What is the dark web

What is the dark web? How to access it and what you’ll find

The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines and requires the use of an anonymizing browser called Tor to be accessed.

CSO spotlight: Dark web

Dark web definition

The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. You’ve no doubt heard talk of the “dark web” as a hotbed of criminal activity — and it is. Researchers Daniel Moore and Thomas Rid of King’s College in London classified the contents of 2,723 live dark web sites over a five-week period in 2015 and found that 57% host illicit material.

A 2019 study, Into the Web of Profit, conducted by Dr. Michael McGuires at the University of Surrey, shows that things have become worse. The number of dark web listings that could harm an enterprise has risen by 20% since 2016. Of all listings (excluding those selling drugs), 60% could potentially harm enterprises.

Not everything is illegal, the dark web also has a legitimate side. For example, you can join a chess club or BlackBook, a social network described as the “the Facebook of Tor.”

Note: This post contains links to dark web sites that can only be accessed with the Tor browser, which can be downloaded for free at https://www.torproject.org.

Deep web vs. dark web: What’s the difference?

The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Deep web refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google. Deep web content includes anything behind a paywall or requires sign-in credentials. It also includes any content that its owners have blocked web crawlers from indexing.

Medical records, fee-based content, membership websites, and confidential corporate web pages are just a few examples of what makes up the deep web. Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet. Only a tiny portion of the internet is accessible through a standard web browser—generally known as the “clear web”.

The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet. Again, not all the dark web is used for illicit purposes despite its ominous-sounding name.

Dark web tools and services

The Into the Web of Profit report identified 12 categories of tools or services that could present a risk in the form of a network breach or data compromise:

The report also outlined three risk variables for each category:

Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) kits have been available on the dark web for several years, but those offerings have become far more dangerous with the rise of specialized criminal groups like REvil or GandCrab. These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through «affiliates».

The affiliates distribute the ransomware packages through the dark web. These attacks often include stealing victims’ data and threatening to release it on the dark web if the ransom isn’t paid.

Dark web browser

All this activity, this vision of a bustling marketplace, might make you think that navigating the dark web is easy. It isn’t. The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others.

Accessing the dark web requires the use of an anonymizing browser called Tor. The Tor browser routes your web page requests through a series of proxy servers operated by thousands of volunteers around the globe, rendering your IP address unidentifiable and untraceable. Tor works like magic, but the result is an experience that’s like the dark web itself: unpredictable, unreliable and maddeningly slow.

Still, for those willing to put up with the inconvenience, the dark web provides a memorable glimpse at the seamy underbelly of the human experience – without the risk of skulking around in a dark alley.

Dark web search engine

Dark web search engines exist, but even the best are challenged to keep up with the constantly shifting landscape. The experience is reminiscent of searching the web in the late 1990s. Even one of the best search engines, called Grams, returns results that are repetitive and often irrelevant to the query. Link lists like The Hidden Wiki are another option, but even indices also return a frustrating number of timed-out connections and 404 errors.

Dark web websites

Dark web websites also use a scrambled naming structure that creates URLs that are often impossible to remember. For example, a popular commerce site called Dream Market goes by the unintelligible address of “eajwlvm3z2lcca76.onion.”

Many dark websites are set up by scammers, who constantly move around to avoid the wrath of their victims. Even commerce sites that may have existed for a year or more can suddenly disappear if the owners decide to cash in and flee with the escrow money they’re holding on behalf of customers.

Law enforcement officials are getting better at finding and prosecuting owners of sites that sell illicit goods and services. In the summer of 2017, a team of cyber cops from three countries successfully shut down AlphaBay, the dark web’s largest source of contraband, sending shudders throughout the network. But many merchants simply migrated elsewhere.

The anonymous nature of the Tor network also makes it especially vulnerable to DDoS, said Patrick Tiquet, Director of Security & Architecture at Keeper Security, and the company’s resident expert on the topic. “Sites are constantly changing addresses to avoid DDoS, which makes for a very dynamic environment,” he said. As a result, “The quality of search varies widely, and a lot of material is outdated.”

For sale on the dark web

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.

Nearly all dark web commerce sites conduct transactions in bitcoin or some variant, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to do business there. The inherent anonymity of the place attracts scammers and thieves, but what do you expect when buying guns or drugs is your objective?

Dark web commerce sites have the same features as any e-retail operation, including ratings/reviews, shopping carts and forums, but there are important differences. One is quality control. When both buyers and sellers are anonymous, the credibility of any ratings system is dubious. Ratings are easily manipulated, and even sellers with long track records have been known to suddenly disappear with their customers’ crypto-coins, only to set up shop later under a different alias.

Most e-commerce providers offer some kind of escrow service that keeps customer funds on hold until the product has been delivered. However, in the event of a dispute don’t expect service with a smile. It’s pretty much up to the buyer and the seller to duke it out. Every communication is encrypted, so even the simplest transaction requires a PGP key.

Even completing a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive. Many need to cross international borders, and customs officials are cracking down on suspicious packages. The dark web news site Deep.Dot.Web teems with stories of buyers who have been arrested or jailed for attempted purchases.

As in the real world, the price you pay for stolen data fluctuates as the market changes. According to Privacy Affair’s Dark Web Price Index 2021, these are the most current prices for some of the data and services commonly traded over the dark web:

Is the dark web illegal?

We don’t want to leave you with the impression that everything on the dark web is nefarious or illegal. The Tor network began as an anonymous communications channel, and it still serves a valuable purpose in helping people communicate in environments that are hostile to free speech. “A lot of people use it in countries where there’s eavesdropping or where internet access is criminalized,” Tiquet said.

If you want to learn all about privacy protection or cryptocurrency, the dark web has plenty to offer. There are a variety of private and encrypted email services, instructions for installing an anonymous operating system and advanced tips for the privacy-conscious.

There’s also material that you wouldn’t be surprised to find on the public web, such as links to full-text editions of hard-to-find books, collections of political news from mainstream websites and a guide to the steam tunnels under the Virginia Tech campus. You can conduct discussions about current events anonymously on Intel Exchange. There are several whistleblower sites, including a dark web version of Wikileaks. Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there. Even Facebook has a dark web presence.

“More and more legitimate web companies are starting to have presences there,” Tiquet said. “It shows that they’re aware, they’re cutting edge and in the know.”

