Deep Web: The Dark Side of Internet

Everything on the internet that is not classified by and so accessible through a search engine like Google is referred to as the deep web. And on the other side, the dark web is a section of the internet that is hidden from search engines and can only be accessed with the anonymizing Tor browser. Dark Web is a division of the larger Deep web. The Dark Web and Deep Web use Tor to access hidden websites that are only accessible through anonymous information transmission services like Tor and that only hackers are aware of how to access. Although the terms "dark web" and "deep web" are considered the same they are not the same thing.

Deep Web

It is part of the Internet that cannot be searched in any search engines. It has been used for 60% of illegal purposes and only for a few legitimate or legal purposes. The Harmful effect includes hacking Netflix account for lifetime access, buying weapons and drugs, starting terrorism groups, and hiring hackers to affect any system the user wants.

Levels of Web

There are mainly eight levels on the Internet. The First Level is the Surface Web and Dark Web comes under the third level.

Dark Web Browser

Using the Tor anonymizing browser is necessary to access the dark web. The requests for online pages are routed through a network of proxy servers managed by thousands of volunteers across the world using this browser, which hides the Internet Protocol (IP) address and prevents it from being tracked. Tor users experience functions like erratic, unreliable, and painfully slow.

The Dark Web is often referred to as a "black market" where people can buy illegal goods such as credit card details, stolen identities, user accounts, drugs, and firearms.

Multiple ways to access the Dark Web

One needs specialized software with built-in peer-to-peer networking functionality in addition to normal browser characteristics to access the dark web. They are currently supported by Tor and I2P (Invisible Internet Project), two different pieces of software. These are web browsers that have extra tools to secure and encrypt web traffic.

Via these programs, one can gain anonymous access to the dark web. Virtual private network (VPN) services add a level of security in this situation. Unfortunately, these programs don't provide foolproof security, thus caution is advised when using the dark web. It is advised not to reveal the identity on the dark web as best practice. Furthermore, using these programs for banking and other financial activities is not advised.

Using the Tor network is the safest way to access the dark web. Use Tor-over-VPN, or connecting to a VPN first, then using Tor, for increased security. A VPN will conceal the internet activities and stop anyone from discovering that are being used by Tor, which may make many internet service providers (ISPs) and governments cautious of Tor use.

1. Connect To a Trusted and Virtual Private Network

Use a reliable VPN to encrypt your internet connection and mask the IP address. A VPN and Tor are not the same things, even though they both offer encryption.

2. Downloading and Installing the Web Browser

Tor Browser is Free to download and sends all of the traffic over the secure Tor network. As unapproved third-party downloads may include viruses, only the official website of the Tor Project should be used to download the Tor Browser.

3. Browsing Using Tor Web Browser

We may browse the dark web's onion domains using Tor Browser. Never visit a dark website without first verifying its legitimacy because the dark web is mainly unregulated.

4. Identity Protection

Although there are numerous scams on dark websites, they are not always deadly. Use encrypted and anonymous email addresses and pay with an anonymous bitcoin wallet when transacting on the dark web.

Size of Dark Web

Although Dark Web may appear huge, it is quite small. Despite the existence of more than 55,000 onion domains, just 8,400 of these sites were operational, according to Recorded Future researchers. As a result, the network of active dark web sites makes up just 0.005% of the entire surface web.

As some of these sites can be providing shady or illegal goods and services, it makes sense that new dark web domains frequently surface while others depart. Just 1.5% of the 2 million daily users of Tor, according to the Tor Project, are reportedly visiting dark or hidden websites. Additionally, most of the dark web content is in English.

Conclusion

The dark side of the Internet is where evil things occur. The Deep Web is typically where evil things on the Internet happen. These enigmatic locations where hackers, cyber spies, and other Internet criminals hide, ready to prey on unsuspecting victims, are largely misunderstood by the typical Internet user who has never consciously visited the Dark Web.