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The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above. The deep web is the first level beneath the “surface” of the visible web — and it’s significantly larger than the surface web, accounting for anestimated 96% to 99%of the entire internet. The “dark web” refers to websites that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google and Bing.
The underlying IP address and server location are hidden, and you also need a specific web browsing software called Tor to open it. Yes, accessing the dark web on Android is fairly straightforward. All you need to do is download the official Tor browser app from the Play Store and connect to the Tor network. These steps are all the same if you want to access anything on the deep web.
- Since this is sensitive information and requires a unique login, it doesn’t need to be made publicly available via search engines.
- But this amount of privacy has helped it gain a bad reputation as a forum for those who want to use it for illicit activities.
- There might be slight differences in the page layout depending on your geographical location or device.
- Since then, especially in reporting on Silk Road, the two terms have often been conflated, despite recommendations that they should be distinguished.
- Such standards require that each review will be based on an independent, honest and professional examination of the reviewer.
Specialized criminal groups thrive since it’s easier to combine stolen data with compromised infrastructure and malware. This means even less-skilled malicious hackers can launch cyber attacks and start a lucrative business. This high barrier entry to the Dark Web exists to protect user identities, online activities and location, and maintain their anonymity.
Dark Web Websites 2023
The first thing you need to access the dark web is a browser that essentially opens up the dark web for you, and the most popular dark web browser of them all is Tor. Let’s say you’re in New York and you want to search a site hosted in New Jersey. Instead of connecting you directly, the Tor browser takes you on at least three random detours called relays. Your request could go from New York to South Africa, from South Africa to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to New Jersey. The Tor browser looks like any other, except that there’s a whole lot happening that you don’t see.
In this case, your traffic goes through Tor’s network first before going through a VPN. Your internet service provider still won’t see your IP address, but they will know that you are using Tor. Dark web search engines don’t quite resemble the search engines you’re used to seeing, like Google.
How To Access Dark Web Safely
Luckily, Clario is here to give you a worry-free digital experience. The dark web is frequently used by journalists to hide their IP addresses when digging into a sensitive investigation or potential story. The dark web allows citizens living under oppressive regimes to communicate safely. It was used extensively during the Arab Spring uprising in the early 2010s. Should any of your personal information ever be exposed in a data breach, spyware or phishing attack, there’s a good chance it will be taken to the dark web so a buyer can be found.
If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. There’s also plenty of practical value for some organizations. Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground on the dark web looking for stolen data from recent security breaches that might lead to a trail to the perpetrators. Many mainstream media organizations monitor whistleblower sites looking for news.
Onion Wallet
The reason why the deep net provides this level of privacy for website hosts is that the .onion address that you use to access the website obfuscates the actual IP address of the server. This makes it impossible to track down the physical server under ordinary circumstances. If you use the widest definition of the deep web, then it’s a vast ocean of websites. Yes, there is nothing inherently illegal about accessing the deep web. With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access. In reality, there’s nothing inherently dangerous about accessing either, and doing so is surprisingly simple.
All I had to do was contact an agent using its 24/7 live chat function and answer some questions regarding my experience. My request was approved, and it only took 3 days to see my money back. For additional security, set Tor’s security level to “Safest”. To do this, simply click the shield button at the top right corner of the browser.
Is there a dark web search engine?
If a breach is detected, BreachGuard will notify you right away and help you take the steps you need to secure your data immediately. If you become a victim, report the identity theft as soon as possible. And remember that there are better ways to prevent identity theft than being forced to buy back your data off the dark web. Easiest to turn on the VPN and then open Tor browser, which will run your connection through the VPN server first and then onto the Tor Network. Yes, it’s possible that your phone number is on the dark web. The best way to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” website.
To summarize, the best VPNs for accessing the dark web safely are…
Tor also permits surfing the deep web areas you have access to and the regular surface web anonymously as long as you don’t log in to personal accounts. It’s similar to using a VPN service, and applying both solutions gives you as much security as you can get. There are areas of the internet that are considered the deep web for some but not for others. For example, heavy internet restrictions in China have walled off large chunks of the internet that people in most other countries can freely access.
