Investigating people on the dark web usually comes down to attribution between the surface and dark web through information slippage. This is where the same attributable markers, e.g. usernames, PGP keys, cryptocurrency addresses, are used by actors on both the surface and dark web. We will refer to the darknet as the network infrastructure, such as the TOR network or I2P network, and dark web as the content aspect that is accessed and viewed by users. But obviously the vast, vast majority of addresses on the site do just look like a random series of letters and numbers and don’t have any content behind them.
Putting yourself in close proximity with illegal activities is rarely a good idea and could heighten your risk of being targeted by a criminal yourself. In fact, it’s better in the interest of privacy that these pages aren’t readily visible. From this example, you can see that the “deep web” doesn’t have to be scary, illicit, or illegal. It’s further important to distinguish the deep web from the dark web — as the next section explains.
Understanding Dark Web Websites
The dark web comprises a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It operates on specialized networks and is often associated with anonymity and privacy. This section of the web is frequently misunderstood, leading to various myths and concerns.
What Are Dark Web Websites?
Traffic logs are a bigger concern than session logs, but neither are good. A handful of dark web search engines that do index .onion sites include NotEvil, Ahmia, Candle, and Torch. Terms like “Deep web” and “dark web” are frequently used interchangeably, despite the fact that they refer to different things. The deep web refers to any information on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines like Google and is thus not accessible via standard searches. The deep web content includes anything requiring a login or behind a paywall, as well as any material which site owners have made efforts to exclude from the crawler’s indexing. Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, but it doesn’t provide guaranteed anonymity.
Since I wanted to use DuckDuckGo, I was worried that a VPN would reduce my speeds, so I tested it. Like the clearnet’s Wayback Machine, Webpage Archive takes and stores snapshots of onion sites so you can see what any site looked like at an earlier date. Snapshots of webpages are submitted by users, so you can share your findings with others and preserve interesting and valuable information in the archive. Kilos is one of the newest and most extensive search engines on the Dark Web, with an expanding index of 7 darknet marketplaces and 6 forums.
Yet, it reported everything but that showing how far these search engines have to go in order to improve. The technology behind this anonymous connection is known as “onion routing,” which utilizes a layered approach to obscure data and protect users’ locations on the network. As such, you should exercise caution when accessing any unofficial dark websites.
Dark web websites are websites that require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. They typically use anonymizing software like Tor to disguise user identities and locations.
Tor is an open-source browser that allows people to access web pages on the dark web. The name “Tor” is an acronym that stands for The Onion Router, and the term “onion” isn’t as random as it sounds. This special browser uses layers of connections—like an onion—to keep the actions of its users secret while exploring the web. Even after you have done the needful, tracking charges on your credit card statement is vital.
Some characteristics of dark web websites include:
- Privacy: Users can maintain anonymity while browsing or conducting transactions.
- Specialized Browsers: Accessing these websites often requires tools like Tor or I2P.
- Hidden Content: Many sites are not easily searchable and require specific URLs to access.
BBC News (and Other Leading News Sites)
Examples of Dark Web Websites
Follow the pointers below to avoid becoming a victim if accessing the dark web. You also get strong security features, as the VPN has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, an audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. But I think it’s a shame how it’s missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection (ExpressVPN has full leak protection) — still, I never experienced any leaks in my tests. Surfshark has some of the most affordable plans on the market, making it a great pick for anyone who needs a secure VPN to visit dark web sites and is also on a tight budget. All of PIA’s apps are very easy to use, but I especially like its mobile apps because they made it simple for me to visit dark web pages on my Android smartphone and iPhone.
While many sites on the dark web can be nefarious, others serve legitimate purposes. Here are a few categories:
- Marketplaces: Often associated with illegal goods and services, these sites can range from drug sales to hacking services.
- Whistleblower Platforms: Sites that allow users to share sensitive information while protecting their identities.
- Forums and Discussion Boards: Platforms for discussing a variety of topics, some of which may be legal or illegal.
- Blogs and News Outlets: Independent journalism and literary escapades that prioritize anonymity.
The Risks Involved with Dark Web Websites
Engaging with dark web websites comes with significant risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Accessing certain content can lead to serious legal ramifications.
- Scams and Fraud: Many users fall victim to scams when purchasing goods or services on these platforms.
- Malware Risks: The potential to encounter harmful software or hackers is prevalent.
- Personal Safety: Interacting with certain groups may expose users to dangerous situations.
How to Stay Safe on Dark Web Websites
If you choose to explore the dark web, consider taking precautions:
- Use Reliable Software: Always use trusted software such as Tor for browsing.
- Maintain Anonymity: Avoid sharing personal information or using real identities.
- Secure Your Connections: Utilize a VPN for an added layer of security.
- Be Informed: Understand the potential risks and how to navigate them.
FAQs about Dark Web Websites
Q1: Are all dark web websites illegal?
A1: No, while some dark web websites engage in illegal activities, others provide safe spaces for privacy-focused discussions and journalism.
Q2: How do people access dark web websites?
- That means that if your incoming traffic is routed through a node operated by cybercriminals, they can inject malware into the code of the response, without you ever knowing that it’s happened.
- Unlike other dark web search engines, Ahmia has a policy against “abuse material” and blocks them.
- The encrypted network the Tor Browser uses to access the dark web is very hard to trace.
- However, to be even safer, we recommend taking some extra safety measures on top of this, such as using a VPN.
A2: Users typically access the dark web through specific browsers like Tor, which help maintain anonymity.
Q3: Can law enforcement see what I do on the dark web?
A3: While the dark web provides anonymity, law enforcement agencies have ways to track illegal activities, especially if users are not careful.
Understanding dark web websites requires navigating a complex landscape filled with both opportunities for privacy and risks. Proceeding with caution is essential for anyone considering delving deeper into this hidden part of the internet.
