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Many websites on the deep web avoid showing up in search engine results by blocking the bots that ‘crawl’ the internet to collect information for search engine indexes. Theoretically speaking, it should be impossible to locate dark web servers and track visitors. However, in practice, security flaws in Tor and incorrect server configurations can expose this information to those interested in accessing it. The former includes privately protected file collections that one cannot access without the correct credentials. The latter includes internal networks for governments, educational facilities, and corporations. The ‘members only’ parts of public platforms are also a part of the deep web.
Accessing the dark web can be a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with its intricacies. However, with the best darknet markets right tools and knowledge, it is possible to explore this hidden corner of the internet safely and securely.
While the former is used chiefly for legitimate day-to-day online activities, the latter is more anonymous and known for illegal transactions. This article reveals the top five key differences between the dark web and the deep web. News websites like the BBC, email services like ProtonMail, and torrent sites like The Pirate Bay all have onion websites.
What is the Dark Web?
You will install Tails, and Tails only, directly on your storage device. In most places, Tor is completely legal to use, though there are some exceptions, like in China and Venezuela. That doesn’t mean you can legally partake in the dark web’s illegal offerings; just that having or using Tor itself is no reason for you to get in trouble.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also contains many legitimate resources, such as political discussions, whistleblower sites, and privacy-focused services.
How to Access the Dark Web
The main tool used to access the dark web, the Tor browser, was originally created by the US Navy in 2002. It was created as an anonymous communications tool for intelligence agencies to use internally. We already see some markets that are operating in the Deep Web, like credit card shops or personal information shops. There, people sell credit cards, stolen credit cards and stolen PII (personal identifiable information). A 2019 study found that there were about 55,000 different onion sites, while only about 8,400 of them were active. You can buy almost anything on the dark web with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, from secondhand furniture to illegal drugs, porn, exotic animals, and all manner of criminal services-for-hire.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called Tor. Tor is a free, open-source software that allows how to go on the dark web you to browse the internet anonymously by routing your connection through a network of servers around the world.
Step 1: Download and Install Tor
After connecting to the Tor network, the Brave browser in the bottom left corner, “If your personal security depends on staying anonymous, use Tor Browser instead.” gives a warning. The dark web is also a dynamic and ever-changing space, with new sites and services constantly emerging dark web link and others being taken down by law enforcement or other actors. Therefore, any estimate of its size is likely to be imprecise and quickly outdated. In the early 2000s, Tor was released to the public and became popular among users who wanted to protect their privacy online.
The first step is to download and install the Tor browser from the official website (https://www.torproject.org/download/). Follow the instructions carefully and make sure to read the documentation before using the browser.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
Once you have installed Tor, open the browser and connect to the Tor network. This will route your connection through the Tor network and provide you with a new IP address.
Step 3: Access Dark Web Sites
To access dark web sites, you will need to use their .onion URLs. These URLs are only accessible through the Tor network and cannot be accessed through regular web browsers. You can find a list of .onion sites on various online forums and directories.
- So we do not recommend you do this if you just want to visit the dark web once or twice.
- Tor2Web is a service that allows users access to Onion services from a regular browser.
- The Dark Web is known for hosting illicit activities and dangerous individuals.
- Go to and download the Tor Browser Bundle, which contains all the required tools.
- The user can choose, add it to the shopping cart and purchase it very easily (Figure 4).
Safety Tips for Accessing the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be risky, so it is important to take precautions
What if my Gmail account was found on the dark web?
Update your credentials immediately. Change all passwords associated with the breached email address or account. If your device was compromised, you should update all of your online accounts.