There’s also plenty of practical value for some organizations. 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.

Staying on top of the hacker underground

Keeper’s Patrick Tiquet checks in regularly because it’s important for him to be on top of what’s happening in the hacker underground. “I use the dark web for situational awareness, threat analysis and keeping an eye on what’s going on,” he said will. “I want to know what information is available and have an external lens into the digital assets that are being monetized – this gives us insight on what hackers are targeting.”

If you find your own information on the dark web, there’s precious little you can do about it, but at least you’ll know you’ve been compromised. Bottom line: If you can tolerate the lousy performance, unpredictable availability, and occasional shock factor of the dark web, it’s worth a visit. Just don’t buy anything there.

Editor’s note: This article, originally published in January 2018, was updated on November 17, 2020, to add information on ransomware as a service. It was updated again on July 1, 2021, to add data on prices paid for stolen data.

More on the dark web

Darren Guccione is the CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, Inc., creator of Keeper, the world’s most popular password manager and secure digital vault. Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC. Keeper has millions of consumer customers and the business solution protects thousands of organizations worldwide.

How to Access the Dark Web (Deep Web)

Are you a beginner on the dark web and finding the right way for how to access the dark web in 2022? or how to get on the dark web? if yes, then you will love this depth guide. This guide will define you all necessary information that you should know before the explore any dark web link or darknet store. Without right privacy or security dark web can prove very dangerous for you, without waste any more time let’s go ahead!

But first I want to tell you one thing, before understanding the concept of the dark web never explore any dark web links that I have listed on my https://www.thedarkweblinks.com homepage.

Here is what I covered in this guide.

But before accessing the dark web, you need to understand what is dark web? or what is deep web?

Because both terms, I am using many times bellow in this article, that’s why first I want to tell you about fundamental of deep web and the dark web.

In this modern era, everyone uses the internet in his/her busy life, everyone already knows this, in your case, you are finding the answer for how to access the dark web, that’s the main reason you are reading this article.

But you know, you can access only 4% internet from your computer or mobile.

Note: only 4% internet has millions of internet sites, which you can access from the computer, mobile or any other internet access devices. And this 4% internet space called by clearnet or surface web.

I think you don’t know these things. If you know then sounds great.

Do you know outside of the 4% Internet means rest of internet which is 96% Internet.

Can you assume what type things, sites, data you can find on this remaining space?

I think you don’t know.. but you have that question in your mind what remaining internet has? And how to get access to this place?

Yes, right now, you don’t know, but bellow I am telling you all in brief description.

But first I want to tell you, what is Deep Web?

What is Deep Web?

Just like as the deep sea ( Sea have un-imaginable things, structure, layouts, animals ). The Deep web also indicates rest of 96% internet space, Here are billions of sites, that are based on various protocols, networks.

And these sites have Security and Research Documents, Military Research, Private Corporation Databases, Data Centers, Governments Data, Government Agencies Data, Video Gallery and the lot of un-imaginable things which you can’t access because these type documents or sites are not indexable by the search engine.

This is the main reasons, why you can’t visit these type deep websites with the help of your normal browser.

And in some cases, contents have private access, password protected, dynamic content and unlinked then such type contents, we can’t access because we don’t have any information about that type data, and without appropriate data, valid access URL, valid username or password, how anyone can get on these type anonymous data.

Yes, you are right no one!

That’s the main reason, we don’t know and not able to guess how big deep web is?

But only one case, you can access these sites, If you will have accessible websites address and valid username or password. otherwise, you can’t.

But here we have some solution, By which we can open some deep web sites which is visible, but one more thing. If you want to get access to these type deep web sites, then you need to install tor browser into your computer. Tor browser is only one software which provides you access to get deep web, because tor browser working on routing technology and provide a secure environment for you.

If someone try to track your identity on the deep web then they can’t track your actual position, means what you are doing on the deep web, what you are accessing? Where are you live? And who are you? If you have still have any query or confusion about the deep web, then check out this depth guide on what is the deep web.

Let’s come to the point.

Now time to know about the dark web.

Dark web is the second term which also mostly used on deep web that’s why I am describing the Dark web now..

What is Dark web?

After reading this paragraph, I think. Definitely, you also feeling eager to access the dark web.

Oh, no problem this complete guide will tell you all secure ways by which you can find solution for how to access the dark web.

But before how to access the dark web, I want to tell you some security key points which you need to put in your mind while you access the dark web.

Security Key Points for Accessing the Dark Web

Here my main target to provide you best information by which you can protect your self on the deep web or dark web while you accessing any illegal activity.

Note: I am telling you, how to access the dark web only for education or research purpose, I am not recommending you for visit dark web links. It’s totally your choice and what you want to visit on the dark web and what you will access on the dark web.

Only you are responsible for your all illegal or ethical activity which you have done on the internet, If you faced any loss, damaged or buy anything illegal on the dark web then we not responsible for your activity.

That’s why If you are not comfortable with such type content then don’t visit this links.

According to me, dark web or deep web is not danger place, you can use this place for getting more information, and research task, here you don’t have any boundaries, and no one can’t track you and also can’t reveal your identity. On the dark web, you are free for doing any task anonymously.

Points for how to access the dark web anonymously:

Don’t panic if you don’t know, how to install NordVPN and also how to use tor browser or how to disable javascript into tor browser, Here I am telling you all things into step by step process.

But here you should know what is VPN and why you should buy VPN before access the dark web and why you need to start VPN before downloading Tor browser or start tor browsers and so one.

Let’s start these things before how to access the dark web and know how they work…

Virtual Private Network(VPN)

I think you have beginner level skills about the internet, If yes then it’s will help you to understand the concept of VPN.

Basically when we try to access any internet website, then we type website name into your installed browser then press enter.

In this scenario, website name indicates to one unique address host(the place where website host). Which is called IP address, By this address anyone can find website globally. But for remembering purpose, we assign alias name to the IP address. And this alias name, we call by domain name or site address.

Normally, You can access website with the help of IP address as well as domain name.

And Whenever you visit these type internet websites, then website always track your information like as which browser you are using for access the site, and your computer IP address by which you access that sites.

All these information are very sensitive if you are using dark websites. That’s why you need to protect these things on the Dark Web.

VPN is the way, which provides you security from all these problems, VPN Service creates the private route for you, which is not traceable and provides you hidden identity with the help of fake IP address.

