How to Search in the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines, making it a place often associated with anonymity and illicit activities. However, there are legitimate reasons individuals might want to explore this hidden part of the web, such as secure communication and protection of privacy. This article provides a guide on how to search in the dark web effectively and safely.
Understanding the Dark Web
Again, not all the dark web is used for illicit purposes despite its ominous-sounding name. Let’s first have a quick overview (see the table below) for a quick comparison between all the different search engines we examined. If you need a great Tor VPN, I recommend ExpressVPN — all its servers allow Tor traffic, it has excellent security and privacy features, and it provides fast browsing speeds. Proton VPN has a really good free plan for browsing dark web links since it allows unlimited data. You also get strong security features, as the VPN has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, an audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. But I think it’s a shame how it’s missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection (ExpressVPN has full leak protection) — still, I never experienced any leaks in my tests.
The Surface Web
Surfshark works well with streaming platforms and is able to access geo-restricted content from the likes of Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Disney+. NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free day trial if you sign up at this page . You can use the VPN rated #1 with no restrictions for a month – great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip. We’ll get into more detail about individual providers later in this article. In addition, real-time website screenshots can be checked without direct access, as shown below.
Before attempting to access the dark web, it’s essential to understand what it is:
Read our activist’s guide to online privacy and security to stay safe online. ProPublica’s onion site is a go-to news publication source if you’re in an oppressive country and need to hide your digital footprints. It’ll also be good for you if you’re interested in unfiltered, thought-provoking news reports.
- Layers of the Internet: The internet can be divided into three main layers: the surface web, deep web, and dark web. The surface web is what most users are familiar with (e.g., websites indexed by Google), while the deep web includes unindexed sites (e.g., databases, private corporate sites).
- Dark Web: This is a small section of the deep web that requires specific software to access, mainly for the purpose of anonymity.
Users asking for links to access services like Netflix, questions about how to hack anything (a social network, a Paypal account…) or even to find pirated games. In this case, Pipl is one of the best search engines on the Deep Wb if you are looking for profiles of people on the web or contact details. It is a quite specific search engine that aims to find people from all over the world with e-mails, names, phone numbers, contact details… It boasts of being able to find millions of people thanks to shared information at some point. The search engine uses algorithms capable of finding information from all kinds of records, scientific publications, personal data information, etc.
Essential Tools for Accessing the Dark Web
This is good practice generally, but particularly important in countries where the Tor browser is blocked, such as China, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. Though visiting the dark web is generally safe, you can still encounter threats. Browsing the dark web is riskier than browsing the surface web, because it’s usually difficult to assess website safety.
Be aware, however, that there are sites for absolutely everything, from the benign to the very illegal. There are some websites you can absolutely get in legal trouble for even visiting, so proceed with the utmost caution. It’s not easy to find what you’re looking for on the dark web, especially if you want to do it safely. You should only ever access websites you know are safe because they’re vetted by websites or other sources that you already know are safe.
Do remember that many of these link locations are not fixed and keep shifting. As Tor deletes all your information when you exit, you will need to refresh the search each time, a practice that is good for privacy lovers. If you want, you may bookmark your favorite onion links on Tor, but it is always better to stash them away in a secure email service like ProtonMail.
To explore the dark web safely, you will need several tools:
- Tor Browser: This is the most popular tool for accessing the dark web. It allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing traffic through several servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a VPN can add an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection before it reaches the Tor network.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using an operating system designed for privacy, like Tails or Whonix. These systems can help reduce risks associated with personal data exposure.
How to Search in the Dark Web
Once equipped with the right tools, follow these steps on how to search in the dark web:
- Install Tor Browser: Download and install the Tor Browser from its official website. Ensure that you follow the installation instructions carefully.
- Use a VPN: Before launching Tor, activate your VPN to encrypt your connection and hide your IP address.
- Access .onion Sites: The dark web primarily operates through .onion sites that require the Tor browser. Use directories like The Hidden Wiki to find .onion links.
- Utilize Dark Search Engines: Instead of relying on Google, use dark web search engines like DuckDuckGo, Not Evil, or Ahmia to find content within the dark web.
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information and consider creating a unique identity for use in dark web forums or marketplaces.
Safety Tips for Dark Web Searching
While exploring the dark web, it is crucial to remain vigilant:
- Do not download files: This can expose your system to malware. Always refrain from downloading unknown files or software.
- Be cautious with links: Ensure you trust the sources and links you click to avoid scams or compromised sites.
- Limit personal information: Avoid providing any personal information, even in forums or chat rooms.
- Be aware of scams: The dark web is riddled with scams and fraud, so always perform due diligence before engaging in transactions or communications.
FAQs About Searching in the Dark Web
- All kinds of illegal goods may be for sale on dark web marketplaces.
- Meanwhile, Immuniweb’s full-time security experts handle the most complicated tasks—tasks that require nothing less than human intelligence.
- For anyone serious about safeguarding their online reputation and privacy, it’s not just enough to conduct a basic search on popular platforms.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you must use the Tor Browser or another specialized tool to access dark web content, as standard browsers cannot navigate .onion domains.
What types of content can be found on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, ranging from forums and marketplaces to news sites focused on whistleblowing. Some of this content is legal, while others may delve into illicit areas.
How can I ensure my safety while browsing?
Always use a VPN, keep your operating system updated, avoid sharing personal information, and remain cautious of potential scams and risks.
By following the information provided above on how to search in the dark web, you can ensure a safer and more informed browsing experience. Stay vigilant and respect the laws regarding online activity.