{"id":15773,"date":"2023-11-28T14:43:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T14:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/?p=15773"},"modified":"2023-11-28T14:43:02","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T14:43:02","slug":"the-dark-web","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/cyber-security\/the-dark-web\/","title":{"rendered":"THE DARK WEB: Everything You Need to Know","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While most users will interact with what is known as the “surface web,” the “dark web” is home to a wealth of information that is otherwise inaccessible. But accessing the dark web calls for a specific web browser. It is hard to know how many dark websites exist, but there is consensus on the best of the bunch. Accessing the dark web from a phone is simple but potentially dangerous. This article examines the various ways that people use and access the dark web, both lawfully and illicitly, as well as how it operates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dark Web<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When people talk about the “dark web,” they are referring to encrypted information that cannot be accessed through standard search engines. Only certain web browsers, most notably TOR, allow access to the dark web. When compared to standard websites, the dark web provides a much higher level of privacy and anonymity for its users. The dark web is a subset of the internet where content is intentionally obscured from users and search engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a network of underground websites that no one outside of its inner circle can access. This means that they are inaccessible to the majority of SEs, including Google. Search engines, as we know them today, can produce results because they store indexes of links to websites. Relevance and keyword analysis are used to determine the order. Contrarily, the dark web makes use of data that is unavailable through traditional means of searching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark web addresses typically have “the.onion” extension rather than the more common “.com,.org,.edu,” etc., which you may notice as you browse. There is, however, a word of caution. The chances of encountering malicious software and phishing scams are high; therefore, it is important to equip yourself with security software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Dark Web Works<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Users use the dark web for both legal and illegal activities. Onion routing is a method that uses a series of encrypted servers in a random order to prevent users from being monitored or tracked. When users use Tor to visit a website, their data is passed via thousands of relay points, hiding their tracks and making it nearly impossible to track what they are browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dark Web Browser<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Users can conceal their IP address while visiting these hidden sites by employing a browser called The Onion Router (Tor). A subset of the deep web is known as the dark web. Only people who have the Tor browser installed can get to this part of the internet. Even though using Tor to access the dark web is legal, the vast majority of internet users will never need to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Access The Dark Web<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A virtual private network (VPN) and an appropriate browser (Tor) are required to access a dark web address on your phone or PC. The goal is to conceal your location and traffic while online as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Invest in a VPN<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using a VPN<\/a> will prevent your digital footprint from being traced back to you. Your VPN will encrypt all of your connections, protecting you from snooping and man-in-the-middle attacks. VPNs use a distributed network of servers and relays to mask your true IP address, making it much more difficult to be tracked. Moreover, streaming services employ VPNs to provide users with access to geo-restricted content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Download the Tor Browser<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the help of this browser, you can avoid website blocks, avoid online fingerprinting, and stop trackers from creating a profile of your surfing habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from integrating the DuckDuckGo<\/a> search engine\u2014which makes an effort to not save or log your search queries\u2014the Tor Browser also uses multiple layers of encryption to bolster your anonymity. Make sure to check the settings; if you prefer a safer experience, select the “safer” or “safest” option, which also turns off potentially harmful features from the website, like rogue JavaScript.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For maximum security, it is recommended that a VPN be used in conjunction with Tor and that a connection be made from the VPN to Tor rather than the other way around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Use a Dark Web Search Engine<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most dark websites do not have permanent addresses, and those that do tend to vanish without warning. When using the anonymous Tor browser, it can be helpful to use a dark web search engine. A search engine is distinct from a web browser. While a browser facilitates access to the web, once you are online, it is search engines like Google that prove their worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Tor network will get you into the dark web, once you are there, a search engine will be your best bet for locating specific sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Find the .onion Address You Want to Visit<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You must know the exact URL of a dark web resource before you can access it. Many of these domain names will consist of numerous characters and seem to have no pattern at all; they will all end in the “.onion” TLD. However, “.onion” domains are not indexed by web crawlers, so you cannot use a regular search engine to get to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should use caution when visiting any of the many directories that list “.onion” links and websites. Some will take you to illegal marketplaces where you can buy everything from drugs to counterfeit identification documents, while others will take you to legitimate resources like online classes, discussion boards, and personal blogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Threats Lurking on the Dark Web<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explore at your own risk, but know that the dark web is like the Wild West of the internet. Here are some potential dangers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Scams <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The likelihood of scams is significantly higher because the majority of dark websites are unregulated and non-indexed. If you are looking to buy something illegal or dubious, this is especially important to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Malicious Software<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the dark web, you can find more trojan horses, keyloggers, ransomware<\/a>, phishing malware, and other harmful programs. This occurs as a result of the lack of standards for website quality. They typically have subpar security measures in place (HTTP), prompting normal web browsers to flag them as suspicious. Infecting malware could result from simply visiting such a site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Government