For Example: Suppose, you are leaving in the US, you want to try any website, and you want to hide your identity then you need to start your VPN and select any server when a server has been connected then you are ready to hide your privacy. Now, If you visit any internet site, then the site is not able to judge you. You are visiting from means which place.

They only can find your fake identity which is created by VPN software. That’s the main reasons why you need to use VPN Service before access the dark web.

If you want to protect your identity anonymously on the dark web then you should buy any premium VPN services, Here I am recommending you go with NordVPN service.

Note: Make sure, before starting tor browser or downloading Tor browser, you run NordVPN service.

I think now you have found your previous questions, answers. Like why VPN is necessary to get the access or dark web or access the deep web.

Let’s go ahead and know how to access the dark web anonymously with VPN.

Step by Step Process: How to Access the Dark Web Anonymously

Some people say, Dark web is very dangers place, no one need to visit here. But I want to tell you.. Dark web is not danger or mind disturbing place, but some dark web sites have these type contents, that’s why if you don’t like these type stuff then you shouldn’t visit such type deep web sites.

Let’s start… how to access the dark web.

1). After some preparation, recommendation or information about deep web, the dark web or VPN. Now time to prepare your desktop for access then dark web. According to some recommended points, You need to install VPN on your computer.

Before this, You need to buy any premium VPN service. For Access the Dark web, here I am recommending you, try NordVPN because, Inside this demo tutorial, I am also using NordVPN premium service.

Why I recommend NordVPN:

If you already have another VPN or NordVPN access then Install software into your computer (Installation process is same as you do for other software). When software is successfully installed, then run VPN service and connect server like as given screenshot.

Here I have NordVPN software that’s why I started NordVPN, Once you start, you will see screen like below. Now you need to enter your email and password and click at Sign In Button.

If your username or password is correct, then you will get screenshot just like me.

Now you need to click on Onion Over VPN and Select any one Onion support server (Latvia Onion #1, Sweden Onion #2, Netherlands Onion #1) which you want (always select least loaded server), then press “ Connect ” Button.

Now my computer is connected to the Latvia Onion #1 server, and Now you also connected, If yes then We will ready for next step.

Here the first step has been done for how to access the dark web.

2). After successfully VPN setup now time for Tor Browser, Now first we need to download browser bundle to your computer.

For download, you can use Tor Browser Bundle official website, here is the link https://www.torproject.org.

In this demo tutorial, I am using windows computer that’s why I am downloading latest windows version. You can select any version according to your operating system.

If you have Mac computer, then download mac version bundle, if you have Linux then download Linux version associated tor bundle.

Now my Tor bundle download process has been done then time for install into local computer that’s why you need to run tor bundle setup wizard.

First Goto installation directory, where you can download copy then double click on executable file.

If you have correct copy then your installation process will be start, and you will be got one notification windows, where you need to select your required language.

Here my native language is English, that’s why I am selecting English then press ok for further steps.

After this step, hope you also get windows just like me..

Here you need to setup installation directory where you want to execute this setup, according to this option you also can setup specific directory manually but here I am using by default directory location.

Now time for next setup wizard windows, which is showing your setup state.. just like my computer.

If this process is done then Tor bundle installation process also will be done.

Another step has been done for how to access the dark web..

3). This is third but major step which playing an important role in how to access the dark web. Which is dedicated to tor bundle first-time settings.

Click on newly installed tor browser icon, and after hit icon, you will get new browser windows.

Before access the dark web, you need to disable javascript into Tor browser.

For disable javascript, you need to click on S symbol which is present on the top left side menu.

After click you will get some other associated option, here you need to select “ revoke temporary permission ”.

After this step, your S symbol will be shows just like my, if your S symbol also has red circle, this means your Java script are disabled.

How to Make Accessible Onion Link

Now, you know how to access the dark web. And you need working onion links. Here I am going to tell you step by step process to get working links by “ red color string” or “bold link string”.

If you are wondering why I changed all links in text, let me tell you now sharing onion links is illegal. That’s the main reason, we replaced all links by red color text string or bold.

If you don’t have a good VPN Service, just leave right now. First get good VPN (NordVPN recommended) and come back. Since now authorities are more serious than ever before.

Link Creation Formula:

http://(red color string or bold string).onion

For Example:

You got text facebookcorewwwi for Facebook.

Now you are ready to find answer for how to access the dark web. But here we have problem related to dark web sites link. because you are beginner, and don’t know the best dark web links.

Don’t think more about this condition, because I have one post where I update dark web links regularly and remove dead links from this list time to time.

Best Resources for Active Dark Web Links:

Given all links are most trusted and updated day to day, but some are related to clearnet and some is related to deep web.

Best Darknet Markets:

Same as normal internet, dark web also have some very popular website which got very high traffic every day and more than thousands of users visits here at a real time and perform actions on these sites.

Bellow , I am giving here some best darknet market names:

elite6c3wh756biv7v2fyhnoitizvl2gmoisq7xgmp2b2c5ryicottyd – Elite Market
empiremktxgjovhm – Empire Market
wallstyizjhkrvmj – Wall Street Market

After all complete discussion, If you still have questions related to how to access the deep web then don’t panic. Now copy any given link, which I am giving here and paste into Tor browser bundle. And Press enter. Holla if your browser has any website webpage then you are successfully setup your dark web access setup.

Here I am using dream market and here is my screenshot. Hope now you have an answer to your question how to access the dark web.

Some brief description about Darknet Markets:

I am happy for you because you are able to access the dark web, that’s why I want to tell you some brief description about darknet market.

According to darknet market, Those type website which offers product selling or buying service, these types website called the darknet market. But these days darknet also have 100 of darknet markets, but only few sites have good and trusted status.

I already mention four names into best darknet market section.

All these markets offer drugs, weapons, hacking software, services, gadgets, weed, books, here you can buy any listed items by the help of cryptocurrency (Bitcoins).

Here is the brief description of the Dream Market

Dream Market is most trusted and most using darknet market these days, every day more than millions of people visit this site and perform his actions like selling product or buying products. here you can get products related to fraud, Drugs, chemicals, guide & tutorials, digital products, weapons, carded items, services, software, security and hosting and much more.

I think, I cover all small and big points related to how to access the dark web, If you have any query about this topic, please comment here and share your though about my article “ How to access the dark web”.

