How To Safely Access The Dark Web
The deep web is the part of the Internet that is hidden from the public, either through obscurity or authentication. Contents of the deep web cannot be indexed by conventional search engines like Google or Yahoo! Search. Finally, the dark web is a meager part of the deep web that can only be accessed using special tools like Tor. In contrast, the Deep Web is the collection of web pages that are not indexed by search engines and do not appear in the search results of engines like Google and Bing. To access a page on the Deep Web, users must have prior knowledge of its IP address or URL.
Tor over VPN requires you to trust your VPN provider, which can see that you are using Tor and keep metadata logs, though it can’t actually see the content of your encrypted Tor traffic. A logless VPN, which doesn’t store any traffic logs nor session logs is highly preferable. Traffic logs are a bigger concern than session logs, but neither are good. A handful of dark web search engines that do index .onion sites include NotEvil, Ahmia, Candle, and Torch. The surface web is the part of the Internet that most people easily see and access.
Web crawlers don’t enter words into input fields like search boxes, so they may never get to this material. This is particularly true of information-heavy sites, like government resources or online publication sites. ”, the search results page returns Internet locations (i.e. webpages) that contain those words.
- As discussed above, user profiles on the deep web are home to valuable personal data to criminals.
- However, it is generally used for activities that people want to actively keep secret.
- It is available for free download and installation on the official website.
- Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites.
- Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet.
- You may very well end up in the middle of a stakeout that could turn ugly.
Understanding the Deep Web
Search engines also have difficulty tracking isolated pages with no inbound links. There’s a huge portion of the web that you can’t access through a traditional search engine. Otherwise, I’d be in trouble since the Google Docs page on which I’m writing this article is part of the deep web. If it was illegal to access the deep web, it would be illegal to see or do anything online that requires you to sign into your account.
The deep web refers to a portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing.
Activists, dissidents, and even journalists in draconian states use the Dark Web to hide their locations while exchanging sensitive data. For example, citizens of countries like North Korea use the Dark Web to share information. Activists during the Arab Spring in some Middle Eastern countries leveraged the Dark Web to cover their tracks to organize events. And many prominent news platforms have Dark Web drop sites for anonymous tips. Cybercriminals that buy stolen passwords from the Dark Web can use them for all kinds of online attacks, including ransomware attacks. In fact, experts believe that a stolen password helped the Darkside ransomware group attack Colonial Pipeline.
However, the dark web is a carefully concealed portion of the deep web that people go out of their way to keep hidden. The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above. The deep web is the first level beneath the “surface” of the visible web — and it’s significantly larger than the surface web, accounting for an estimated 96% to 99% of the entire internet. If you go premium, you’ll lose the ads and gain additional data insights and access to historical versions of websites.
Unlike the surface web, which consists of easily accessible websites, the deep web contains a vast amount of information that requires specific access methods.
Any online activity can carry breadcrumbs to your identity if someone digs far enough. Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground on the dark web looking for stolen data from recent security breaches that might lead to a trail to the perpetrators. Many mainstream media organizations monitor whistleblower sites looking for news. If you want to learn all about privacy protection or cryptocurrency, the dark web has plenty to offer.
Components of the Deep Web
The deep web can be categorized into several components:
- Private Databases: These include academic repositories, medical records, and any information that is restricted to authorized users.
- Intranets: Many organizations have intranet systems that remain hidden from search engines.
- Subscription Services: Websites that require a subscription to access content, such as academic journals or online libraries.
- Dynamic Content: Pages that are generated in real-time and are not indexed.
Differences Between Deep Web and Dark Web
Many people confuse the deep web with the dark web, but they are not the same.
- Deep Web: Encompasses all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, including benign or neutral content.
- Dark Web: A small part of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. This area often hosts illegal or nefarious activities.
Accessing the Deep Web
Accessing the deep web generally requires specific tools or permissions:
- Specialized Software: Tools such as Tor can be used to access certain parts of the deep web, especially the dark web.
- Authentication Credentials: For databases and subscription services, users often need login information.
- Direct URLs: Some resources can only be accessed by navigating to specific URLs.
Risks Associated With the Deep Web
While the deep web contains valuable resources, it also presents several risks:
- Exposure to Illegal Content: The dark web, a part of the deep web, can be a hub for illegal activities.
- Scams: Users may encounter fraudulent schemes or phishing attempts.
- Malware: Some websites may contain harmful software that can compromise device security.
FAQs about the Deep Web
What is the main purpose of the deep web?
The primary purpose of the deep web is to provide information that is not meant for public access, such as academic research, private databases, and sensitive data.
Is the deep web safe to explore?
While there are safe areas within the deep web, caution is advised due to risks associated with its darker aspects.
Can I access the deep web with a regular browser?
Some parts of the deep web can be accessed using a regular browser, but specialized tools may be necessary for others.
In summary, the deep web is a complex and largely misunderstood area of the internet filled with valuable resources and risks. Understanding its structure and usage can empower individuals to navigate it more safely and effectively.
