What Is the Dark Web?

As a confident and well-rounded Internet user, you have come across the term “dark web” more than once. And for sure, more than once, you wondered what it is and how to get there to at least slightly see what happens on the other side of the web.

This unknown part of the Internet is not as easily accessible as it might seem at first glance. It is not accessible through popular search engines such as Google or Bing. In other words, these are hidden sites that can only be accessed using certain software.

This dark part of the Internet has such a name for a reason. It’s a dark net because it is possible to commit illegal actions that can be hidden from the police. It can be the purchasing or saling of drugs, weapons, or personal data. Some people even offer killer services or scamming on the Dark Web.

There are suitable tools to help you keep your privacy in a dark space or in contact with people who arrive in areas with limited internet. 

Remember that the most important thing is your safety on the web, and you do not need troubles there. Don’t forget that the Internet can have more dangers that the real world has.

So what is the black web, and why should you be aware of it? Read our article to find out.

What Are the Dangers of the Dark Web?

If you break down the whole Internet system into its components, three stages that you can access can be noted.

Superficial	The first stage – or you can also call it superficial, is the one that most people often use. These are such common sites as Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
Deep Web	The second stage is the deeper part of the web. Many search engines can’t find this part of the web. However, you can still access this space with help of many Internet instructions and tools.
Dark Web	And the last one is a completely hidden space of the Internet, which can only be accessed with the help of certain programs. For example, using the Tor Browser. That part of the Internet is called DarkNet/Dark Web.

The black web is often used by criminals to make purchases of illegal substances, items, or content. But the dark web is also known for positive things like the absence of censorship, the openness of users and the ability to see the real picture of the world around us.

It doesn’t matter why you decide to enter the dark web, it is also important for you to understand that there are dangers that can wait for you on the web. It is vital to foresee and prevent them. Let’s take a closer look at the common dangers of the dark net.

Malware and Viruses

There are a lot of malicious actors on the dark web looking to infect computers with malware and viruses. These can be used to steal personal information, take over someone’s computer, or hold data hostage until a ransom is paid. Be careful when downloading anything from the dark web, and ensure you have installed a good antivirus program.

Scams and Fraud

Just like on the usual web, there are plenty of scammers and fraudsters on the Dark Web. They look to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. For example, you might face a fake website that looks exactly like a legal marketplace. But If you purchase something on this site, you’ll likely never receive your order. You will also leave your money to the scammer. As a result, do your research before making any transactions on the dark web, and use only sites you trust.

Hackers

Hackers are also popular on the black web. They can use your personal information to commit identity theft or fraud, or they may blackmail you with your data until you pay money. Pay attention to who you share your personal information with on the dark web. Also, ensure you have a good security system on the web.

Data Breaches

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and the dark web is often where these stolen data sets end up. If your personal information is compromised in a data breach, criminals could use it to commit identity theft or fraud. Keep an eye on your credit report and financial accounts for any suspicious activity, and never click on links or attachments from unknown sources.

Child Pornography

Unfortunately, this is rampant on the dark web. If you accidentally stumble across this type of content, it can be disconcerting and may be illegal in your country. Be careful what you click on while browsing the dark web, and consider using a VPN to protect your identity.

These are just some of the dangers that come with accessing the dark web. While there are many legitimate reasons to do so, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Be sure to take precautions like using a VPN and only accessing trusted sites to help keep yourself safe.

What Is on the Dark Web?

The dark web is a term used to describe content not indexed by search engines and requires special software or authorization to access. The dark web is a subset of the internet that is only accessible through specific browsers or network configurations.

You can find many useful sites that give you a new Internet experience on the Dark Web. Most often, these services are aimed at lack of censorship, advocates for freedom of speech on the network, and the anonymity of users.

So, on the dark net, you can find an uncensored version of Facebook, in which you can write what you think and not what the original Facebook allows with censorship, as in dictatorial countries.

You can also find many forums where you can discuss whatever you want. However, it would be best if you were careful here, as many discussion threads are devoted to illegal substances, the manufacture of explosives, and other illegal things.

On the dark web, you can also find markets where you can buy legal products and those prohibited by state laws in many countries. If you decide to order something on the darknet, you should be very careful, as there is a risk that you will be deceived.

What’s the Difference Between the Deep Web and the Dark Web?

The deep web is a subset of the surface web that traditional search engines can’t index. It includes unindexed websites, behind-the-scenes content, and other information that hasn’t been made public.

