Thus the ‘Deep Web’ includes the ‘Dark Web’, but also includes all user databases, webmail pages, registration-required web forums, and pages behind paywalls. There are huge numbers of such pages, and most exist for mundane reasons. People operating within closed, totalitarian societies can use the Dark Web to communicate with the outside world. And given recent revelations about US- and UK government snooping on web use, you may feel it is sensible to take your communication on to the Dark Web.
- Access to “.onion” domains and anonymous surfing made possible by specialised software like the Tor Browser allows entry only.
- For totally hiding all of your online antics, you’ll want to also use a VPN.
- Keeping your security software up-to-date is vital in protecting your device from threats.
- Gannicus Oliver is an experienced tech journalist (he loves writing on emerging techs and digital privacy issues) and an online business consultant.
Malware Attacks
The darknet is a private place where nobody can intercept, monitor, and steal anything online from you. The “Dark Web” often conjures up images of hidden marketplaces, illicit trades, and shadowy figures lurking in the digital underworld. The Dark Web is simply a part of the internet that cannot be reached by standard search engines and browsers. While it’s true that some corners harbor illegal activities, it also provides a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and everyday users seeking privacy and freedom from censorship. That may seem an extreme way to browse the web, but such protections are increasingly worth considering, says Sarah Jamie Lewis, executive director of the Open Privacy Research Society.
The dark web comes with its own set of tools and services, including web browsers and search engines (which I’ll get on to in a moment). Part of what makes the dark web the dark web is that you can’t access it through your normal web browser, nor can you look something up on it via a Google search. It’s a part of the internet that’s less regulated and more shadowy, for better and for worse. Yes, darknet browsers like Tor facilitate access to regular internet sites.
How Can I Stay Safe While Browsing The Dark Web?
As a matter of fact, your data could be anywhere on the internet, meaning it could already be at the three internet levels (surface web, deep web, and dark web). DarkWeb “marketplaces” guarantee confidentiality and anti-surveillance for your online purchases that you simply won’t find on any other websites. Many turn to the dark to grab such medications with its private and secure networks. Some common pain relievers and sleeping pills available in the EU are illegal in various Middle East and Asia countries. Such sites include blogs, gaming sites, social media, and super-encrypted email platforms.
If you’re in a restrictive country, you’ll be crossing the red line and authorities could be at your heels. The silver lining is that no one has been arrested or prosecuted for using an anonymizing browser. Discovered pages are indexed in an extensive database and ranked based on numerous factors. When you search a term (or query) in a web browser, the search engine combs through the database to find relevant results and serves them up on SERPs.
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Similar to Firefox and Waterfox above, Brave is not a dedicated dark web browser. You will have to manually configure it to connect to the Tor network. Its strongest appeal is that it has strong privacy defaults, making it usable for daily use that can be expanded upon.
Preparing To Access The Dark Web
A large portion of activities on the dark web involve illegal content, transactions, or services. Simply accessing certain sites or engaging with the wrong links could implicate you in criminal investigations. Though there are other ways to access onion websites, it is recommended that you always use Tor to access dark web websites. It offers better speed and security than other alternative methods. The Deep Web includes unindexed content like private databases and password-protected sites accessible with standard browsers.
While not a browser itself, Orbot can encrypt traffic from your mobile browser, Gmail app, Google Maps, instant messaging apps, etc., using the Tor protocol. You can choose whether to encrypt select apps or all installed apps on your phone. It is worth noting that Private window with Tor isn’t as secure as using the Tor Browser itself. As well as phishing scams, a multitude of other scams operate across the dark web. There are many fake marketplaces and platforms that might offer to sell you goods or services but actually take your money without providing anything in return.
- You may encounter fake marketplaces promising illicit goods or services but delivering nothing after payment.
- Always conduct your own research or check with certified experts before investing, and be prepared for potential losses.
- At the heart of Tor Browser’s functionality lies the Tor network and the principle of onion routing.
- When you install the Tor Browser, it comes preconfigured with the most secure privacy settings.
The Ultimate 2025 Guide To The Tor Browser
While Tor is the most common method for accessing the dark web, I2P and Hyphanet offer alternative options for secure and private browsing. Let’s go through the setup process for each, as well as how to use them effectively. Go to and download the Tor Browser Bundle, which contains all the required tools.
VPN-over-Tor (Limits And Niche Uses)
Though it is not illegal to visit the dark web, accessing it can expose you to serious legal risks, even if you don’t have any criminal activity in mind. However, with the right security measures and cautious browsing, you can minimize these dangers. If you engage in illegal activities or access illegal content that could implicate you in a criminal offense, you may face serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. When you visit dark web sites, even if you don’t have any ill intentions, you support the dark web ecosystem, which serves as a medium to conduct various illegal activities.
Nevertheless, due to IP masking, users may appear to connect from a different location, potentially leading to some sites attempting to block Tor users, limiting access. Internet users can surf the dark web anonymously thanks to specialized darknet browsers. The dark web supports anonymity and free speech, but it also hosts illegal and immoral content. Linux users will typically download a compressed archive file with the .tar.xz extension.
Can You Use The Tor Browser On A Mobile Device?
And because VPNs encrypt your traffic but are much faster than Tor, they’re also good for bypassing bandwidth throttling. Next, select a dark web search engine like DuckDuckGo that can help you find dark web websites that cannot be indexed by traditional surface web search engines, such as Google or Bing. I review privacy tools like hardware security keys, password managers, private messaging apps and ad-blocking software. I also report on online scams and offer advice to families and individuals about staying safe on the internet. Before joining PCMag, I wrote about tech and video games for CNN, Fanbyte, Mashable, The New York Times, and TechRadar.
However, unlike Facebook, the DWSN requires users to remain anonymous and not reveal personal information to protect privacy. The dark web is a hidden part of the web that carries several illegal activities, including drug and weapon dealing, pornography, private data, and more. But, this isn’t only about bad things; you can also get useful information. As digital landscapes evolve, so do the methods of accessing hidden content and maintaining anonymity. While the Dark Web remains a core venue for privacy-seeking users and covert activities, a range of emerging platforms and shifting trends shape the broader ecosystem of underground communication. By following these steps, you enter the Dark Web with more confidence and preparedness.
It works well, it’s free, and it provides decent privacy since it’s open-source. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. The Tor download for Windows, OS X, Linux and Android operating systems is available on the Tor website.
