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What Is the Dark Web? How to Access It and What You Can Find: A Quick Overview

The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using a specialized browser. As such, it is different from the surface web we use daily that does not require a special browser and can be found using search engines.

It’s also different from the deep web, which refers to all the content on the internet that is behind paywalls, password-protected webpages, or other authorization measures. While the deep web can be accessed using a normal browser, you need to have the specific link and password.

To enter safely into the dark web, you need to use the Tor network which encrypts your browsing activity to protect your anonymity and privacy online. However, the resulting anonymity and secrecy are also used by cybercriminals to sell illegal products and services. Indeed, you’ll find a range of illegal items and services on the dark web, including:

  • Drugs and contraband
  • Illegal porn
  • Malware as a service

But, the dark web is not all bad. It’s also used by activists, journalists, and other professionals to securely share sensitive information. Moreover, it hosts several useful websites and tools, such as anonymous email and file-sharing services. At the same time, the dark web remains quite dangerous and you must take necessary precautions to protect yourself, like:

  • Use a VPN, such as NordVPN when browsing the dark web to encrypt your sensitive data.
  • Install an antivirus scanner to detect any malicious files you accidentally download from the dark web.
  • Use the Tor browser as it offers the highest security while visiting the dark web.

Find out more about the dark web, how it works, and how you can safely access it by reading the rest of the article.

With the introduction of Freenet, the first version of the modern dark web emerged. Freenet was a decentralized network that allowed for the exchange of encrypted data, giving users more anonymity. A few years later, the Tor browser was developed to provide users with a secure way to access the dark web.

But what is the dark web? The common misconception about the dark web is that it is a place where all sorts of shady things happen, from dealing illegal drugs to hiring hitmen. While there are definitely dangers lurking in the dark web, it’s also used positively by journalists, whistleblowers, and many others.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the secrets of the dark web, explore different ways to access it, and discuss whether it is legal to use it. Want to protect yourself on the dark web right now? Use NordVPN along with the Tor browser and an antivirus. Our top VPN provider offers robust security and encryption to hide your identity on the dark web.

What Is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet where users can access hidden sites and web pages without their identities being revealed and with their privacy protected by encryption offered by specialized web browsers like Tor.

Since there are many levels of encryption, internet users can conduct various activities on the dark web that can be legal or illegal. The dark web, for instance, can be used to offer illegal goods and services or to get around government censorship in nations with strict internet regulations.

Here’s a video we put together as a visual explainer:

What is The Dark Web and How to Access it Safely?


Surface Web vs. Deep Web vs. Dark Web

To understand what the dark web is a bit better, we need to first take a closer look at the different layers of the web. The internet is often described as consisting of three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web.

Types of Web Infographic, Iceberg in the sea

However, all these different parts of the World Wide Web have distinct features that set them apart from each other. The table below summarizes some of the characteristics and key differences between the surface web and the deep and dark web:

FeaturesSurface WebDeep WebDark Web
AccessibilityFreely accessibleRequires login credentials and a website’s exact URLRequires a special browser and a website’s exact URL
Browser-FriendlinessCan be visited using any browserCan be visited using any browserCan only be visited using a special browser
Search Engine-FriendlinessCan be found on various search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing)Can’t usually be found on search enginesCan’t be found on search engines
Examples Facebook, Amazon, VPNOverviewConfidential databases and employee pages of corporations, universities, and organizationsBlack markets, Tor-exclusive email services

The surface web

The surface web is the part of the internet most of us use every day. It’s accessible through regular browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. This very article is part of it: you can access it anywhere and at any time, as long as you have an internet connection and a browser. There’s no need for you to log in or use a password to access the content since it’s indexed by search engines.

The deep web

The term “deep web” refers to the part of the internet that’s behind closed doors, such as paywalls. In order to get access, you’ll need to know the exact web address (otherwise known as a URL), as search engines do not index deep web websites. In some cases, you’ll need a password, as well.

Most of the deep web consists of pages and databases that are only meant for a certain group of people within an organization. The deep web is by far the biggest part of the internet, estimated to make up between 90-95% of the complete world wide web.

The dark web

So, what is the dark web? The dark web is part of the deep web, and it’s only accessible through a special browser: the Tor browser. This browser encrypts your activity and routes it through a special network that allows access to dark websites (more on this later).

Broadly, the dark web refers to the unregulated part of the internet. No organization, business, or government is in charge of the dark web or is able to enforce rules. This is exactly the reason why the dark web is commonly associated with illegal activities.

