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Explore the parts of the internet Google can’t see
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Curious about what happens on the Deep Web? The Deep Web refers to web data you can't find using a search engine like Google. Unlike the Dark Web , the hidden corner of the internet often used to conduct illicit or anonymous activity, anyone can get to the Deep Web safely using a regular browser. We'll show you how to find information on the Deep Web and safely dip your toes into the Dark Web.
Accessing the Deep Web: Quick Info
You can't use Google to access the Deep Web—you'll need to go directly to websites and archives to find non-indexed files. Unlike the Dark Web, which requires a special web browser called Tor, you can use any browser to access the Deep Web.
Steps
Section 6 of 8:
Browsing the Dark Web with Tor
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Download and install Tor. Dark Web addresses typically look like long strings of letters and numbers and always end with .onion . Unlike browsing the Deep Web, you'll need a special web browser to browse the Dark Web because of these strange addresses. You can find Tor, the most popular browser used to access the Dark Web, at https://www.torproject.org/download .
- Tor has some added features for security, including the ability to change your location so that websites think you're in another region.
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Connect to Tor . Once your VPN is turned on and no browser windows are open, open Tor and click Connect . This will open the Tor home page. [3] X Research source
- Tor recommends that you don't maximize the Tor window, as doing so will publicize your screen size—this could be problematic if you're trying to be anonymous. [4] X Research source
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Change your Tor security settings. Once you've launched Tor, click the shield icon at the top-right, select Change , and then choose Safest as your security level. [5] X Research source This ensures that tracking scripts and other forms of monitoring cannot load on Dark Web sites.
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Browse the Dark Web. Now that you're on the Dark Web, you can visit websites that end with .onion .
- A mostly safe place to start is The Hidden Wiki , a site that contains a frequently updated set of links to common Dark Web sites including email tools, messaging, website hosting, blogs, and more. Find it at https://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion. [6] X Research source
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Section 8 of 8:
Dark Web Browsing Precautions and Tips
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Never access the Dark Web without a VPN. Before downloading Tor, which is the most common Dark Web-accessible web browser, you must sign up for and install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection. [8] X Research source NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are common choices, but you can choose any VPN that has the following features:
- A kill switch for when your VPN goes down.
- A no-log policy can protect you if the government demands log files from your VPN server.
- Anonymous sign-up.
- Quick load times.
- Protection against IP and DNS leaks.
- The ability to connect via another country's server.
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Make sure that your VPN is on before connecting to Tor. Your VPN will hide your IP address from anyone attempting to view your location.
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Linux is strongly recommended for people who plan on using the Dark Web. Tails is a popular option, as it's portable and has the Tor network built in. You could also use a virtual machine instead of booting Tails from a USB or optical drive, such as VirtualBox .
- If you're on a Mac, you should be fine if you use a VPN and Tor. Just make sure you're protected from viruses and other malware—Malwarebytes is a great option for malware protection.
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Avoid buying anything or sending money on the Dark Web. Much of the Dark Web's illegal content is based on things like human trafficking, illicit drug and firearm sales, and so on. Nearly anything available for sale on the Dark Web would be illegal in most regions.
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Never download files or accept chat requests while on the Dark Web. Do not search for or click links to pages referencing or participating in illegal topics. Simply viewing certain types of web pages may be illegal in your region, so it's best not to take any chances.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionShould I take any precautions while on the deep web?Community AnswerCover your webcam and microphone. Do not enter your email address or any passwords while using TOR. Hide your IP address. Be aware in advance that you may see things you later wish you hadn't.
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QuestionIf someone is trying to hunt me down what do I need to do in order to keep out of their way?JayRulesWikihowCommunity AnswerMake sure you do not make any contact with ANYONE on the deep web so you do not have this issue. Have a VPN and antivirus protection software on hand so you can keep yourself safe from hacks. If possible, use an old computer you don't mind getting messed up and make sure it is running Mac or Linux, so it is less likely to get viruses. I recommend using a VM.
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QuestionHow much trouble can I get into just for venturing onto the deep web?Community AnswerNone, as long as you don't do anything illegal like buying or selling illicit items. You are protected under the first amendment. Also, follow good OPSEC.
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- Parts of the Dark Web are used to store raw research data and other tidbits of information that you may find interesting to browse.Thanks
- The internet can be broken up into three main parts: the Surface or Clear web (roughly 4 percent of the Internet), the Deep Web (roughly 90 percent of the Internet), and the Dark Web (around 6 percent of the Internet).Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-the-deep-web-and-the-dark-web
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/dark-web
- ↑ https://tb-manual.torproject.org/running-tor-browser/
- ↑ https://support.torproject.org/tbb/maximized-torbrowser-window
- ↑ https://tb-manual.torproject.org/security-settings/
- ↑ https://thehiddenwiki.org/
- ↑ https://www.netmeister.org/blog/ddg-tor.html
- ↑ https://www.wired.co.uk/article/what-is-the-dark-web-how-to-access
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- "This page was exactly what I was looking for, and helped me out no end. I was looking for clear and precise instructions, in a step-by-step format, with helpful warnings about the possible dangers and hazards of installing and accessing the Dark Web, and this page delivered everything I wanted and more. I found it to be extremely helpful, and I'm very happy I found it. " ..." more
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"This page was exactly what I was looking for, and helped me out no end. I was looking for clear and precise instructions, in a step-by-step format, with helpful warnings about the possible dangers and hazards of installing and accessing the Dark Web, and this page delivered everything I wanted and more. I found it to be extremely helpful, and I'm very happy I found it. "
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