The Dark Web: A Hidden Corner of the Internet

New encryption and anonymity tools may arise to counter the advancement of law enforcement and government monitoring tools. Transactions on the dark web are typically conducted using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to maintain anonymity. Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts actively monitor the dark web to look for lawbreakers.

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 has legitimate uses.

What is the Dark Web?

Tools And Services Of The Dark Web

The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through regular web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. These websites are only accessible through special software, such as the Tor browser, which allows users to remain anonymous and encrypt their internet connection.

Norton 360™ with LifeLock™, all-in-one, comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, identity theft, online tracking and much, much more. Those using the dark web disconnect from the public servers used for everyday online browsing and connect to a dark web browser that provides increased privacy and security. Visiting the dark web, though, is different than accessing the deep web. In fact, poking around on the dark web is where people can get themselves into trouble. Unlike the deep web, which contains important and useful information, the dark web is riddled with illegal and unconscionable activity.

Illegal Activities

Dark Web Links That You Can Paste Into Your Tor Browser

However, the deep web differs in that it doesn’t require a specialized browser such as TOR to access its contents. The deep web includes anything that is not findable on the surface of the Internet—websites invisible to search engines because they’re not indexed and aren’t meant for general public access. Indexes of website links allow Google and other search engines to return relevant results whenever a user types a keyword into the search bar. Instead, the dark web uses information from individual email or social media accounts, databases, and documents to give users access.

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.

How To Access The Dark Web?​

The dark web has a reputation for being a haven for illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. This is because of the anonymity that it provides to its users. However, it is important to note that not all activities on the dark web are illegal.

Legitimate Uses

The dark web also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for whistleblowers and activists to communicate and share information without fear of retribution. It can also be used for secure and private communication, as the encryption provided by the Tor browser makes it difficult for third parties to intercept and read communications.

Be sure to document your plan of operation before gathering information or accessing a criminal forum. Maintain a complete record of activities while on the dark web and have a policy in place for “rules of engagement” when on sites where criminal activity may occur. The internet most of us use daily — and probably assumed until now is the entirety of the internet — is actually what’s known as the open web or surface web. It is the format of the web we’re all used to, composed of open pages easily accessed by traditional search engines on any browser.

Accessing the Dark Web

• In other words, every part of the web you can see and access by browsing normally.
• Information on the dark web’s hidden sites could prove to be essential evidence.
• The big downside is that your ISP will know you are using Tor, which is cause for concern in some places and will put many people off using this method.
• You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network.

Accessing the dark web requires the use of special software, such as the Tor browser. It is important to note that accessing the dark web can be dangerous, as it is easy to accidentally stumble upon illegal content. Additionally, the anonymity provided by the Tor browser can make it easy for cybercriminals to operate, so it is important to take precautions when accessing the dark web.

Precautions

When accessing the dark web, it is important to use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address. Additionally, it is important to only visit websites that have a good reputation and to avoid clicking on any links or downloading any files that you are not familiar with.

Conclusion

The dark web is a hidden corner of the internet that is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also has legitimate uses and can be a valuable tool for whistleblowers, activists, and those seeking secure and private communication. If you do choose to access the dark web, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your personal information.