What is the Dark Web and How to Access the Dark Web

The Dark Web is a part of the internet that hosts hidden sites not indexed by conventional search engines. It uses Onion Router (Tor) technology and relies on anonymous browsers like Tor to access dark web websites, ensuring secrecy and privacy. 

The Dark Web represents a subset of the Deep Web and is also referred to as Darknet markets. It is a hotbed of criminal activities. Using the dark web can indeed put your personal information at risk. The dark web monitoring tools can be essential to protect your personal information in case data breaches occur.

In this article, we will guide you on what the Dark web is, how to access the dark web and the best search engines to use. We’ll guide you through tools for safe navigation, explore various uses, weigh the pros and cons, and offer important safety tips. We’ll also cover how to monitor the Dark Web or remove your personal information from it. 

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web exists on darknets, an overlay network that requires authorization to access, allowing users to navigate without divulging identifying information, such as their location. It is known for illegal activities. Dark web exists on the internet, but you need a specific browser like Tor to access it. 

The question may arise, what percentage of the internet is the dark web? The answer is, the Dark Web represents less than 0.01 percent of the Deep Web. And the Deep web is almost 90% of the internet.

In terms of financial activities, According to Chainalysis, Bitcoin transactions on the dark web grew from $250 million in 2012 to $872 million in 2018, and are expected to exceed $1 billion in 2019. Despite this growth, the proportion of Bitcoin transactions tied to illegal activities has decreased by 6 percent since 2012 and now accounts for less than 1 percent of all Bitcoin transactions. In comparison, the United Nations estimates that global money laundering totals 2 to 5 percent of the world’s GDP, or $1.6 to $4 trillion annually.

As of 2022, daily Dark Web visitors exceed 2.5 million, with a significant portion, about 21.2%, originating from the US. The global market for Dark Web intelligence reached $341.7 million in 2021. Estimates suggest the Dark Web encompasses approximately 5% of the entire internet, though its exact size remains elusive. The Deep Web, vastly larger than the Surface Web, contains the Dark Web as a small segment. The Dark Web hosts various illicit activities, including the sale of hacked crypto accounts and millions of compromised credit card details. In recent developments, Hydra, once the largest active darknet marketplace, faced a crackdown by US authorities in 2022. 

Because of all these illegal activities, things are getting worse day by day. You can also use the dark web for legitimate activities and not just for illegal ones. Let’s see who created the Dark web and what is the purpose behind using the dark web.

When Was the Dark Web Created and Who Created It? 

The Dark Web, conceptualized in 2000, emerged from the visionary work of Ian Clarke, a student at the University of Edinburgh. His thesis project, Freenet, aimed to establish a “Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System”. Its purpose was to facilitate anonymous communication and file sharing online, reflecting Clarke’s innovative approach to internet privacy and freedom.

Contrary to misconceptions, its inception was not intended as a platform for illegal activities but rather as a space to safeguard user privacy and freedom on the internet.

What is the dark web used for?

When you think of the dark web, dealers advertising illegal goods might come to mind, and there’s some truth to that. While the dark web can be useful for keeping communications private, and finding legitimate products. 

It is primarily used for various illegal activities and cyber crimes facilitated by its hidden and anonymous nature. It is accessed through anonymizing services such as Tor, I2P, and Freenet. These browsers use unique search engines like DuckDuckGo’s hidden service to find dark web sites, as they are designed to maintain user anonymity and access the unindexed parts of the internet. 

Threat intelligence often focuses on monitoring these dark web activities to identify and mitigate risks. The dark web serves as a marketplace for crimes, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other malicious activities, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity experts. To navigate it safely, use Tor or other anonymizing browsers, avoid downloading files, use strong passwords, and be cautious of phishing scams and malicious links.

10 Tips Before Navigating to the Dark Web

• Using a VPN is crucial for safely navigating the dark web. A VPN hides your location and stops online criminals from eavesdropping, keeping your activities private.
• Take precautionary measures to protect your personal information and reduce risks like scams, phishing, malware, offensive content, and law enforcement surveillance. Always prioritize your security and stay alert.
• Never share personal information. Many dark web sites lack SSL certificates, making it hard to verify genuine websites. Keeping your details private safeguards your identity.
• Be careful with onion URLs. Verify them through multiple sources or trusted recommendations to avoid malicious sites.
• Avoid clicking on unknown links and engaging in illegal or unethical activities. The dark web is full of offensive material and under surveillance, so browse responsibly.
• Use the Tor browser to access the dark web. It anonymizes your internet traffic by routing it through multiple nodes, adding an extra layer of security.
• Keep your operating system, Tor browser, and related software updated. Regular updates often include security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities.
• Disable JavaScript and other plugins. These can track your activity or deliver malware, so turning them off reduces the risk of being compromised.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your dark web accounts. This reduces the risk of your accounts being hacked.
• Avoid downloading files unless you are sure they are safe. Downloads can contain malware, so be cautious and only download from trusted sources.