Like the deep web, dark web websites are also not searchable on Google. They can only be accessed if you have the specific URL. These URLs are very different from surface and deep web URLs and often combine random letters and numbers. For example, the dark web address of the search engine DuckDuckGo might be something like: https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion

Some people refer to this part of the internet as the “deep web,” but this isn’t the right term. It’s true that the dark web is part of the deep web, but it’s a different section of the internet altogether.

Important Note:

Dark web sites change URLs constantly. Be careful when using any dark web site URL listed in this article as they may have changed since the article was written. Watch out for scams and illegal activities that may be found on dark web sites. We recommend that if you use the dark web, you should take precautions like improving your safety with a VPN and antivirus solution, as well as following your local laws.

How to Access the Dark Web

The dark web or hidden web can only be accessed through a special dark web browser. The Onion Router, known as Tor, is the most popular dark web browser. We will briefly discuss what Tor is and how it works before diving into a step-by-step guide on accessing the dark web.

What is the Tor network and how does it work?

The Tor network is a free, open-source web browser that aims to ensure its users remain anonymous. In order to accomplish this, your activity is encrypted and sent through a network of nodes operated by volunteers around the globe. At every node, part of the encryption is peeled off.

Eventually, your information ends up at the website of your choice. However, the website cannot trace this activity back to your IP address. This process of “onion routing” aims to keep the user anonymous. Hence, the Tor search engine can be used to access the dark web or to access surface and deep web websites anonymously.

infographic explaining what the Tor network is and how it works

How to access the dark web safely on a PC

Accessing the dark web is easy. However, we must point out that there are dangers when entering the dark web realm. Although the dark web itself is legal, many of the activities on the dark web are illegal. You may accidentally end up on a website that sells illegal drugs or a porn website that displays illegal content, so it’s vital to take all measures to protect yourself before getting on the dark web.

But, if you’re in a hurry, follow the steps below to access the dark web safely from a PC.

Install the Tor browser for Windows

If you are using a PC, check out this video on how you can install the Tor browser for Windows.

How To Download and Install The Tor Browser | Tutorial #tor #vpnoverview #tutorial

Alternatively, follow these steps to install the Tor browser for Windows:

  1. Go to the Tor Project website and click on the button that says “Download Tor browser.”

    Tor installation download button
  2. You will be forwarded to the download page. Select the “Download for Windows” icon.

    Screenshot of Tor download page
  3. Open the file once it has been downloaded.
  4. Choose the folder where you like Tor to be installed and click “Install.”

    Screenshot of Tor Browser setup window
  5. Choose for Tor to start automatically, or you can opt to open it on your own when you want to use it.

The process for installing Tor on a Mac is very similar.

Enhance Your Protection on the Dark Web

Even though the Tor browser will offer you a good level of protection on the dark web, there are additional measures you can take to enhance your privacy. We delve into some of these measures below.

Download and install a reliable VPN provider

We highly recommend using a VPN as an additional layer of encryption to your connection and to prevent potential leakages on the Tor network. NordVPN is recommended for dark web browsing as it offers specialized Onion over VPN services, has a strong track user safety record, and can keep your online anonymity.

These are the steps to download and install NordVPN:

How to Download and Install NordVPN | Tutorial #nordvpn #vpnoverview #tutorial
  1. After you have purchased your subscription package, go to NordVPN’s website and click “Login.”

    NordVPN Login
  2. You will be redirected to another page where you have to select “Log in With Nord Account.”

    NordVPN login Screen 2
  3. Fill in your account information and click “Continue” to go to the dashboard.

    Login Screen NordVPN
  4. On the left side of the dashboard, click on “Downloads.”

    NordVPN account Sidebar Downloads
  5. Click on “Download the NordVPN app.”

    NordVPN download Software Screen
  6. Download the “.exe file.”

    NordVPN .exe file
  7. Open the installation file and select “Install.”

    NordVPN Install Wizard
  8. Click on the NordVPN icon on your desktop and log in.
  9. Connect to a server in a different country. Connecting to a server too far away from you may result in slower loading times, so choose a server from a country that’s close to where you are.

You can now use the Tor browser to access the websites you want and have the added protection of a VPN.

You can also use other VPNs for the dark web. It all depends on the specifications you want your VPN to have, but ensure you look at the different features of a VPN provider thoroughly to find the one that will keep you safe.

