NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for the dark web with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to try this no-log provider’s Onion over VPN servers for yourself. Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser lets you surf both the clear web and the dark web. Make sure to download the Tor Browser only from the official website so as not to risk downloading malware, spyware, or some other virus to your device.
Understanding Dark Websites: A Comprehensive Guide
The term dark website refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. These websites are often accessible only through specific software, configurations, or authorization.
For instance, if you want to buy a laptop or a smartphone, you can try your luck in one of these shops. Sure, you can use other cryptocurrencies if Bitcoin’s not your cup of tea. Fortunately, in Hidden Wiki, every website is followed by a brief description so that the user knows what to expect. You can also take a look at the blogs & essays section if you want to find some nifty coding resources.
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. No one can stop zero-day malware from entering your network, but Xcitium can prevent if from causing any damage.
But the dark web is best known for the illegal activity that takes place there. To access the dark web, you can download and install the free Tor browser. (You can also use it to browse the surface and deep web.) It’s perfectly legal, and the U.S. government is a major funder for the Tor Project, which creates the browser. News and informational websites (including this blog), e-commerce sites, video-hosting platforms and many other types of websites are all part of the surface web. And while you may spend a lot of time on the surface web, it only makes up about 4% of the internet.
Types of Dark Websites
Dark websites can be categorized into various types, including:
- Darknet Marketplaces: Platforms for buying and selling illegal goods and services.
- Anonymous Forums: Spaces for discussions that prioritize user privacy, often covering controversial topics.
- Whistleblower Platforms: Sites designed to allow individuals to share sensitive information safely.
- Privacy-focused Sites: Websites that offer tools and information to enhance user anonymity.
Considering how regularly dark web sites vanish and go offline, it’s better to have more than one source to help you find .onion URLs. Though Facebook knows a lot about you than you can imagine, it isn’t keen on sharing this data with others. The social media giant has also been the target of censorship from repressive governments time and time again.
There are also many tools that can be use to monitor the dark web and scan for personally identifiable information and even respond to attacks. The dark web has flourished thanks to bitcoin, the crypto-currency that enables two parties to conduct a trusted transaction without knowing each other’s identity. “Bitcoin has been a major factor in the growth of the dark web, and the dark web has been a big factor in the growth of bitcoin,” says Tiquet. Many dark websites are set up by scammers, who constantly move around to avoid the wrath of their victims.
If you can’t get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, verify the URL from multiple different sources. If you want to use Tor privately, you can use either a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed). Tor users in the USA, in particular, may want to use a VPN, which will be faster and more reliable. Officially, the Tor Browser is only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Many experts advise against using third-party mobile browsers that utilize the Tor Network.
Using the Tor browser makes it harder for third parties to see the websites and mail services you’re visiting. Moreover, if ProtonMail gets blocked in your country, Tor can circumvent this block. Naturally, this makes the dark web a breeding ground for illegal activity. But onion sites can also serve nobler goals, like providing access to information and independent journalism in countries with government censorship.
Accessing Dark Websites
To access a dark website, users typically need to use:
- Tor Browser: A popular tool that routes internet traffic through multiple servers to anonymize user identity.
- I2P: A network layer that allows users to browse the web anonymously and access dark websites.
- VPN Services: Virtual Private Networks can help maintain anonymity during browsing.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While some dark websites can be used for positive purposes, such as protecting free speech and privacy, many are used for illegal activities. Important considerations include:
- Risk of Legal Consequences: Engaging with illegal content or services can lead to criminal charges.
- Security Risks: Dark websites can expose users to scams, malware, and other cybersecurity threats.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Users must consider the morality of engaging with content that may exploit, harm, or endanger others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between the Surface Web and the Dark Web?
The Surface Web consists of all online content accessible through standard search engines, while the dark website encompasses sites designed to be hidden and accessed through specialized means.
2. Are all dark websites illegal?
No, not all dark websites are illegal. Some serve as platforms for activism, sharing information anonymously, or providing privacy tools.
3. How do I stay safe while browsing dark websites?
Users should follow these safety tips when exploring dark websites:
- Use a reliable VPN.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Only download files from trusted sources.
- Be aware of common scams and frauds.
4. Can I access dark websites without special software?
Blackout’s Dining
Accessing dark websites typically requires specific software like the Tor browser or I2P, as standard web browsers do not support these sites.
Final Thoughts
- Darknet data products built by analysts to inform sophisticated cybersecurity programs and decisions.
- The dark web refers to web pages that are not indexed by search engines.
- While the dark web is often depicted as an anarchic forum for criminal activity, that’s not necessarily true.
Exploring dark websites can provide insights into the hidden corners of the internet, but it is essential to approach this space with caution and awareness of the associated risks.
