As such, bad actors can replicate your data multiple times for profit. Having robust cybersecurity tools, including antivirus software and VPN solutions, are helpful, but they can’t keep your data off dark marketplaces. This is because other entities you engage, like employers, healthcare providers, insurers, retailers, and even government agencies, can fall victim to a security event and leak your data.
The deep web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, making it difficult to access for the average user. However, there are legitimate reasons to want to access the deep web, such as accessing academic databases or conducting research. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get in the deep web safely and securely.
Massive 344k Record Data Breach Following Credential Stuffing In Texas
What is the Deep Web?
The deep web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines like Google or Bing. It is estimated that the deep web is 500 times larger than the surface web, making it a vast and largely unexplored territory. The deep web is often associated with illegal activities, but it is also home to many legitimate websites and databases.
How To (Safely) Access The Deep Web And Darknet
How to Access the Deep Web
Why is it called onion routing?
In an onion network, messages are encapsulated in layers of encryption, analogous to the layers of an onion. The encrypted data is transmitted through a series of network nodes called "onion routers," each of which "peels" away a single layer, revealing the data's next destination.
Accessing the deep web requires the use of a special browser called Tor. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. Tor encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a network of servers around the world, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
What Is The Dark Web And How To Access It?
Countries such as China (and its famous “Great Firewall” blocks) may monitor citizens at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) level; if you are using Tor, the usage alone may appear in your records. A VPN can help disguise your use of Tor and your visits to dark web resources. However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups. Illegal marketplaces are merely a small fraction of what’s actually there.
- These websites will also use .onion top-level domain names, and many of them will be very long, random combinations of letters and numbers.
- It is only a matter of time before diving into the deep web becomes as common as surfing the web is today.
- Most of the time, these dark web sites are for people who can’t get to the open web version of the site, usually because their countries have strict internet laws.
To get started with Tor, follow these steps:
- Download and install the Tor browser from the official website.
- Launch the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can browse the deep web just like you would the surface web.
While no one knows the exact amount, the total amount of content on the Deep web is believed to be many times as great as that of the Surface web. We’ve often seen estimates that the Deep web is 10 to 20 times as large as the Surface web. The terms deep web and dark web are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. The dark web is a segment of the larger deep web and similarly refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google.
For all the illegal activity and secrecy that takes place on Tor, you may be surprised to learn its origin story. Tor was developed—and continues to be partially funded by—the US government. As detailed in the prior section, this is where unlisted, anonymous websites exist and can be accessed. Since sometimes websites are hosted on personal computers, it’s totally possible that you won’t be able to access a site since the computer is just shut down.
The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English. Researchers from Recorded Future estimated that while there are more than 55,000 existing onion domains, only 8,400 (or roughly 15%) of these sites were active.
Can I check if my email is on the dark web?
Use a free Dark Web scanner to find leaked passwords and email addresses. Aura's Dark Web scanner checks to see if any of your passwords have been compromised. Other services like HaveIBeenPwned can also check to see if your email was exposed in any data breaches.
Staying Safe on the Deep Web
The deep web can be a dangerous place, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. Here are some tips for staying safe on the deep web:
How much crime happens on the dark web?
87% of dark web listings are related to some form of criminal activity. In 2019, the dark web saw a 44% growth in the number of marketplaces. 60% of darknet vendors offer stolen financial credentials for sale. More than one-third (37%) of dark web purchases result in further criminal activity.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
- Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number, while browsing the deep web.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
- Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious of any links or attachments you receive, as they may be part of a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information.
- Use HTTPS: Look for websites that use HTTPS, as it provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your connection to the website.
Digital startup PostMeds Inc. , operating as TruePill, is an online pharmacy service based in California. The company allows patients to compare copay pricing, get status notifications on pill orders, and request refills. Welltok operates an online wellness program various organizations use to encourage healthy lifestyles. They’ve been in our news frequently as the global MOVEit breach continues. Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations.
Conclusion
Accessing the deep web can be a valuable tool for researchers and academics, but it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. By using a VPN, strong passwords, and being cautious of phishing scams, you can browse the deep web safely and securely. Remember to always use the Tor browser when accessing the deep web, and to avoid sharing any personal information.
Why is Tor being blocked?
It means that the network to which you do have access in your country doesn't permit access to anything beyond its own controlled structure. It may be possible for you to use Tor relay bridges to overcome that limitation, assuming that you are running a Tor browser.