What Is The Dark Web & How Does It Work?

Most people have heard of the dark web and the stories of the criminal activity that takes place on the dark web. For the most part, these stories are true; however, there is a lot more to the dark web than drugs, guns and stolen credit cards.

In this article, we are going to be exploring what the dark web actually is, what it is used for and how you can access it if you are interested.

Word of warning before we begin. The dark web can be dangerous and disturbing for those who are new to it. We have included some safety instructions below in the “How to access the dark web” sections. We suggest you follow them before running off to explore this new part of the Internet.

What Is The Dark Web?

The dark web is part of the Internet that isn’t indexed by regular search engines, like Google, Bing and Yahoo. You won’t be able to access the dark web through standard web browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox; instead, you need a special browser called Tor. Any type of information can be found on the dark web. It is only considered “dark” due to the limited accessibility and anonymity that comes with using Tor.

To best understand what the dark web is it is important to know that the Internet is made up of three main parts – the open (or surface) web, deep web and the dark web.

The surface web – this is what makes up around 10% of the Internet and includes everything and anything that can be found via search engines like Google. Things like Facebook, Amazon and Wikipedia are all part of the surface web.

The deep web – despite the menacing name, the deep web is merely part of the Internet that isn’t easily accessed without passwords etc. This can include things like your email account, pages you use to do online banking, company servers and even blog posts that are saved as drafts in WordPress. The deep web makes up the majority of the web.

The dark web – this is the part of the web that is only accessible through an onion router like Tor. Sites on the dark web are easily recognised by the “.onion” domain name, and they usually contain content that users don’t want to be found by Google. This can include anything from drugs and guns for sale to surveillance conscious blogs or anonymous government critics.

What Are The Differences Between The Dark Web And Deep Web?

It can be difficult to distinguish the dark web from the deep web. They are both part of the Internet and in many ways they are similar. For example, neither can be accessed by a conventional search engine like Google; however, the deep web refers to any web pages that are unidentifiable by search engines, while the dark web refers to websites that can only be accessed using the Tor browser.

Many people use the terms “deep web” and “dark web” interchangeably. In fact, this is the origin of the myth that 96% of the Internet is the “dark web”. In reality, the dark web is significantly smaller than both the deep web and the open web. The deep web is actually benign and includes everything from a blog post that is saved as a draft, to the pages you access when you bank online.

What Is The Dark Web Used For?

“The black market of illegal services can include buying anything from illegal drugs, firearms and stolen credit card details.”

The first thing people think of when they consider the dark web is the criminal activity that takes place. However, the dark web is really a place of extreme online privacy, which can be used in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons.

Of course, this privacy allows criminal activities to flourish and the dark web can be used to buy things like illegal drugs or stolen credit cards or access illicit and illegal content, like child pornography. The level of illegality can vary however. For example, some use the dark web to access content that is only illegal in specific areas, such as gambling in certain US states, or to bypass local restrictions to access TV or movie services.

What the dark web is used for comes down to the needs of the user and it can be as useful to journalists and protestors against oppressive governments as it can be to criminals and drug dealers.

Why Is The Dark Web Used?

Aside from criminal activity such as money laundering or visiting dark web marketplaces to buy illegal goods, the dark web is also used for a range of completely legal purposes. In fact, despite its poor reputation, the popularity of the dark web has grown significantly.

Interest in Tor and the dark web increased rapidly in the aftermath of Edward Snowden’s revelations regarding the levels of Internet use surveillance by the UK and US governments in 2013. The number of Tor users went from one million to an estimated six million after these revelations.

Many of Tor’s users simply browse the surface web through the Tor browser, the interface of which is very similar to Firefox, just to avoid government agencies or their ISP (Internet Service Provider) knowing what they are doing or looking at online.

Can The Dark Web Be Used For Good?

Of course, with so much anonymity the dark web is often used by criminals. However, not all of the users of the dark web are interested in illegal activity. The dark web is also used by journalists, whistleblowers, law enforcement agencies and other legitimate users who are only interested in incognito communications. In fact, the Tor network was created as an anonymous way to communicate and it serves an essential purpose in allowing people to communicate in countries that censor and repress free speech.

The dark web also provides plenty of practical value for a range of organisations, such as law enforcement agencies or cybersecurity specialists. By keeping a watchful eye on the dark web these organisations can stay up-to-date with the tools and tactics used by criminals on the dark web. Likewise, many mainstream media organisations like to visit the dark web to stay up to date with whistleblower sites and any other newsworthy topics.

What Can You Buy On The Dark Web?

It is impossible to ignore the commercial side of the dark web. The available black market of illegal services can include buying anything from illegal drugs, firearms and stolen credit card details. It has even been rumoured that you can hire a hitman on the dark web. Before it was shut down, the Silk Road was a well known dark web marketplace where you could buy almost anything. The site even had a user-review system for its drug trade.

The dark web is also a haven for cybercrime, with malware, hacking tools and even hackers for hire available for the right price. Personal details for sale are common on the dark web. Things like credit card numbers, stolen subscription details, hacked Netflix accounts and logins for various bank accounts can all be found and purchased on the dark web.

Pornography is also widely available on the dark web, including child pornography. In fact, the host of the original Hidden Wiki was arrested in 2011 for hosting child-abuse images and the Hidden Wiki site was actually hacked to remove links to those images.

Despite the wide range of services available, commerce on the dark web is dangerous and risky. Not only might you end up in jail for buying illegal or illicit goods and services, but there is no guarantee that what you are trying to buy will arrive. Many retailers simply disappear with your money and set up shop under a new alias or there is a chance that your purchased goods will be seized at border crossings or en-route.

Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency

“The dark web has flourished thanks to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.”

A discussion around the dark web and it’s black marketplace wouldn’t be complete without mentioning cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies are what allows private transactions on the dark web, and the open web, to take place.

The dark web has flourished thanks to cryptocurrencies, which allow transactions to take place without the identity of either the buyer or seller being known. Nearly every transaction on the dark web involves a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. However, the anonymity of cryptocurrencies has its own risks, and scams are commonplace.

Is The Dark Web Illegal?

The dark web is notorious for being a place you can buy illegal or illicit goods or services, such as illegal drugs or hackers for hire. For example, The Silk Road was a dark web site infamous for the range of drugs that were purchasable on the site. The Silk Road was shut down by the FBI in 2013 and the site’s founder Ross Ulbricht was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. AlphaBay was another popular dark web marketplace filled with illegal content.