You can also use tools and services designed for secure browsing to enhance your protection. 

What Are the Best Tools and Services for Navigating the Dark Web Securely?

Navigating the dark web securely requires leveraging specialized tools and services designed to enhance anonymity and protect against cyber threats

The “Into the Web of Profit” report categorizes risks into 12 tool or service categories, including malware, remote access Trojans, and phishing, each posing threats like data breaches or network compromise. It outlines risks such as devaluing enterprises through brand damage, disrupting operations via DDoS attacks, and defrauding with IP theft. 

These risks highlight the critical need for secure access methods like dark web browsers and careful navigation tools such as dark web search engines. Dark web sites, where criminal groups distribute ransomware-as-a-service kits, exemplify the growing sophistication and profitability of cybercrime. This environment underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate threats and protect against financial and reputational damage.

Let’s explore Dark Web search engines, websites and browsers to access the dark web.

Dark Web Search Engines 

Dark Web search engines are specialized tools designed to index and retrieve information from within the Dark Web’s hidden networks, facilitating users’ access to darknet sites and services. These search engines operate on anonymized networks like Tor and prioritize privacy and anonymity. 

These Dark web search engines enable users to conduct illicit activities, which are classified into a comprehensive attack taxonomy. 

According to research from King’s College London, using web crawlers and popular dark web search engines like Ahmia and Onion City, 5,205 live websites on the Tor network were identified. Of these, 1,547 contained illicit content. The study accessed around 300,000 sites, with Tor estimating 30,000 to 60,000 unique .onion addresses daily.

But again you can use it for legitimate activities as well. Below are some best dark web search engines (with their links) through which you can access dark web: 

Best Dark Web Search Engines in 2024

You have to find the best search engine from the above list; however, it can be challenging to get relevant results. These search engines might provide irrelevant results for specific queries. For more targeted and accurate information, using a dark web browser is recommended..

Dark Web Browsers

Dark web is accessible through dark web browsers such as Tor browser, I2P (Invisible Internet Project) Browser, Tails etc…

See a bit details about these browsers in below diagram:

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Tor Browser:

1. Routes your internet traffic through the Tor network, ensuring anonymity.
2. Provides access to dark web sites and services securely.

Whonix:

1. Privacy-focused operating system with built-in Tor Browser.
2. Runs in a virtual machine to enhance security and anonymity.

I2P Browser:

1. Specifically designed to access the I2P network for anonymous communication.
2. Offers strong privacy protections and supports decentralized applications.

Subgraph OS Browser:

1. Part of a security-focused Linux distribution with integrated Tor Browser.
2. Provides enhanced security features to protect against threats on the dark web.

Tails Browser:

1. Live operating system that can be booted from USB or DVD.
2. Includes pre-configured Tor Browser for anonymous browsing and communication on the dark web.

Let’s access the Dark web by following some easy steps:

How To Access the Dark Web? Step-by-Step Guide

Accessing the dark web is much easier. All you need to do is download and install the Tor browser. Once installed, launch the Tor Browser and enter .onion addresses into the URL bar to visit Dark Web sites. Utilize Dark Web search engines I mentioned above to discover specific content. It’s important to understand that .onion domains are unique to the Dark Web and indicate sites accessible through Tor. 

When navigating Dark Web websites, exercise caution and maintain privacy practices to mitigate potential risks associated with accessing this hidden part of the internet.

Let’s take a deep look into it:

Step 1: Download and Install Dark Web Browser (Tor)

Tor is a free dark web browser which is used to enable anonymous communication. It is the most popular Dark Web browser because it protects users from being traced and it provides unmatchable security and privacy to its users. 

To download the Tor first of all open the Tor Project, 

Click on “download Tor Browser”.

Step 2: Navigate to the Dark web

Once you download it, then you can access the Dark web. 

