Understanding the Deep Web
The term deep web refers to parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This includes anything behind paywalls, databases, and private information systems.
What is the Deep Web?
DeepDotWeb has tons of useful information including news, tutorials, and status reports of top markets and forums in the dark web. Do NOT perform other activities using the surfer account aside from running the VPN and VM. Enter absolutely no personal information in the surfer account and particularly in the VM. Do launch the Super Onion from the outer layers and work your way inward. For example, connect to the VPN only in the surfer account; power on the VM only after the VPN is fully connected.
The deep web is significantly larger than the surface web—estimated to be over 500 times more vast. It encompasses:
ExpressVPN offers 3,000+ of them in 160 locations, so to maximize the performance, you should choose the one closest to you. The first step is to get a quality VPN and for this case, I recommend ExpressVPN. This provider fully supports Tor over VPN, which means that it can be used to get on the dark web. Beware that this is NOT a free VPN and we intentionally avoid free providers due to security issues. Through it, your ISP can see that you’ve entered the Tor network, although it has no ability to track your activities. Still, this is enough to make them suspicious of your activities on the dark web, as Tor is used mainly for this purpose.
- Online banking systems
- Scientific databases
- Subscription-based content
- Medical records
- Private social network information
The internet is home to billions of websites — an estimated 1.7 billion to be exact, although that number changes every day as new sites are made and others are deleted. Your daily internet activity likely falls within the publicly available and readily accessible portion of the internet (otherwise known as the surface web). However, there are additional “levels” of the internet beyond that top level. 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.
In the end, let us address a few important questions we haven’t answered in this article. Of course, before arriving at its destination i.e. the website you want, your traffic is decrypted so that you can access the site. In my opinion, this is a much better option for many reasons aside from the fact that your ISP won’t see your Tor usage. To do this, simply open the server list and select the server location you want.
The deep web includes 90 percent of the internet, while the dark web likely includes less than 0.01 percent. Despite the dark web sometimes catering to criminals, some of the marketplace items are entirely legal. For example, art and jewelry can be found on the dark web (and not necessarily after being stolen). Hackers don’t always attack companies and individuals to use the breached data themselves. They can sell that stolen information on the dark web to other scammers and criminals.
The safest way to get on the dark web is through the Tor network. For added safety, first connect to a VPN, then use Tor in a practice known as Tor-over-VPN. Many internet service providers (ISPs) and governments may be suspicious of Tor use, and a VPN will hide your internet activity and prevent anyone from knowing that you’re using Tor. The websites you visit every day represent just a small fraction of the whole internet.
That special software keeps you anonymous and explains why it’s called the dark web. The deep web exists on the basis of privacy and anonymity and is an attraction for people who simply want their information and activities secure and free from unauthorized access or intrusion. The best browser for accessing the dark web safely is the Tor browser. Tor is designed to anonymize your online activity by encrypting your data and bouncing it through a network of volunteer-operated nodes worldwide. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your internet connection or identify your location. Tor browser also blocks plugins, JavaScript, and other potentially harmful elements by default, enhancing your security while browsing the dark web.
This guarantees anonymous communication by protecting the data during the transmission process, making it possible for users of this browser to get around censorship and access the dark web. While it is used for illegal or criminal activity, the browser is also well-liked by journalists, those seeking anonymity, and individuals who are political or corporate whistleblowers. The deep web is a layer of the internet that’s not indexed by search engines and requires further permissions to access, like a paywalled academic resource or an employee-only corporate website. The dark web is another layer of the internet where users are anonymous and illegal activities, such as drugs or weapons trading, may occur. While the deep web is full of legal and legitimate content like paywalled publications, databases and academic journals and research, the dark web is much more disreputable. The dark web is the scene of many illegal activities, including black markets for stolen credit cards and personal information, firearms, malware, prostitution, sex trafficking and drugs.
While not all of the deep web is illicit, it’s essential to differentiate it from the dark web, which is a subset known for illegal content and activities.
How to Get into the Deep Web
Knowing how to navigate the deep web can reveal a wealth of information. Here are the steps to access it safely and responsibly:
1. Use a Secure Internet Connection
Before diving into the deep web, ensure you are connected to a secure and private internet connection.
2. Download a Specialized Browser
To access certain parts of the deep web, you will require a specific browser:
- Another alternative is Freenet; like I2P, it won’t give you access to.onion links — only content that was uploaded to Freenet.
- Perhaps you’ve heard the infamous stories about Silk Road, the online marketplace used to sell illegal drugs with bitcoin behind the veil of the Tor browser.
- Priscilla is VPNOverview’s chief editor and has several years of experience in VPNs and product reviews.
- Tor’s security measures aren’t foolproof, but they’re pretty good.
- It has proven useful to increase the safety of journalists and whistleblowers, for instance.
- Tor Browser: This is the most common tool used to access the dark web. It anonymizes your connection by routing it through various servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): For an extra layer of security, use a VPN service to mask your IP address.
Dark Web Tools & Services
3. Learn About Routers and Exit Nodes
Understanding how Tor works—especially concepts like routers and exit nodes—is crucial. Routers keep you anonymous, while exit nodes can be risky.
4. Accessing Hidden Services
Once you have set up your Tor Browser, you can visit hidden services that end in .onion. Make sure to use trusted links to access these sites.
5. Practice Caution and Security
While exploring the deep web, always prioritize your safety:
- Do not share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sites.
- Use anonymous email services when required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all content not indexed by standard search engines, while the dark web refers specifically to secretive, often illegal segments of the deep web that require specific software, like Tor, to access.
Is using the deep web legal?
Accessing the deep web itself is legal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
What are some legitimate uses of the deep web?
Some legitimate uses include:
- Research for academics or professionals
- Accessing subscription-based databases
- Utilizing securely stored personal information
Can I get caught browsing the deep web?
While Tor provides anonymity, it’s not foolproof. Engaging in illegal activities can still lead to legal repercussions. Therefore, always exercise caution.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to get into deep web is about information retrieval and understanding internet privacy. Always prioritize your security, respect the laws, and know the difference between various layers of the web.