Using Tor and accessing the dark web is completely legal – assuming you aren’t in a country with a less than friendly regime that restricts web access. However, what you do on the dark web is a different story. A report called “The darkness online”, published in 2016 by King’s College London, discovered that only half of the sites live on the dark web contained illegal or illicit content.

If you decide to access and use Tor and the dark web, it is up to you to be careful of what you access and who you interact with. This prevents you from inadvertently viewing or accessing illegal content and earning the ire of various law enforcement agencies.

Is The Dark Web Safe?

Anonymity comes with a price and the dark web is a haven for criminals and hackers who prefer to operate in the shadows of the dark web. Visiting the dark web could expose you to scammers and cyber criminals who will attempt to infect your device with malware or steal your personal information. Scams are also common on the dark web and without a review system or any feedback, there is no way to distinguish from legitimate services and those that are out to scam you.

Trying to buy anything on the dark web, especially illegal goods, is incredibly risky. Aside from the risks of jail time from buying illegal content, dark web commerce completely lacks quality control. When both the seller and the buyer are anonymous it is impossible to know who to trust. Even sellers with long-term records and positive reviews are known to suddenly disappear with their would-be customer’s Bitcoin.

How To Access The Dark Web

“Accessing the dark web requires using Tor, an anonymous browser.”

If you are still interested in getting on the dark web then it is important that you take steps to remain safe and legal. Accessing the dark web requires using Tor, an anonymous browser. Unlike other web browsers, like Chrome or Firefox, which take the most direct route from your computer to the web, the Tor browser makes use of a random path of encrypted servers to connect to the web without the risk of being tracked.

If you are serious about using the dark web then you should make efforts to maximise your anonymity. The first step is using the Tor browser. However, you should make use of a VPN to give the appearance of entering the Tor network from a different IP address than the one you are actually on. In addition, be sure to disable Flash and turn off JavaScript as they can both be used to identify your location and machine.

Can The Dark Web Be Accessed By Phone?

The torproject.org also provides a way for you to install an official Android dark web browser, called Orbot. This can be downloaded from both Google Play and the Tor site. The Android version is free, however, iPhone users need to pay for an Onion Browser. The paid version is well-reviewed and was built from the official code.

How To Use The Dark Web

Using the dark web is similar to using the open web. With Tor installed it is fairly easy to access the dark web, however, it is less intuitive to access the “hidden services”. Using Tor can be difficult and it has limited functionality which makes it hard to log on to familiar sites. Dark web search engines do exist to help you use the dark web, but they do struggle to keep up with the shifting landscape.

The dark web has flourished because of Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency, which has allowed the growth of the dark web marketplace. In turn, the dark web has boosted the importance and worth of bitcoin. If you plan on conducting business on the dark web then you are going to need some Bitcoin or some variant.

Of course, using cryptocurrencies doesn’t guarantee that it is safe for business. Anonymity comes with the risks of scammers and thieves. But if you are shopping for illegal goods or services, what do you expect?

How To Search The Dark Web

Once you have installed Tor you can open up the web browser, which will confirm that you’re connected to the tor network and show that the IP address that you are using to connect isn’t the same as your own. From there you can begin to browse the dark web.

A good starting point for new Tor users is thehiddenwiki.org. The Hidden Wiki will give you a long list of links for a wide range of sites on the dark web. There are also a number of search engines available, such as Torch or Grams. However, even some of the best search engines will often give you irrelevant or duplicated results to your search query, and be prepared for half the results to time out or display a 404 error.

What Does The Dark Web Look Like?

The dark web is visually distinct from the open web. Site design is often rudimentary with darker backgrounds being fittingly popular. The experience of browsing the dark web is reminiscent of using the Internet in the late 90s. The speed of the Internet is also similar to the 90’s dial-up experience. Making use of Tor can slow down the browsing experience significantly.

What Is Browsing The Dark Web Like?

With all of the commercial activity on the dark web, you might think that browsing it would be easy. It isn’t. Using Tor and browsing the dark web is an experience that mirrors the dark web itself, unpredictable, unreliable and frustratingly slow. Dead ends, timed-out connections and 404 errors are maddeningly common on the dark web. Searching the dark web is also difficult and reminiscent of using Ask Jeeves in the late 90s. Even one of the best search engines, such as Torch or Grams, often provides repetitive or irrelevant results to your query. They are also distinctly different from Google with big adverts for “cheap passports!” or “Hacked Paypal Accounts”.

The main issue with browsing the dark web is that if you aren’t looking for illegal content like buying fake passports or illegal drugs then things get limited very quickly. The dark web is similar to the open web of 1995 with unreliable web pages like directories, pet projects and hobby sites making up the majority of live sites and useful search engines and results are few and far between. The dark web is as chaotic as you would expect when everyone’s identity is anonymous and many are out to scam each other.

How Big Is The Dark Web?

“Compared to the open web the dark web is a tiny tip of the deep web iceberg”

The study by King’s College London, “The Darkness Online”, found around 300,000 addresses within the Tor network, which were comprised of an estimated 205,000 web pages. The study also performed a deep search that discovered 5,205 live sites on the dark web. Over half of these (2,723) contained illegal web content.

How Much Of The Internet Is The Dark Web?

Many people mistakenly believe that the dark web is the huge sinister mass lurking under the surface of the world wide web. The reality is the dark web is tiny. The dark web was estimated to contain 205,000 web pages by “The Darkness Online” report in 2016. In comparison, in 2013 Google estimated that the open web was comprised of over 30 trillion pages. In other words, compared to the open web the dark web is a tiny tip of the deep web iceberg that whilst sinister, isn’t particularly large.

Who Created The Dark Web?

Websites on the dark web are created and managed by individuals and groups, just like on the open web. Not every website on the dark web is for illegal activity, however many are set up by scammers who constantly move around.

Other pages on the dark web have been created by those who have little choice but to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from governments in countries with strict Internet access laws.

Why Was The Dark Web Created?

The Onion Router Project wasn’t started with the aim of creating a hidden corner of the world wide web. The actual aim of Tor was to allow secret agents and dissidents friendly to America in other countries to communicate with each other without the risk of their conversations, origins and destinations being intercepted and tracked. However, people and criminals soon realised it could be used to obscure any online communications and actions.