Monitoring<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this also affects many Tor-based websites. Your local government probably keeps a close eye on anything that might be against the law or harmful to the populace. You could face legal repercussions if you visit that website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Websites on the Dark Web<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you browse the dark web without taking any precautions to protect yourself, you put yourself at risk of having your identity stolen and of being infected with malicious software. Be sure to activate your virtual private network (VPN) and your antivirus software before attempting to access the dark web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. The Hidden Wiki<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is like a darknet version of Wikipedia, except it only contains links to other darknet resources. It compiles a directory of underground sites that cover a wide variety of subjects, including conspiracy theories. There are a few options available to you if you want to discover live “.onion” websites and their URLs. Using a dark web link directory like The Hidden Wiki is a time-saving option. While some sites (like domain registrars) are entirely legit, others (like whistleblowing apps) may be blocked in your country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you click on a link from The Hidden Wiki, be aware that it may take you to a website with adult content, so please read the description carefully before clicking. Because of this, the FBI and the hacker collective Anonymous have both launched cyberattacks against it in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. DuckDuckGo<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

DuckDuckGo is a search engine that can be used on both the regular internet and the deep web. This is one of the search engines that will not track you or sell your data to third parties. If you are looking to conceal your online identity, this is the best option. A great substitute for Google<\/a> is DuckDuckGo. You receive satisfactory responses for the majority of your searches without any tracking at all, and your search activity is not stored. The search engine provides quick search results along with an extra degree of privacy and anonymity, and it is also accessible on the dark web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since DuckDuckGo also displays “.onion” links, it can be used to access dark web content. The majority of surface-level search engines do not crawl “.onion” domains. For this reason, using a search engine like Google will not lead you to any dark web pages, but using DuckDuckGo will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Ahmia <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another safe option for searching the dark web is Ahmia. Additionally, Ahmia can be used to examine Tor network data, analysis, and updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way that other dark web platforms are accessible from the regular internet, so is Ahmia. In that case, you should take steps to conceal your IP address and invest in more stringent data encryption methods. Therefore, it is prudent to maintain anonymity while exploring these outcomes. You should use a VPN service that uses advanced encryption. Ahmia is a search engine that helps users locate relevant content on the deep web. In addition, you can use it to read the latest Tor-related articles and research its statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Facebook <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Facebook’s massive presence on the dark web is surprising, given that we advise against using it if you want to maintain your anonymity. This is a copycat version of Facebook. If you are on the dark web, you can try to maintain your anonymity by creating a Facebook account under a false identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some visitors may be attempting to circumvent government censorship by using this service. The “dark web” of Facebook allows users to conceal their identities while still allowing them to communicate freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessing Facebook from countries where it is censored is now possible thanks to Facebook’s onion version. Despite Facebook’s dubious privacy track record, the Onion portal is a useful tool for people living under repressive regimes because it allows them to connect, communicate, and organize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5. SecureDrop <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Organizations in the media and non-governmental sectors can install the SecureDrop software platform to securely receive information leaks from sources. In addition, it has a feature that facilitates confidential journalistic communication with sources. The Washington Post, ProPublica, and The Guardian are just some of the news organizations that have adopted SecureDrop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the dark web, SecureDrop is a safe and dependable option for sharing files. Anonymous sources can use SecureDrop to send classified documents to news organizations through a special SecureDrop URL. Automatically encrypting files upon receipt protects sender anonymity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6. Hidden Answers<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the dark web community, Hidden Answers serves as a kind of Reddit or Quora. Users can come here to discuss any number of topics, including seeking guidance or telling their own stories. Hidden Answers gives you complete anonymity, in contrast to Quora or Reddit. One of the most popular dark web destinations, Hidden Answers allows you to discuss anything and everything under the sun, offer advice, and respond to questions from other users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7. ProPublica <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a non-profit news organization that investigates and reports on corruption and other violations of the public’s trust. ProPublica has started using the dark web to distribute their content in order to shield their journalists and readers from powerful surveillance. The anonymity of the dark web also encourages whistleblowers to share information with ProPublica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To put it simply, ProPublica does investigative reporting. They won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of sexual assault. The regular internet connection that you already have gives you access to ProPublica. However, it also keeps up a Tor website. In addition, ProPublica offers one of the cleanest, most well-designed online experiences you can find on the deep web. The New York Times and other news sites are accessible through Tor, and the service’s SecureDrop integration can be used for anonymously reporting wrongdoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Access on the Phone <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is surprisingly simple to access the dark web from a phone. Android and iPhone<\/a> users must take slightly different actions. However, fret not; we have got you covered with guides for both OSes down below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Access the Dark Web using Android Phones<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It takes very little effort for Android users to enter the deep web. In actuality, using your Android device to access the dark web might be simpler than using a PC. In general, configuring your Android device to browse the dark web should take no more than five to ten minutes. Here’s how to go about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n