The dark web is a small part of the deep web that can only be accessed using special software, such as The Onion Router (Tor). It’s often used for illegal activity, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and other illegal goods. However, there are also many legitimate uses for the dark web, such as anonymity and privacy.

What Tools and Services to Use for the Dark Web?

You can use a few tools and services to access the dark web. The most popular are the Onion Router and Tor:

• Tor is free, open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It does this by routing your traffic through a network of volunteer nodes, making it difficult to trace your activity back to you. To access the dark web with Tor, you’ll need to download and install the software from the Tor Project website. Once installed, you can launch the Tor Browser and start browsing .onion websites.
• Another popular tool for accessing the dark web is I2P or the Invisible Internet Project. Like Tor, I2P is free, open-source software that routes your traffic through a network of volunteer nodes. However, I2P is explicitly designed for anonymous file sharing, making it a popular choice for downloading torrents and other files. To access the dark web with I2P, you’ll need to download and install the software from the I2P website. Once installed, you can launch the I2P router and start browsing .i2p websites.

In addition to these tools, a number of paid services allow you to access the dark web. These services typically provide more features and better security than the free options, but they come at a cost.

One of the most popular paid dark web services is VPN. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your traffic and routes it through a private server, making it difficult to trace your activity. This makes VPNs popular for people concerned about their privacy and security online.

There are many different VPN providers to choose from, but not all provide access to the dark web. If you’re looking for a VPN that does, we recommend ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and well-reviewed VPN providers on the market, and they offer a 7-day free trial, so you can try it before you buy:

1. To get started with ExpressVPN, visit their website and create an account.
2. Once you’ve created an account, download and install the ExpressVPN software.
3. Then, launch the software and connect to a server in a country where the dark web is legal.
4. Once connected to a server, you can start browsing .onion websites with the Tor Browser.

What Are the Dark Web Websites?

Many black web websites range from illegal markets to anonymous social networks. Here are some of the most popular dark websites:

• The Silk Road was the first and most famous dark website. It was an online marketplace where people could anonymously buy and sell illegal drugs. The FBI shut down the site in 2013, but several clones and successors have been there since then.
• The Silk Road 2.0 was one of the first Silk Road clones. It launched shortly after the original site was shut down and quickly became popular. However, the site was soon shut down by the FBI as well.
• AlphaBay is one of the largest dark web markets. It’s similar to the Silk Road but much larger and offers a broader range of goods, including weapons and counterfeit documents.
• Dream Market is another popular dark web market. It’s similar to AlphaBay, but it has a more user-friendly interface and offers aEscrow system to protect buyers and sellers.
• Hansa Market is a dark web market that launched in 2016. It’s similar to other markets but has strict rules against illegal goods.
• Riseup is a popular black web website that provides secure email, chat, and file-sharing services. It’s often used by activists and journalists who need to communicate securely.
• ProtonMail is a black web page that provides encrypted email services. It’s one of the most popular dark websites because it’s easy to use and offers a high level of security.
• The Onion Router (TOR) is a dark web site that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It’s one of the most popular black web websites because it’s free and easy to use.

How Do You Get on the Dark Web?

The dark web is not accessible through traditional search engines like Google. You need to use a special Tor Browser to access the dark web.

The Tor Browser is a modified version of the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It’s available for free from the Tor Project website.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the Tor Browser, launch it and type in the address of a black web page. The address will usually end with .onion.

Is the Dark Web Legal or Illegal?

The legality of the dark net depends on where you are in the world. In some countries, like the United States, accessing the dark web is legal. However, in other countries, like China, accessing the dark web is illegal.

Why Can No One Shut Down the Dark Web?

The dark web is decentralized, which means there is no central server that can be shut down. To take down the dark web, law enforcement would need to shut down every single server that hosts a .onion website. This is practically impossible, which is why the dark web has existed for many years.

Useful Tips for Safe Dark Web Browsing

Even though the dark web can be a dangerous place, there are some things you can do to stay safe. Here are some useful tips for safe dark web browsing:

• Install and use a VPN: A VPN (a virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another country. This makes it very difficult for anyone to track your activity or steal your information. We recommend using ExpressVPN, one of the best VPNs on the market.
• Use the Tor Browser: The Tor Browser is a modified version of Mozilla Firefox designed for anonymity. It’s available for free from the Tor Project website.
• Be careful what you click: Many dark websites contain malware that can infect your computer. Be careful what you click on while browsing the dark web. If you’re unsure if a site is safe, don’t do anything on these web pages.
• Please don’t do anything illegal: This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Don’t do anything illegal while browsing the dark web. If you do, you could be arrested and sentenced to prison.

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