Accountability And Transparency
Now that you know how to interpret the results, let’s move on to the final section, where we will discuss ways to protect your identity on the Dark Web and in your online activities. The only way to really get to know this side of the internet is to travel it yourself. Even being a cautious traveler can earn you some valuable knowledge. The invisible/deep web is full of information not found on the regular/surface web, meaning that a normal web search engine isn’t always enough to dig up information on someone. The average person doesn’t share their private life with just anyone; they let specific people know it when the information is needed. For example, you might tell your closest friend about a problem in your personal life, but you would not tell the clerk at your grocery store.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves legitimate purposes, such as protecting privacy and allowing anonymous communications.
Once a user installs a dark web browser on a device, it functions like a regular browser. That said, it can be difficult for users to find the material they are looking for on the dark web. Addresses tend to be a mix of random numbers and letters, making them challenging to remember or access manually. Addresses also change frequently due to the transient nature of many dark web actors. Finally, because the dark web routes all traffic through a series of proxy servers, which are operated by thousands of volunteers around the world, the search process is typically very slow.
“The Tor network is another network which sits on top of the TCP/IP internet, stitching the participating computers together into a wholly new network ‘space’, not IPv4, not IPv6, but ‘Onion Space’.” They vary significantly with results (due to the sites that are crawled with their platforms), advanced search options (such as boolean or multilingual searching), and intent. Investigators will ideally look across multiple search engines as part of their investigation and compare results, or target their searching to search engines that provide a particular service. Simply accessing TOR from your standard machine is not advised due to possible security implications. For a lot of users, they will favor ease-of-use over security and connect directly from their standard workstation, but this has serious security considerations. The TOR browser is built on Firefox as a base, and therefore it is subject to the same vulnerabilities that Firefox has.
Why Search the Dark Web?
Now that you have completed the search, let’s move on to the next step, where we will discuss how to interpret the results and protect your identity. However, for those curious about their online presence and wanting to investigate what information may be available about them, searching oneself on the Dark Web can provide some insights. It’s important to note that this should be done with caution and proper preparation. As an example, I visited Kansas Secretary of State | VoterView to find someone’s home address, and all I knew about them was their name and birthday. Other states should work similarly, but it’s possible you’ll need details other than their birthday, or their address might not be public.
People might want to search in the dark web for various reasons:
- Privacy: To communicate without revealing their identity.
- Research: To gather information not available on the surface web.
- Whistleblower Activities: To share sensitive information safely.
- Access to Censorship-Free Information: Reading or sharing information in areas with heavy censorship.
The dark web includes various illicit activities, such as black markets, drug sales, illegal pornography, and hacking forums. It is known for its anonymity and lack of regulation, making it a haven for criminal activity. It is difficult to determine the exact size of the dark web, as it is not indexed by traditional search engines, and its contents are often hidden behind layers of encryption and anonymity. However, it is estimated that the dark web makes up only a small fraction of the overall internet, likely less than 0.01% of the total content.
On the regular web, domains such as are translated into their actual IP addresses via the domain name system (DNS). These tools peer into the online library not indexed by standard search tools, tapping into databases, academic repositories, government archives, and more. While the Dark Web content—a subset of the Deep Web, known for its illicit activities—often grabs headlines, it’s just a fraction of the immense reservoir of the Deep Web. For an added layer of protection, consider purchasing a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN provides you with anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection.
Details for credit cards carrying a balance up to $1,000 cost $150 on average, while stolen online banking login details (for an account with a balance of at least $100) go for just $40. The Tor Browser is the easiest way to access Tor and thus, the Dark Web. It is available for free download and installation on the official website. You can use a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode to hide your Tor Browser download. Some use the Tor Project and Freenet as synonyms for the Dark Web, but that’s incorrect.
How to Search in the Dark Web
Searching the dark web requires caution and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it safely.
1. Get the Right Tools
Before you can search in the dark web, you need to have the appropriate software:
- Tor Browser: The most popular way to access the dark web. It anonymizes your traffic.
- VPN service: Using a Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of privacy.
- Encryption Tools: For secure communications.
2. Set Up Your System
- Tor is a variant of the popular Firefox web browser, modified to allow users to browse the web anonymously.
- TOR, which stands for “The Onion Router,” is a system for anonymous online browsing.
- While the dark web is a hidden and often anonymous part of the internet that needs special software to access, the surface web is the visible part that is easily found using search engines like Google.
- The best way to think of the shape of the internet is an iceberg — what you see on the surface is only a small fraction of the actual web.
To ensure a safe experience while searching:
- Download the Tor Browser from its official website.
- Install a good VPN to hide your IP address.
- Avoid using personal accounts or identifiable information.
3. Finding Dark Web Links
Dark web sites have unique extensions like .onion. To find these links:
- Search for curated directories of .onion sites.
- Join forums or communities that discuss dark web content.
- Use search engines designed for the dark web, such as Ahmia or Not Evil.
4. Navigating the Dark Web
Once you have access, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay within known and trusted websites.
- Do not download files or click on suspicious links.
- Be aware of scams and illegal activities.
Safety Precautions
When searching the dark web, it’s vital to maintain your safety:
- Always use a reliable VPN.
- Do not reveal personal information.
- Keep your software updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
FAQs
What are .onion sites?
.onion sites are special URLs that can only be accessed through the Tor network, often hosting content in the dark web.
Is searching the dark web legal?
Simply searching in the dark web is legal. However, engaging in illegal activities found there is not.
How do I exit the dark web safely?
To exit safely, close the Tor browser and disconnect your VPN to ensure your internet connection is secure once back on the surface web.
Exploring the dark web requires patience, caution, and an understanding of the risks involved. Always prioritize your safety and privacy when engaging in this unique online space.
