Dark Web Sites: 10 Tips to Access the Dark Web Safely

In the darkest corners of the internet, an array web sites that are hidden cater to a range of interests and needs. From encrypted communication channels to hacking forums, to illegal marketplaces and ad-hoc marketplaces, the dark web is a place of interest for millions of everyday users. Find out details about five major types of dark web sites and what they have to offer.

Notification: Before diving into the dark web, keep in mind that it’s dangerous and not regulated. If you have to connect to dark web sites, be aware of fraud on the internet and other fraudulent schemes.

5 Types of Dark Web Sites

1. Darknet markets

The dark web marketplaces are sites that usewhere you can buy and sell illegal goods and services such as theft of credit card and account login details and counterfeit products, including drugs and many more things. The majority of transactions on the dark web are done using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.

This is a list of items and services that were offered on dark marketplaces such as AlphaBay, Dream Market, Hansa Market, and the Silk Road in the past:

• Stolen customer data
• Stolen credit cards
• Account login credentials
• Forgeries
• Trade secrets
• Personally identifying information
• Social Security numbers
• Illegal pornography
• Malware
• Hacking services and cyberweapons
• Hitman services
• Drugs and pharmaceuticals
• Educational materials
• Privacy and security tools

There are a number of online darknet markets, however they are often extremely unstable because of government intervention. If you have access to a dark web websites for legal reasons look through directories such as The Hidden Wiki to help to find alternatives.

2. Community forums

Dark web forums usually appear like standard message boards. The difference lies in what you can put up and the privacy of the poster. In contrast to forums on the clear web, forums on the dark web are private and are not controlled. You can share ideas or ask questions, communicate with people who are like you via social networks, or exchange media and documents through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing.

They’re also an effective means of communication for whistleblowers, activists, political activists and ethical hackers. However, criminals may use these tools for illicit purposes, such as talking about shared interests illegally or conspiring to commit crimes or putting up content that is deemed to be unsavory for the internet’s clear channels.

3. Encrypted communication channels

Encrypted communication channels in the dark web permit users to communicate back and forth in a secure online space. Some platforms are exclusively available to users on this dark network. But, a few surface internet platforms offer encryption email services, in addition to dark web variants that permit those living in less tolerant areas to exchange messages freely.

4. Cybercrime and hacking websites

Cybercrime and hacking forums in the dark web forums on the dark web are places for novice hackers for questions to ask asked, for experienced cybercriminals to share their knowledge, and for buyers to locate sellers. Cybercrime products are usually offered through marketplaces, however, you will often find someone selling hacked servers, computer logins, and stolen data on such forums.

Also read: 7 Tips to Protect Yourself from Mobile Phone Hacking

5. Media platforms

There are media sites on the dark web – both legitimate and illegal- that permit users access to digital content outside the surface web’s strict surveillance. You can imagine that these sites often provide explicit, graphic, dangerous, or illegal content. However, that’s not all.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and news sites such as ProPublica and the BBC have also jumped into the dark web. BBC and ProPublica are also ventured into deep into the waters of dark internet. The legitimate media companies maintain their online presence to assist users who may, for a variety of reasons, be unable to access their content through the internet.

How to Find Dark Web Sites

There are a few directories for the dark web on the surface of the web. Some, referred to as shadow directories, require users to connect to the dark web and type in an exclusive URL. For a start, we suggest beginning your search on the web with one of the following resources:

1. The Hidden Wiki: There used to be one Hidden Wiki, but now there are multiple versions on the dark and clear web. If you discover a genuine one, it’s an excellent starting point for discovering “.onion” website addresses. Make sure to do your homework before clicking to make sure that the directory is operating and free of cyber threats such as malware and phishing.
2. GitHub: This software platform is for development and has excellent indexes, including website URL lists, security ratings, categories, and activity statuses.
3. Reddit: You can usually find an extensive list of active and secure Onion sites on the subreddit r/Tor. If you’re unable to find the information you’re looking for, create a thread and ask for suggestions from one of the 200,000+ subreddit members.

Be careful when you are you are crowdsourcing information about how to navigate through the dark web. Make sure you do your homework before making a decision, and avoid clicking on links that appear suspicious.

How to access dark web sites?

