The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood corner of the internet. While the surface web is easily accessible and indexed by search engines, the dark web is hidden from view and requires special software to access. This has led to a perception that the dark web is a lawless and dangerous place, but in reality, it is simply a different part of the internet with its own unique features and uses.
TorLinks
Sort of like the dark web’s version of LexisNexis, Sci-Hub is an online database website that provides access to academic knowledge from all corners of the globe. You can find memes, read stories, and discover the latest musings of fellow onion users. Another dark web staple, Daniel, categorizes over 7000 of the top .onion links to make navigating the dark web a bit easier. Daniel offers a unique set of features, one of which indicates whether a particular dark web site is online or not at a glance.
Can the government shut down Tor?
While Tor and other proxy servers can anonymize web traffic and bypass censorship, committed repressive governments, such as China and Russia, can IP block the Tor browser by shutting down all entry relays.
What are Dark Web Websites?
It’s Still Mimicking The Corporate World
Dark web websites, also known as “onion sites,” are websites that can only be accessed using the Tor network. Tor, which stands for “The Onion Router,” is a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. By routing internet traffic through a series of volunteer-run servers around the world, Tor makes it difficult for anyone to track a user’s online activity.
- When the Dark Web came into existence, TOR was a natural choice for users to access and navigate this brave (and sometimes slimy), new world.
- Your guide to navigating online safety with your kids is here.
- The pair were arrested despite using cryptocurrency, virtual private networks, and proxies as well as other elaborate distraction techniques.
- Invented in 2004 by the US Naval Research Laboratory, Tor stands for The Onion Router.
- Since a combination of numbers and letters won’t give anyone an idea, Hidden Wiki has shown the corresponding names as well.
Once you upload something, it stays there indefinitely even if you stop using Freenet, so long as it is popular. After all, it’s much less popular, can’t be used to access normal websites, and isn’t as easy to use, among other disadvantages. Both rely on a peer-to-peer routing structure combined with layered encryption to make browsing private and anonymous.
Set Up An SSH Server With Tor To Hide It From Shodan & Hackers
Dark web websites are identified by a unique .onion URL, which can be up to 56 characters long and is often difficult to remember. These websites are not indexed by search engines and are not accessible through traditional web browsers. Instead, users must use the Tor browser to access them.
Types of Dark Web Websites
Internet Available In Every State
There are a wide variety of dark web websites, ranging from marketplaces and forums to social networks and news sites. Some of the most common types of dark web websites include:
The Guardian Tor site is a mirror of its regular Tor site, offering the same news, analysis, and opinion as its regular web portal. Onion websites are simply another name for Tor dark web websites. Tor was originally an acronym for The Onion Router, which references Tor’s multiple layers of security.
- Marketplaces: These are websites where users can buy and sell goods and services, often using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Some marketplaces specialize in illegal goods, such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data, while others sell legal goods and services.
- Forums: These are websites where users can discuss a wide range of topics, from politics and philosophy to technology and entertainment. Some forums are dedicated to specific subjects, while others are more general in nature.
- Social networks: These are websites where users can connect with others and share content, similar to traditional social media platforms. However, unlike surface web social networks, dark web social networks often have a stronger focus on anonymity and privacy.
- News sites: These are websites that provide news and information about the dark web and related topics. Some news sites are run by journalists and researchers, while others are operated by members of the dark web community.
The deep web sites offer maximum anonymity against surveillance. You can be a part of the dark web without worrying about surveillance. Interestingly, the procedure of investigation of the dark web is in surveillance. No doubt, law enforcement agencies need more practices and tactics to monitor the deep web. Although the deep web and the dark web may seem intimidating and dangerous, they’re actually surprisingly simple services to get started with and use. Making sure you’re connected via HTTPS is one solution to this problem, as is using a virtual private network.
How to Access Dark Web Websites
How do I access Tor browser?
You can download the Tor Browser for your desktop from the official download page. The link for the Android version will take you to a page with downloads for .apk files. On that same page, you'll find a link to the Google Play Store Tor entry.
Accessing dark web websites requires the use of the Tor browser. Tor can be downloaded for free from the official Tor Project website. Once installed, users can simply enter the .onion URL of the website they wish to visit in the Tor browser’s address bar and press enter.
The remaining sites, including those on the dark web, won’t show up when you search Google — they can be accessed only with a direct URL, IP address, or deep web search application. Owenson acknowledges Tor has legitimate uses for privacy and circumventing censorship; however, his research suggests the vast majority of activity is criminal in nature. When you envision the dark web, it may conjure up images of hackers trading stolen Social Security numbers or drug dealers advertising their products online—and that’s not completely wrong. While the dark web can be a helpful tool for sourcing legitimate products or ensuring private communication, it’s also a hotspot for illegal internet activity. Approximately 90% of all websites are on the deep web, and many are used by entities such as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
What can you use Tor for?
Tor is mainly a resource for people that just want a more private browser or dissidents and journalists trying to bypass their country's censorship and surveillance networks. In fact, the more you use Tor for your everyday browsing activity, the more the traffic of the people that need Tor's anonymity is obscured.
It is important to note that accessing the dark web comes with certain risks. Because the Tor network is often used by people engaging in illegal activities, it is a target for law enforcement agencies. Additionally, some dark web websites may contain malicious software or be scams. As such, it is important to exercise caution when accessing the dark web and to only visit websites that have a good reputation.
Conclusion
The dark web is a fascinating and complex part of the internet, with its own unique features and uses. While it is often associated with illegal activities, the dark web is also home to a wide variety of legitimate websites and communities. By understanding what dark web websites are and how to access them, users can explore this hidden corner of the internet safely and responsibly.
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.