When Was The Dark Web Created?

The Tor Project was made available to the public in 2004 but the idea of “onion routing” began in the mid-1990s. Tor gained popularity in the mid-2000s, but it remained difficult for less-tech savvy people to use. To make the dark web more accessible the Tor Browser was developed in 2008.

Why Is The Dark Web Dangerous?

“Accessing the dark web can also leave you vulnerable to cybercriminals if you don’t take appropriate precautions.”

Browsing the dark web can be interesting and exciting, but it can also be horrifying and dangerous. There is almost a complete lack of law enforcement presence on the dark web, which means illicit and illegal content and material can be easily found. This can even include child abuse images, which could be very traumatic for unprepared viewers.

Accessing the dark web can also leave you vulnerable to cybercriminals if you don’t take appropriate precautions. Depending on what you click on the dark web you could be exposing yourself to malware which can infect your device and steal your personal information.

Personal data is also very valuable on the dark web which can be leveraged by less than savoury characters. For example, the Ashley Madison hack led to large amounts of the site’s user’s personal data, such as real names, phone numbers and addresses for sale on the dark web. This leak led to some users being blackmailed. This shows that even if you don’t know very much about the dark web, there is a chance that it already knows things about you.

Finally, accessing the dark web for illegal reasons could leave you facing prosecution and jail time if you aren’t careful. You have been warned.

Can The Dark Web Be Shut Down?

“One of the biggest barriers to shutting down the dark web is that not everything that happens on the dark web is illegal.”

The short answer is no.

Many people believe that the dark web should be shut down, however, this shows a degree of ignorance about how the dark web works and why it exists. Shutting down the dark web would require shutting down every site and relay at the same time. According to Tor’s metrics, this would involve shutting down over 7,000 secret nodes worldwide.

Why Hasn’t The Dark Web Been Shut Down?

Shutting down the dark web would be virtually impossible. The combined governments from various countries could barely keep the world’s largest torrent website, Pirate Bay, from operating openly on the open web, let alone attempting to shut down an entire network of sites that had encrypted communications and hidden IP addresses hosted worldwide.

Will The Dark Web Ever Be Shut Down?

One of the biggest barriers to shutting down the dark web is that not everything that happens on the dark web is illegal. This means there isn’t really any real grounds to shut it down. Governments and law enforcement agencies can continue to target illegal services, like Silk Road, but many people use the dark web for completely honest reasons and could suffer if it was no longer accessible.

If You Do Decide To Visit The Dark Web

In conclusion, if you can tolerate the performance and access issues of using Tor and the unreliability of the dark web, combined with the occasional shock, then satisfying your curiosity and visiting the dark web is fine. However, if you do decide to visit the dark web then browse carefully and DO NOT divulge any personal information. Be completely anonymous and take steps to protect your identity.

It is easy to stumble upon illegal or shocking content on the dark web, be careful what you are accessing and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do in real life. Tread carefully, it’s a long way down into the dark.

What is the Deep and Dark Web?

Dark web definition

The dark web is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser. It is used for keeping internet activity anonymous and private, which can be helpful in both legal and illegal applications. While some use it to evade government censorship, it has also been known to be utilized for highly illegal activity.

What is the dark web, deep web, and surface web?

The Internet is sizable with millions of web pages, databases, and servers all run 24 hours a day. But the so-called «visible» Internet (aka surface web or open web) — sites that can be found using search engines like Google and Yahoo — is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are several terms surrounding the non-visible Web, but it’s worth knowing how they differ if you’re planning to browse off the beaten path.

The surface web or open web

The open web, or surface web, is the “visible” surface layer. If we continue to visualize the entire web like an iceberg, the open web would be the top portion that’s above the water. From a statistical standpoint, this collective of websites and data makes up under 5% of the total internet.

All commonly public-facing websites accessed via traditional browsers like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Firefox are contained here. Websites are usually labeled with registry operators like “.com” and “.org” and can be easily located with popular search engines.

Locating surface web websites is possible because search engines can index the web via visible links (a process called “crawling” due to the search engine traveling the web like a spider).

The deep web

The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites. This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the surface web. In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any one time.

Carrying on with the analogy, big search engines could be considered like fishing boats that can only «catch» websites close to the surface. Everything else, from academic journals to private databases and more illicit content, is out of reach. This deep web also includes the portion that we know as the dark web.

While many news outlets use «deep web» and «dark web» interchangeably, much of the deep portion as a whole is perfectly legal and safe. Some of the largest parts of the deep web include:

In case you’re wondering how to access the deep web, chances are you already use it daily. The term «deep web» refers to all web pages that that are unidentifiable by search engines. Deep web sites may be concealed behind passwords or other security walls, while others simply tell search engines to not “crawl” them. Without visible links, these pages are more hidden for various reasons.

On the larger deep web, its “hidden” content is generally cleaner and safer. Everything from blog posts in-review and pending web page redesigns, to the pages you access when you bank online, are part of the deep web. Furthermore, these pose no threat to your computer or safety at large. Most of these pages are kept hidden from the open web to protect user information and privacy, such as:

Venturing further into the deep web does bring a bit more danger to the light. For some users, portions of the deep web offer the opportunity to bypass local restrictions and access TV or movie services that may not be available in their local areas. Others go somewhat deeper to download pirated music or steal movies that aren’t yet in theaters.

At the dark end of the web, you’ll find the more hazardous content and activity. Tor websites are located at this far end of the deep web, which are deemed the “dark web” and are only accessible by an anonymous browser.

Deep web safety is more relevant to the average internet user than dark web safety, as you could end up in dangerous areas by accident: many portions of the deep web can still be accessed in normal internet browsers. This is how users can travel through enough tangential pathways and end up on a piracy site, a politically radical forum, or viewing disturbingly violent content.

The dark web

The dark web refers to sites that are not indexed and only accessible via specialized web browsers. Significantly smaller than the tiny surface web, the dark web is considered a part of the deep web. Using our ocean and iceberg visual, the dark web would be the bottom tip of the submerged iceberg.

The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web.

Breaking down the construction of the dark web reveals a few key layers that make it an anonymous haven:

The reputation of the dark web has often been linked to criminal intent or illegal content, and «trading» sites where users can purchase illicit goods or services. However, legal parties have made use of this framework as well.