Access the dark web from a mobile device

We generally do not recommend using a mobile device like an iPhone or Android to access the dark web for the following reasons:

  • Smartphones are easier to trace. Modern smartphones come with a number of sensors designed to improve functionality. Accessing Tor from your mobile device can increase the likelihood of it being hacked and used for tracking and surveillance.
  • There is no official Tor browser for iOS. Tor has not launched an official app for iOS yet. While alternatives are available, they are not as reliable as the official Tor app and can be vulnerable to security risks.
  • Fake dark web browser apps can be found in app stores. The App Store and Play Store are both littered with dark web browser apps. However, several of these apps appear to be fake and unreliable. It is unclear if they encrypt your connection and connect you to the dark web as desired.

If you do insist on accessing the dark web from your mobile device, you can check out our article about accessing the dark web on Android or iPhone.

Follow these additional tips to stay safe on the dark web

Using a VPN with the Tor browser should provide you with a reasonable level of security. However, the dark web can be dangerous, and taking a few extra security precautions is recommended. Here are some quick tips on staying safe while browsing the dark web:

Infographic showing additional tips for staying safe on the Dark Web

1. Choose the highest security configuration on Tor

Setting Tor’s security to “Safest” will affect your visual experience when browsing, but it will greatly increase your online security. That’s because this setting will disable Javascript and lots of other potentially dangerous code on all websites.

As a result of the above, you’ll often only see text on pages, but we strongly recommend this setting to users who aren’t looking for specific videos or images.

Tor Browser Security Level in Security Settings

2. Install a good antivirus scanner

A good antivirus scanner will scan your device and the pages you visit for threats in real time. This means that you’ll be aware of threats before they can do some big damage.

We recommend our number 1 virus scanner, Norton 360, as the best dark web antivirus. Norton regularly blocks 100% of threats during tests by cybersecurity giants like AV-Test and SeaLabs. It has also received near-perfect marks for security from AV-Test since 2018.

3. Do not reveal personal information on the dark web

Revealing personal information on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to being scammed or hacked. Just like the surface web, the dark web sees tons of phishing attempts to steal personal data.

Users shouldn’t click on links or download files they’re unfamiliar with on the dark web as this could lead them to dangerous pages or install malware, such as a virus or worm, directly on their device.

Even if you don’t interact with a dangerous page, it can still download malware onto your device. This is called a drive-by download and refers to dangerous code that can activate itself.

Because of the above, we strongly advise always having a sound antivirus, such as Norton 360, which offers real-time protection. Norton 360 uses heuristics and machine learning to keep track of online threats and keep you safe from all kinds of malware, like viruses and ransomware.

What You Can Find on the Dark Web

The dark web is constantly changing and remains largely hidden. To help you discover what is on the dark web, below, we list some of the websites, tools, products, and services that you can find there. We urge you to exercise utmost caution when exploring any of the above as they are potentially risky.

The URLs listed below will only open in Tor. We also recommend opening them only with an active connection to a VPN server.

Dark web tools and sites

The dark web is home to different kinds of sites and tools. Some of these are similar to one’s on the surface web, while others differ almost entirely. Broadly, dark web websites and tools can be classified in the different categories mentioned below.

If you’re wondering, “How do I search the dark web?” you must keep in mind that to access a specific dark website, you need to know the exact URL of that page, which can be quite difficult to remember. Fortunately, there are dedicated pages that can help you find what you’re looking for. These pages even categorize their “onion links,” making it easier for you to browse through their list of links.

Here are two such pages:

  • The Hidden Wiki: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
  • Daniel: http://danielas3rtn54uwmofdo3x2bsdifr47huasnmbgqzfrec5ubupvtpid.onion/

2. Dark web websites for mainstream sites

News websites like the BBC, email services like ProtonMail, and torrent sites like The Pirate Bay all have onion websites. These dark web websites are usually for people who can’t access the surface web version of the site, often because of strict internet regulations in their countries.

Here are examples of dark web versions of popular sites:

  • The New York Times: https://ej3kv4ebuugcmuwxctx5ic7zxh73rnxt42soi3tdneu2c2em55thufqd.onion/
  • BBC: http://bbcnewsd73hkzno2ini43t4gblxvycyac5aw4gnv7t2rccijh7745uqd.onion/

3. Dark web email services

Email services on the dark web provide a way to send completely anonymous mail, even though they usually require the sender and recipient to be on the Tor network. Some secure email services available on the dark web are:

  • Mail2Tor: http://mail2torjgmxgexntbrmhvgluavhj7ouul5yar6ylbvjkxwqf6ixkwyd.onion/
  • ProtonMail: http://protonmailrmez3lotccipshtkleegetolb73fuirgj7r4o4vfu7ozyd.onion/

4. File uploads and transfers

Secure file uploads and transfers are widespread on the dark web, as the Onion network provides several layers of encryption on both your files and connection. Journalists and informants usually use dark web file transfer services to share files with sensitive information.

