dark web browser from the services themselves. Even relying on a virtual private network cannot protect you or your research from bad actors. The dark web allows users to have encrypted, private access to information, websites and marketplaces.
Darknet marketplaces can be surprisingly similar to sites you find on the surface web—complete with limited-time sales, customer reviews and advertisements for organic products. However, criminals use these marketplaces to sell illegal products and services, including drugs, weapons and hacking software. Many identity thieves and hacking groups make money selling the information they steal on the dark web. The hidden and encrypted internet enables hackers and activists and criminals. It’s also a wonderful source for shocking headlines and salacious YouTube stories, and a communication and privacy-enhancing platform.
Step 1: Download And Install A Dark Web Browser
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. If you are curious about how to access the dark web, here is a guide to help you get started.
Onion sites can urge you to click on any link with malicious content which can take all your data. Therefore, it is always a prudent thing to get a VPN, when you are exposed to risk. As we can see in the list below, plenty of actual ransomware websites use onion.ly links. Provided below are actual ransomware links found in ransomware distribution files and a how-to guide to paying the ransom they demand. I opened up the HiddenWiki and tried to pick the most interesting sites I could find. Since this post is already bordering age appropriate content, I’m not going to link to actual websites, only try to share my own experience.
It’s also a place for hackers o sell the personal and financial information of victims, such as their Social Security numbers and credit card numbers. People often use how to access darknet markets the dark web to keep their online activity anonymous. And this increased protection is what can motivate cybercriminals to use the platform for illegal activity.
Weekly Cybersecurity Recap November 24
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need a few things:
- A dark web browser, such as Tor
- An internet connection
- A VPN (virtual private network) to protect your privacy
Is It Illegal To Go On The Dark Web?
Tor is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication. It hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. A VPN adds an extra layer of security by routing your internet connection through a remote server, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.
How to Install Tor
To install Tor, follow these steps:
- Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/)
- Download the Tor Browser Bundle for your operating system
- Extract the downloaded file to a location of your choice
- Open the Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network
- Any Tor client that wants to connect to the hidden service can now do so through these introduction points.
- These websites may look similar to any other surface or deep website you’d encounter.
- The Tor browser selects a route of several stops, or nodes, for the data to follow, and then wraps the data in several layers of encryption to protect it from being read if intercepted along its route.
Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can start browsing the dark web. However, keep in mind that the dark web can be a dangerous place, and you should always take precautions to protect your privacy and security.
How to Stay Safe on the Dark Web
How to install Tor Browser?
- Navigate to the Tor Browser download page.
- Download the Windows .exe file.
- (Recommended) Verify the file's signature.
- When the download is complete, double click the .exe file. Complete the installation wizard process.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the dark web:
- Use a VPN to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic
- Avoid downloading or installing any software or files from unknown sources
- Do not share any personal information, such as what is a darknet drug market like your name, address, or credit card details
- Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts
- Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date
By following these tips, you can minimize the risks of accessing the dark web and enjoy its benefits without compromising your privacy and security.
Can I check if my email is on the dark web?
Even without a Google One membership, you can run a dark web report for the email address associated with your Google Account. Learn how dark web report works. If you have a Google One membership, learn how to set up a dark web monitoring profile.