You must actively locate the specific dark websites you wish to access on your own.Tor itself doesn’t discover anything for you.

Step 3: Use of Dark Web Search Engines

After accessing the dark web using Tor, you rely on a search engine to locate and explore dark web sites. As the dark web search engine is different from a browser. A browser enables you to connect to the internet, a search engine allows you to search for specific content within it. Below are the search engines you can use to explore dark web.

DuckDuckGo:

• Privacy-focused
• Default on Tor Browser
• User-friendly interface

Torch:

• Longevity
• No user tracking
• Effective search capabilities

Ahmia.fi:

• Cross-browser compatibility
• Bridge to Tor for access
• Emphasis on transparency

DarkSearch:

• Daily indexing of Tor pages
• 24/7 availability
• Reliable and extensive coverage

What can you buy on the dark web?

You can buy a variety of legal and illegal things on the dark web. Cybercrime, hacking tools, malware, and stolen data such as credit card information are on sale on the Dark web. You can hire someone to hack systems. You can buy someone’s personal information there. 

If we talk about the legit products, encrypted communication tools, access to academic research papers, hard-to-find books are also being sold there. 

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Exploring Dark Web?

How Do I Know If I Am on the Dark Web? 

You may be on the dark web if you are accessing websites with a .onion domain. You should run a dark web scanner to know if you are on the Dark web or not. You can run a free dark web scan with Malwarebytes.

What are .onion Websites?

.onion websites are special domains used on the Tor network, often referred to as the dark web. These websites are not accessible through traditional browsers like Chrome or Firefox but require a specialized browser such as Tor Browser. .onion domains are designed to provide anonymity to both the servers hosting them and the users accessing them. They often host websites that are not indexed by search engines and may contain a variety of content, ranging from legitimate services to illicit activities, forums, marketplaces, and more. The .onion suffix signifies that the website is part of the Tor network, where users can access content anonymously and privately.

Is It Illegal to Access the Dark Web? 

No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. But if you do illegal activities such as hacking, stealing someone’s personal data, buying or selling drugs. It will be considered illegal. It’s better to monitor the dark web for legal purposes (like communicate anonymously) only.

Is Dark Web Monitoring Worth It? 

Yes, dark web monitoring is worth it. It is the component of cyber threat intelligence. It can protect you from frauds or identity thefts.If you are concerned for your personal information being tracked, you should consider using this service.

Can the Dark Web Be Tracked?

Yes, there’s still a chance that your information will be tracked on the dark web. 

Is Norton Dark Web Monitoring Safe? 

Yes, Norton Dark Web Monitoring is safe to use. They claim to secure your accounts from being scanned or tracked. I highly recommend Norton Dark Web Monitoring Service.

What Methods Are Used to Scan the Dark Web for Illegal Activities? 

Scanning the dark web for illegal activities involves several sophisticated methods. They employ advanced algorithms to detect patterns and anomalies associated with illicit behavior. Automated web crawlers and data scraping techniques are used to gather and index content from various dark web sources.

Human intelligence (HUMINT) involves experts manually browsing dark web forums and marketplaces to identify and report illegal activities. Machine learning algorithms continuously improve their accuracy by analyzing historical data, while keyword monitoring sets up alerts for specific terms related to illegal transactions. Collaboration with law enforcement and transaction tracking of cryptocurrencies further enhance the effectiveness of these methods.

Can I Remove My Email from the Dark Web? 

Unfortunately, no you cannot remove your email from the dark web. It’s better to change your password so that no one can have access anymore.

What If My Personal Information Is on the Dark Web? 

If your personal information is exposed on the dark web then you should change your login credentials and activate 2 step verification on your email to prevent yourself from further loss.

What to Do If My SSN Is on the Dark Web? 

If your SSN is found on the Dark web, you should request blocking electronic access, call the National 800 number at Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Surface Web vs. Deep Web vs. Dark Web: What’s the Difference? 

The Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web represent different layers of the internet, each with distinct purposes and accessibility. The Surface Web is the visible portion that search engines index and includes websites, social media, and general browsing. It’s where most internet users operate. The Deep Web refers to non-indexed content, such as private databases, academic papers, and password-protected sites—content not readily accessible via standard search engines but is legal and widely used. The Dark Web, a small portion of the Deep Web, is encrypted and accessible only through special browsers like Tor. It’s often associated with anonymity and illicit activities, although it also supports privacy-focused applications

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