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Well, VPN over Tor is basically its opposite – instead of going through the VPN first, the signal passes through the Tor network, before going through the VPN. There’s no broad consensus on dark web safety, but you at least need to use Tor and VPN together. Once you have those, there are several ways to tunnel through the dark web. There are also many tools that can be use to monitor the dark web and scan for personally identifiable information and even respond to attacks. Many dark websites are set up by scammers, who constantly move around to avoid the wrath of their victims. Even commerce sites that may have existed for a year or more can suddenly disappear if the owners decide to cash in and flee with the escrow money they’re holding on behalf of customers.
The surface web (often referred to as the “visible web”) is the portion of the web available to the general public and indexed in the standard web search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. There is a chance that you don’t know if your activity is illegal. Purchasing guns on the black market is an obvious illegal act, but if you are on a forum that includes threats or violence, legality is not so clear.
There are other ways for spies, hackers or other adversaries to target Tor. Lewis points to the “first contact problem”, when an attacker spots when someone moves from non-private tools to private ones, noting it’s been used to identify whistleblowers. It will normally take a while to connect because Tor — unlike other browsers — will route your traffic through different nodes. You should also keep in mind that overall speeds will likely be impacted; for example, a page might take a few seconds longer to load than what you are used to.
The deep web is an umbrella term for web pages that aren’t indexed by search engines. This includes bank accounts, private photo albums, medical records, and so on. In most cases, you need the direct URL and login credentials to view deep web content. If you want to be extra safe, routing your connection through a VPN and then accessing the dark web using the Tor browser provides more security than Tor alone. You can also use the Tails operating system to further protect yourself. If you’re just browsing the dark web out of curiosity, Tor, or a Tor and VPN configuration is safe enough.
Millions of customers’ personal data, including names, addresses, bank account and credit card account information, and many other forms of sensitive data. There are multiple search engines on the dark web that can help you find what you’re looking for. DuckDuckGo’s no-track dark web search service can be accessed in the Tor browser and is an excellent resource for information about the dark web. Unlike the surface and deep web, you can’t access the dark web via a standard or specialized search engine. To access the dark web, you’ll need a specific set of tools – more about that later in the step-by-step section.
Understanding the Deep Web
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. It encompasses a vast array of content, from academic databases to private company resources, offering more depth than the surface web that most users frequent.
If you find trojans, viruses, and other forms of malware, take steps to quarantine and clean the device. The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online. To be sure your activity on the dark web is protected, using a reputable VPN that doesn’t keep logs is recommended. Now that you’re connected to the Dark web, you need someplace to go. NordVPN is particularly important as it encrypts your data and ensures malicious elements on the dark web can’t cause harm to you. You can try all of NordVPN’s features by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Difference: Deep Web vs. Dark Web
With these benefits, gaining access to the dark web will be a breeze, which cannot be said about free providers that I simply can’t recommend. Additionally, the entry node itself will be able to see your IP address and the VPN can also see your traffic. Although, if you use a safe and secure provider, that shouldn’t be a big issue. On the other hand, your ISP won’t be able to tell that you’re using a VPN. In this case, you’ll need to download the setup file from ExpressVPN’s site and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. It’s easy and the whole process lasts about 20 to 30 seconds, so it’s not going to chip away too much of your time.
Many people often confuse the deep web with the dark web, but they are distinctly different:
End User Protection Against Exploitation By The Dark Web
- Deep Web: Contains unindexed content including databases, personal accounts, and online banking. Safe to navigate in most cases.
- Dark Web: A portion of the deep web intentionally hidden and requires specific software to access. Often associated with illegal activities.
How to Get Into Deep Web
Entering the deep web requires some knowledge and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Step 1: Secure Your Device
Before you begin exploring the deep web, ensure that your device is secure:
- Install a reputable antivirus software.
- Use a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address.
- Keep your operating system and software updated.
Step 2: Use the Right Tools
Accessing the deep web requires specific tools:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common tool for accessing the deep web. It anonymizes your web traffic.
- Freenet: A decentralized peer-to-peer platform for sharing files and accessing websites anonymously.
- Subgraph OS: An operating system designed for privacy and security, making it suitable for deep web use.
Step 3: Download and Install Tor Browser
To access the deep web, follow these steps:
- Download the Tor Browser from its official website.
- Install the browser, following the on-screen instructions.
- Once installed, open Tor Browser to connect to the Tor network.
Step 4: Understanding the .onion Domains
Many deep web sites operate under the .onion domain, which can only be accessed through the Tor browser. To find these sites:
- Refer to search engines built for Tor, such as Ahmia or NotEvil.
- Browse forums and communities (like the r/deepweb subreddit) to discover valuable links.
- Exercise caution and prioritize safety over curiosity when visiting unknown sites.
Safety Tips for Navigating the Deep Web
Exploring the deep web can be risky. Follow these best practices to ensure your safety:
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Be cautious of suspicious links and downloads.
- Do not engage in illegal activities to evade potential legal consequences.
- Use secure passwords and consider using a password manager.
FAQs about the Deep Web
- These sites use a different addressing system that ensures the anonymity of both the website operators and visitors.
- Whenever sensitive data and personally identifiable information end up on the dark web, you can expect a whole host of problems to follow.
- This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.
- Actual access to the dark web is done through the Firefox-based Tor browser which needs to be downloaded and installed.
- With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.”
Q: Is it legal to access the deep web?
A: Yes, accessing the deep web is legal, but engaging in illegal activities can have legal repercussions.
Q: What types of content can I find on the deep web?
A: You can find a variety of content, including academic journals, private databases, and forums for niche interests.
Q: Can I access the deep web from my smartphone?
A: Yes, there are mobile versions of the Tor Browser available for both Android and iOS, but use caution and ensure security measures are in place.
Exploring the deep web can be an engaging way to access unique content safely. However, due diligence and security practices are essential to protect your identity and data.
