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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. As detailed in the prior section, this is where unlisted, anonymous websites exist and can be accessed. And just as there are reasons to remain anonymous in real life, there may be reasons you wish to remain anonymous on the internet. The dark web is a network of secret websites that you can’t find without a special anonymous browser.
The Hub — The Most Popular Social Forum on the Dark Web
When we think of the internet, we typically envision the vast expanse of websites that are accessible to the public. However, there exists a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet known as the dark web. This hidden network of websites is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires special software to access.
What are Dark Web Websites?
ZeroBin – Share Encrypted Messages Without Risk from Prying Eyes
The dark web is a collection of websites that exist on darknets, which overlay networks that require specific configurations or authorization to access. These websites cannot be found through a regular search engine like Google or Yahoo, making them virtually invisible to the average internet user.
How to Access Dark Web Websites
Other Deep Web Tools
- Download a Tor browser or other anonymizing software
- Use the software to connect to the dark web
- Explore various dark web websites through their .onion domain names
If you absolutely can’t afford to have your identity or the information you’re sharing to get leaked, we recommend going with extra protection. This is also a great place to ask questions about the dark web if you’re new to this part of the internet. It’s a safer option to visit some dark web subreddits for specific questions on the dark web. The BBC has made a special Tor mirror of its news website, which is available on the dark web. The goal is to offer people a way to anonymously access the BBC website without restrictions, regardless of where they live. If you want to find out more about the best onion sites, this article is for you.
For example, a company can search the dark web to see if any of its internal IP addresses, usernames, and passwords have been posted. If a data breach happens, it is better to be aware of it and be proactive before it goes public. If you have a legitimate or viable need to access the dark web, you’ll want to make sure you stay safe if you decide to use it. Some of these are well-known, established threats that circulate in this nook of the web. However, others may be taking advantage of the dark web’s reputation to trick users out of large sums of money. Also, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion.
What Can You Find on Dark Web Websites?
Dark web websites host a variety of content, both legal and illegal. Some common types of websites found on the dark web include:
On average, I had really good browsing speeds — .onion sites loaded in 2–3 seconds, HD videos loaded in 5 seconds, and there was only minor buffering at the start of the videos. This site lets you access public texts of court decisions from around the world. Once you upload an image, the site provides you with shareable links for email messages, instant messaging, message boards, and websites.
- Black markets for drugs, weapons, and other illegal goods
- Whistleblower platforms for leaking sensitive information
- Forums for hackers and cybercriminals to exchange tips and tools
- Political activism and protest websites
Not only that, the node servers are all operated by volunteers, which means you have no idea who is controlling your traffic. To protect yourself while you use the Tor network, you need to connect to a strong VPN such as ExpressVPN before you access any.onion sites. Its other security features include DNS leak protection, and state-of-the-art connection protocols. This means that you don’t have to worry about being the victim of a targeted attack while you access The Dark Web.
Are Dark Web Websites Safe to Visit?
- Private Internet Access (PIA) comes with a reliable kill switch which stops your internet connection in the event the VPN malfunctions.
- Data is the most common commodity sold on the dark web, according to Nirmit Biswas, senior research analyst at Market Research Future.
- The Hidden Wiki is the best way to start browsing the dark web because it contains dozens of links to popular .onion sites.
- First, check out our beginner’s guide on how to use Tor, then come back when you’re ready to get started.
Visiting dark web websites can be risky due to the unregulated nature of the network. Users may encounter scams, malware, or illegal content while browsing the dark web. It is important to exercise caution and use discretion when accessing these websites.
While the dark web remains a mysterious and sometimes dangerous place, it also serves as a platform for freedom of speech, privacy, and activism. Exploring the depths of the dark web can provide insight into the hidden corners of the internet that many never see.