When it comes to dark web safety, the deep web dangers are very different from dark web dangers. Illegal cyber activity cannot necessarily be stumbled upon easily but tends to be much more extreme and threatening if you do seek it out. Before we unpack the dark web’s threats, let’s explore how and why users access these sites.

How to access the dark web

The dark web was once the province of hackers, law enforcement officers, and cybercriminals. However, new technology like encryption and the anonymization browser software, Tor, now makes it possible for anyone to dive dark if they’re interested.

Tor (“The Onion Routing” project) network browser provides users access to visit websites with the “. onion” registry operator. This browser is a service originally developed in the latter part of the 1990s by the United States Naval Research Laboratory.

Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today. Anyone can download it free of charge.

Think of Tor as a web browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. Notably, instead of taking the most direct route between your computer and the deep parts of the web, the Tor browser uses a random path of encrypted servers known as «nodes.» This allows users to connect to the deep web without fear of their actions being tracked or their browser history being exposed.

Sites on the deep web also use Tor (or similar software such as I2P, the “Invisible Internet Project”) to remain anonymous, meaning you won’t be able to find out who’s running them or where they’re being hosted.

Is it illegal to go on the dark web?

Simply put, no it is not illegal to access the dark web. In fact, some uses are perfectly legal and support the value of the “dark web.” On the dark web, users can seek out three clear benefits from its use:

As such, the dark web has attracted many parties who would otherwise be endangered by revealing their identities online. Abuse and persecution victims, whistleblowers, and political dissidents have been frequent users of these hidden sites. But of course, these benefits can be easily extended to those that want to act outside of the constraints of laws in other explicitly illegal ways.

When viewed through this lens, the dark web’s legality is based on how you as a user engage with it. You might fall to the wayside of legal lines for many reasons that are important for the protection of freedom. Others may act in ways that are illegal for the protection and safety of others. Let’s unpack both of these concepts in terms of the “dark web browser” and the websites themselves.

Is Tor illegal to use?

On the software end, the use of Tor and other anonymized browsers is not strictly illegal. In fact, these supposed “dark web” browsers are not tethered exclusively to this portion of the internet. Many users now leverage Tor to browse both the public Internet and the deeper parts of the web privately.

The privacy offered by the Tor browser is important in the current digital age. Corporations and governing bodies alike currently participate in unauthorized surveillance of online activity. Some simply don’t want government agencies or even Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to know what they’re looking at online, while others have little choice. Users in countries with strict access and user laws are often prevented from accessing even public sites unless they use Tor clients and virtual private networks (VPNs).

However, you can still take illegal actions within Tor that could incriminate you regardless of the browser’s legality. You could easily use Tor in an attempt to pirate copyrighted content from the deep web, share illegal pornography, or engage in cyber terrorism. Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law.

Are sites on the dark web illegal to use and visit?

On the network end, the dark web is a bit more of a grey area. The use of the dark web usually means that you are attempting to engage in activity that you could not otherwise carry out in the public eye.

For government critics and other outspoken advocates, they may fear backlash if their real identities were discovered. For those who have endured harm at the hands of others, they may not want their attackers to discover their conversations about the event. If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal.

That said, anonymity comes with a dark side since criminals and malicious hackers also prefer to operate in the shadows. For example, cyberattacks and trafficking are activities that the participants know will be incriminating. They take these actions to the dark web to hide for this reason.

Ultimately, simply browsing these spaces is not illegal but can be an issue for you. While it is not illegal as a whole, unsavory activity does live in many parts of the dark web. It can expose you to unnecessary risks if you are not careful or an advanced, computer savvy user aware of its threats. So, what is the dark web used for when it’s used for illegal activity?

Types of threats on the dark web

If you’re considering using the dark web for basic privacy purposes you might still question, “Is dark web dangerous to use?” Unfortunately, it very much can be a dangerous place to be. Below are some common threats you may face during your browsing experiences:

Malicious software

Malicious software — i.e. malware — is fully alive all across the dark web. It is often offered in some portals to give threat actors the tools for cyberattacks. However, it also lingers all across the dark web to infect unsuspecting users just like it does on the rest of the web.

The dark web doesn’t carry as many of the social contracts that website providers follow to protect users on the rest of the web. As such, users can find themselves regularly exposed to some types of malware like:

If you choose to pursue exploring any sites on the dark web, you put yourself at risk of being singled out and targeted for hacks and more. Most malware infections can be caught by your endpoint security programs.

The threats of online browsing can extend into the unplugged world if your computer or network connection can be exploited. Anonymity is powerful with Tor and the framework of the dark web, but it is not infallible. Any online activity can carry breadcrumbs to your identity if someone digs far enough.

Government monitoring

With many Tor-based sites being overtaken by police authorities across the globe, there is a clear danger of becoming government target for simply visiting a dark website.

Illegal drug marketplaces like the Silk Road have been hijacked for police surveillance in the past. By utilizing custom software to infiltrate and analyze activity, this has allowed law officials to discover user identities of patrons and bystanders alike. Even if you never make a purchase, you could be watched and incriminate yourself for other activities later in life.

Infiltrations can put you at risk of monitoring for other types of activity as well. Evading government restrictions to explore new political ideologies can be an imprisonable offense in some countries. China uses what is known as the “Great Firewall” limit access to popular sites for this exact reason. The risk of being a visitor to this content could lead to being placed on a watchlist or immediate targeting for a jail sentence.

Scams

Some of these are well-known, established threats that circulate in this nook of the web. However, others may be taking advantage of the dark web’s reputation to trick users out of large sums of money. Also, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion.

End user protection against exploitation by the dark web

Regardless of being a business, parent, or any other user of the web, you’ll want to take precautions to keep your information and private life off the dark web.

Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your private information from being misused. All types of personal data can be distributed online for a profit. Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate in the dark web all the time. You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts. Leaks of personal data can also lead to damage to your reputation via social fraud.

Antimalware and antivirus protections are equally crucial to prevent malicious actors from exploiting you. The dark web is filled with information theft from malware-infected users. Attackers can use tools like keyloggers to gather your data, and they can infiltrate your system on any part of the web. Endpoint security programs like Kaspersky Security Cloud are comprehensive to cover both identity monitoring and antivirus defenses.

How to access the dark web safely

If you have a legitimate or viable need to access the dark web, you’ll want to make sure you stay safe if you decide to use it.

