Content
#1 Install A VPN
Instead, it passes user data through a randomized link of encrypted servers called nodes. ‘The Onion Routing’ (Tor) is a project that has led to the creation of the Tor browser, making it easy for even regular web users to visit the dark web. Many websites on the deep web avoid showing up in search engine results by blocking the bots that ‘crawl’ the internet to collect information for search engine indexes. Theoretically speaking, it should be impossible to locate dark web servers and track visitors.
Exploring Websites on the Dark Web
Hackers can make a lot of money and do so with less worry that they might get caught. Thanks to the Tor browser’s layers of encryption and IP scrambling, it’s difficult to track people down on this part of the web. What makes the dark web distinct from the broader deep web is the fact that dark web content can only be accessed via a special browser. It’s worth noting that sometimes a single organization’s website will include elements of both the surface web and the deep web. Most schools have a comprehensive website providing information about the school’s history, campus location, student body, available programs of study, extracurricular activities, and more.
The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed through specialized software, most commonly the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts a variety of legitimate content. There are numerous websites on the dark web that serve different purposes.
Understanding the Dark Web
With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access. In reality, there’s nothing inherently dangerous about accessing either, and doing so is surprisingly simple. Keep reading this guide to learn more about what these terms actually mean, and how you can find your way into the underbelly of the internet.
The Tor network consists of a series of volunteer-run servers that route internet traffic through a series of encrypted tunnels. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity or identify your location. Additionally, people who have gone on Silk Road and similar black market sites have said that it’s really easy to get personal identification and credit card info off of Silk Road. If your personal identity is compromised by a widespread hack (or even individual online hackers), IDStrong provides immediately accessible support.
The dark web is distinct from the surface web, which encompasses all publicly available websites. Within the digital landscape, the dark web provides anonymity to its users, making it a hub for both information and illicit activities.
Just like in the old days of the internet, the dark web maintains numerous indexes of sites, like The Hidden Wiki. Check out these best onion sites to access the dark web securely and anonymously. If you are interested in creating your own website of any type and category, you can use Appy Pie Website Builder, a no-code platform that lets you build websites in minutes without coding. Appy Pie Website Builder offers a variety of features and templates to help you create stunning and professional websites for your personal or business needs.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most helpful and legal .onion sites only available on the dark web through the Tor Browser. We’ll also teach you a bit more about the Tor network, the dark web, and cybersecurity best practices. When most people think of the dark web, they envision dangerous activity. It brings to mind stories of scams, stolen identities, and dumps of hacked data. However, what is equally true is that the dark web also contains many helpful and perfectly legal websites that are kept off the surface web for privacy. The rising popularity of Tor and internet privacy is what urged Facebook to develop its .onion site, as many Tor users would regularly experience blocks and be unable to access Facebook’s services.
Categories of Websites on the Dark Web
Websites on the dark web can be grouped into several categories:
This community-edited wiki contains a bunch of links to a wide variety of services and sources running on the dark web. Many of those links are defunct, and even more of them link to scams or potentially illegal activities. The Hidden Wiki used to be known for hosting, or at least indexing, a bunch of pedophile websites and has therefore been the subject of cyber attacks by the FBI and Anonymous. Many copycats and spin-offs of the Hidden Wiki have also been created. The dark web is a part of the internet where you only step in with a specific tool. It hosts onion links you cannot access with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
I tested it 10+ times and it always provided me with accurate search results. For example, I used the “radio” keyword and the third result was Deep Web Radio, which is a popular online radio station on the dark web. You can also filter the results by telling Ahmia to only display links from the last day, week, or month. So, I put together a list of the best dark web sites in 2024 to help you get started.
- Marketplaces: These are platforms where users can buy and sell a variety of goods, including both legal and illegal items.
- Forums: Discussion boards where users share information, conduct discussions, and seek advice on a range of topics.
- Whistleblowing Platforms: Secure sites that allow individuals to report corruption or wrongdoing without exposing their identity.
- News Sites: Outlets that provide news coverage, often from a perspective that differs from mainstream media.
- Tor Hidden Services: Websites that operate using Tor’s onion routing, ensuring privacy for both the owner and the visitors.
Popular Types of Dark Web Marketplaces
Some of the most notable types of marketplaces found on websites on the dark web include:
- Drugs: Various marketplaces offer a wide range of narcotics and controlled substances.
- Counterfeit Goods: Sellers provide fake products, including IDs and branded merchandise.
- Weapons: Certain sites facilitate the sale of firearms and ammunition.
- Hacking Services: Users can purchase services for hacking or obtaining personal data.
Risks of Browsing the Dark Web
While there are intriguing aspects to the websites on the dark web, it is essential to acknowledge the risks involved:
- Stay vigilant and follow these extra tips to stay safe on the dark web.
- Aura monitors any and all attempts to verify your identity across the entire web.
- Although not officially a search engine, The Hidden Wiki earns its place here for its assistance in exploring the dark web.
- Ma-No does not disclaim any responsibility for the practices and content of the listed sites.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging with illegal activities can result in significant legal repercussions.
- Scams: Many dark web marketplaces can be fraudulent, with users losing money on non-existent goods or services.
- Malware: The risk of encountering malicious software is heightened, putting users’ devices and data at risk.
- Exposure to Illegal Content: Users may inadvertently come across extremely graphic or disturbing material.
FAQs about Websites on the Dark Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web consists of all parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, such as databases and private networks. The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that requires special software to access.
Are all dark web sites illegal?
No, while many websites on the dark web engage in illegal activities, there are many that focus on privacy, whistleblowing, and political dissent.
How do I access the dark web safely?
To access the dark web safely, users should consider:
- Using a VPN for an additional layer of privacy.
- Downloading the Tor browser from legitimate sources only.
- Staying informed about secure practices and risks associated with dark web browsing.
Conclusion
The dark web remains a fascinating yet perilous corner of the internet. With its diverse range of websites on the dark web, it offers insights into both the shadowy and the legitimate facets of digital anonymity. Users are advised to approach the dark web with caution and awareness of the inherent risks involved.