Accessing content on the dark web requires some additional actions, however, it’s as complicated as you believe. The entire process is reduced to five easy steps. Here’s how you can safely navigate the dark web sites and protect yourself from fraud, fraudulent links, and much more on darknet websites that might be insecure:

1. Download a dark browser such as Tor and I2P.
2. Set up your settings and create the connection.
3. Use a dark-web compatible search engine like Ahmia or DuckDuckGo.
4. Select for “Onionize” aka anonymize your search.
5. Find a website that is interesting to you and type in the URL.

1. Download a dark web browser

To access the dark web, you first need to download a dark web browser. The majority of users utilize Tor (The Onion Router) or I2P (The Invisible Internet Project).

In addition to revealing websites hidden by clear web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari, Dark web browsers hide their users’ identities by routing their traffic through some encrypted relays. This makes it virtually impossible to pinpoint where the traffic originates from.

2. Configure settings

Click on the three horizontal bars that are to the left of the shield and Broom, scroll down and then select “Settings.” Here, you can choose you passwords, your cookies, the history of your browser, site data and user authentication preferences. It is also possible to update your permissions to increase your security and prevent hackers from accessing the camera or microphone on your phone or even your location.

3. Use a dark-web compatible search engine

Some search engines on the dark web have been designed specifically for darknet browsing, whereas others work on the clear web. All are acceptable as long as they can retrieve data from the unindexed dark web and safeguard your privacy. The most popular search engines that will assist you in discovering hidden content and anonymize your internet traffic are DuckDuckGo along Ahmia.

4. Anonymize your search

DuckDuckGo is integrated within the Tor browser, which makes it an ideal choice for finding websites that are dark on the internet. Before you begin your search, you must click the toggle next to “Onionize” to anonymize your session. This blocks your activities and your identifiers to ensure that you can browse in peace and securely from the scrutiny of others or identity theft.

5. Input a darknet web address

You may be used to typing words or phrases on the web’s surface and then pressing “Enter,” and receiving pages of results. This isn’t the case in the black web. You need to enter an actual website address rather than “surfing the web” to locate what you are looking for.

The dark web URLs appear to be quite complex since they employ an undetermined mix of 56 numbers, letters, and characters. They also finish with a specific darknet domain suffix, such as “.onion” or “.i2p.” It is rare to see websites on the dark web that end in the familiar “.com,” “.org,” or “.net” domains. You can typically discover dark web URLs via forums or databases, or simply by talking to other users who use these sites.

Also read: Top 10 Anti-Malware Software

10 Tips for Browsing Dark Web Sites Securely

Dark web browsers and Search engines perform a lot of work to hide user identities, but they’re never totally untraceable. And, of course, privacy protections don’t guard against other risks like hacking or malware.

To be safe from the dark web sites, be aware of these 10 tips in your mind:

1. Utilize a VPN: Encrypt your internet connection to keep your internet session private.
2. Upgrade your OS: Keep other dark web users from exploiting weaknesses on your device.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: Use secure and private Wi-Fi networks to regulate your online activity and limit your exposure to security risks.
4. Don’t make your identity public: Use a fake email address on the dark web to make it more difficult for other people to find your identity.
5. Create difficult-to-guess passwords: Set secure passwords and utilize a trusted account manager to ensure it’s more difficult for other people to gain access to your accounts.
6. Limit how much information you publish online: Avoid accidentally publicizing private information via dark websites, be it via forums, messages or marketplaces.
7. Learn to recognize Phishing attempts: Make sure you check URLs before you click to avoid from accidentally going to fraudulent websites.
8. Make it more difficult for other people to monitor yourself: Cover your device’s webcam and microphone to safeguard yourself from surveillance by unauthorized parties.
9. Do not click on suspicious links:Don’t click suspicious links or download attachments in order to prevent malware infection.
10. Use identity theft protection software: Use a service like LifeLock Standard with monitoring of the dark web and credit alerts that help you identify and guard from identity theft.

Ending point — Browsing Dark Web Sites Securely

Browsing dark web sites securely requires preparation, awareness, and the right tools. By following essential safety practices like using a trusted VPN, accessing the dark web through secure browsers, and avoiding suspicious links, you can minimize risks and protect your privacy. Always stay cautious and prioritize security to ensure your experience is both safe and private. Remember, browsing dark web sites securely is not just about accessing hidden content—it’s about safeguarding your digital identity every step of the way.