Dark Web

Marguerita is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and a Chartered Socially Responsible Investing Counselor (CSRIC). She has been working in the financial planning industry for over 20 years and spends her days helping her clients gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial lives.

Investopedia / Joules Garcia

What Is the Dark Web?

The term dark web refers to encrypted online content that is not indexed by conventional search engines. Accessing the dark web can only be done using specific browsers, such as TOR Browser. There is a great deal of privacy and anonymity that comes with using the dark web compared to traditional websites.

As such, most of the attention is placed on online marketplaces for drugs, exchanges for stolen data, and other illegal activities when people think of the dark web. Despite this, there are often very legitimate reasons why people choose to use the dark web, including political dissidents and people who want to keep certain information private.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Dark Web

As its name implies, the dark web is a secret network that exists underground. It’s made up of a series of websites that are hidden from the general public. This means they aren’t accessible through traditional search engines, such as Google.

Traditional search engines return results because they contain indexes of links to websites. These are ranked based on keywords and relevancy. The dark web, on the other hand, uses information that isn’t available on these other search engines, such as content from individual accounts, such as email, social media, banking, along with personal and professional databases, and documents (legal and medical).

Also called the darknet, the dark web is much like the broader web was in its early days during the late 20th century. There is a lot of material about getting it working, and not very much to do once one gets there. A lot of the content on the dark web is very amateurish. On the other hand, it is much easier for individuals to start sites and get attention. Tech giants and large media organizations have very little influence on the dark web as of 2020.

As with the early internet, the dark web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activities and is frequently implicated in illicit and criminal activity. While the dark web has played a hand in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who may otherwise be persecuted for their identities or political beliefs. It also gives legal authorities the additional tools they need to apprehend the perpetrators of unethical activities.

The dark web is still very much a work in progress, and its full costs and benefits are not yet known.

Special Considerations

People often confuse the dark web with cryptocurrencies, which are often used to make purchases there. But there is a distinct difference. The dark web makes it easier to set up and access websites that offer a high degree of anonymity for everyone involved.

Many dark web websites contain only information rather than the ability to buy or sell something. It is true, though, that cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Monero, are often used for transactions on the dark web. But one does not have to use the dark web to use cryptocurrencies.

History of the Dark Web

The dark web first officially appeared in the early 2000s along with the creation of Freenet, which was developed by Ian Clarke to secure users against government intervention and cyber attacks. The system, which is still available today, allows users to express themselves freely without being tracked online.

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory funded a project called The Onion Router (TOR). TOR offered intelligence sources a way to communicate easily and safely, especially in hostile areas where personal safety is key. It is now one of the most common browsers used to access the dark web, using databases to help people make their way around and find the information they need.

The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals. That’s because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for people who buy and sell on the dark web.

Because of its association with certain illicit activities, there have been calls for regulation of the dark web. For instance, the G20 and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have both called for cryptocurrency companies to provide information on buyers and sellers in transactions conducted online. This is especially true, they say, to help law enforcement track criminal organizations and illicit activities.

Ross Ulbricht was investigated and arrested in 2013 for creating and running the dark web site The Silk Road, a darknet website authorities said was used to buy and sell narcotics.

Dark Web vs. Deep Web

The dark web and the deep web are also often erroneously used interchangeably. The dark web is, in fact, just one part of the deep web. The deep web is what lies underground and isn’t just the content that is considered dark. That’s why it’s also called the invisible web or the hidden web.

The information found on the deep web is normally encrypted and isn’t found on indexes the way it is on the traditional web. It includes all of the pages that don’t pop up when you run a web search. It also contains everything that requires a login, such as content from:

The information listed on the dark web can also include anything on subscriber-only databases rather than anything illegal.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Dark Web

Advantages

The dark web helps people to maintain privacy and freely express their views. Privacy is essential for many innocent people terrorized by stalkers and other criminals. The increasing tendency of potential employers to track posts on social media can also make it difficult to engage in honest discussions publicly.

Finally, the popularity of the dark web with criminals makes it a perfect way for undercover police officers to communicate.

Disadvantages

Some people will inevitably abuse the power associated with using the dark web by making it easier to engage in criminal activity. For example, the combination of the dark web and cryptocurrencies theoretically makes it much easier to hire someone to commit certain crimes.

While the dark web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others. Private photos, medical records, and financial information have all been stolen and shared on the dark web.

Ensures privacy and freedom of expression

Allows law enforcement to identify criminal organizations

Makes it easier to engage in criminal activity

Can be used to violate the privacy of others

Example of the Dark Web

Let’s say you want to go on the dark web to see what information of yours, if any, is floating around. You can install the TOR browser on your system by using a virtual private network. A VPN allows people to use a public network as if they were transmitting information on a private one. It basically gives you privacy on a public network.

Is It Illegal to Access the Dark Web?

Despite what the name implies, it isn’t illegal to access the dark web. It actually provides individuals with privacy and anonymity that traditional websites don’t offer to individuals. For instance, people can go on the dark web and post their thoughts about political activity without any fear of being reprimanded by government officials and other groups.

How Do You Get On the Dark Web?

You can access the dark web by installing specific, anonymous browsers, such as TOR. Once installed, the browser works the same way traditional ones do. But it can be a little difficult to access information because it doesn’t use an index to locate the desired information. Make sure that you install security software to make sure your computer and personal information are ketp safe.

How Do You Find Out If Your Information Is on the Dark Web?

Your personal information, such as banking, social media, and email accounts, along with your Social Security number, may be up for sale on the dark web. If you want to see if any of your information is floating around the dark web, try running a scan of the dark web. Alternatively, you can sign up for a dark web monitoring service. These tools warn you whenever they find any of your information.

What Do You Do If Your Information Is on the Dark Web?

You can take a number of steps to help protect your information. Make sure you change all your passwords, check your credit reports for any discrepancies, and inform your bank(s). You can also put a freeze on your credit to prevent it from being compromised any further.

The Bottom Line

The dark web is a relatively new concept, at least when you consider the history of the internet as a whole. You can use it to remain anonymous without fear of repercussion if you want to express yourself freely. But this amount of privacy has helped it gain a bad reputation as a forum for those who want to use it for illicit activities. If you’re looking to use the dark web, it’s as simple as installing a private browser, using a VPN, and making sure your computer remains safe and secure.