Services under this category include:

  • SecureDrop: http://sdolvtfhatvsysc6l34d65ymdwxcujausv7k5jk4cy5ttzhjoi6fzvyd.onion/
  • BlackCloud: http://bcloudwenjxgcxjh6uheyt72a5isimzgg4kv5u74jb2s22y3hzpwh6id.onion/

5. Dark web forums and chat boards

There are several message boards and chatrooms on the dark web, often dedicated to topics that aren’t safe to discuss in other parts of the internet. We advise against visiting these websites, as people may be discussing dangerous, illegal, and unethical activities or topics.

6. Dark web whistleblowing websites

Whistleblowers, journalists, and other individuals reporting on companies, governments, law enforcement agencies, and other entities use the dark web to find and communicate sensitive information. Both the WikiLeaks network and whistleblowers like Edward Snowden have used the dark web in the past to spread their message.

What is for sale on the dark web?

You can find several items or services for sale on the dark web, including illegal or banned substances that cannot be bought on legitimate websites. Neither can they be obtained through legal channels in the physical world.

Dark web products

Some of the most commonly traded products on the dark web include:

Infographic showing Dark Web products
  • Drugs and contraband: The most common items sold on the dark web include drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and crystal meth. High-profile dark web marketplaces, such as Silk Road and Alpha Bay, were notorious for their role in trafficking illicit drugs across the world.
  • Fake IDs and user accounts: Forfeited passports, identification documents, and accounts for services such as Uber and Coinbase are regularly found on the dark web. These are used to circumvent identification and security measures in places like airports and government offices.
  • Personal data and information: Personal data that is obtained through a data breach or hack often ends up on the dark web. Various dark web sites regularly list datasets, including addresses, credit card information, and medical and financial records for sale.
  • Weapons and ammunition: While the dark web plays a small role in global arms trafficking, it is gaining prominence as a channel to sell arms to terrorists and non-state actors. This is especially true for the “lone wolf,” a terrorist who acts alone and does not rely on a larger organization for weapons.
  • Illegal porn: There are websites on the dark web dedicated to illegal porn containing content such as bestiality, child pornography, rape, and extreme violence. Accidentally watching or downloading these videos means potentially breaking laws in the country you’re in.

Dark web services

In addition to illegal and dangerous products, the dark web is also used to offer and contract potentially illegal and criminal services. Some of the services known to be offered on the dark web include:

  • Malware and malware as a service: The dark web is replete with different exploit kits and off-the-shelf malware. Cybercriminals can purchase and implement these to attack users. Additionally, cybercriminals also provide access to botnets to launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. The services of a hacker to launch a ransomware attack can also be purchased.
  • Scam campaigns: Users can purchase access to botnets that are used to send spam or phishing emails to user accounts. Hackers choose to sell botnet access on the dark web due to its anonymity.
  • Professional hitmen: In addition to cybercrime, the dark web can also be used to purchase the services of real-world criminals, such as hitmen. It goes without saying that such an act would be clearly illegal, regardless of whether the services were purchased on the dark web.
  • Money laundering: The dark web is home to services that allow users to mix their ill-gotten gains with other legal transactions to avoid detection by law enforcement. This helps criminals launder their money back into the financial system.

Given the nature of products and services available on the dark web, you may be wondering whether the dark web is legal. In one word: yes. The dark web and the Tor browser are legal in most countries.

Indeed, the primary motivation behind the Tor browser is the enhanced anonymity and privacy it provides. As such, it is an important tool to uphold the right to privacy, which is widely recognized as a basic human right. There are several applications and uses of the dark web that are not considered illegal or nefarious, such as:

  • Circumvention of government censorship and controls
  • Anonymous communication through the dark web, reporting, and whistleblowing
  • Access to books and documents unavailable on the surface web
  • Access to forums and communities centered around niche content

When is using the dark web illegal?

Simply accessing the dark web using the Tor browser should be perfectly legal in most countries. However, in certain situations, you could face legal consequences for using the dark web. For example:

  • When Tor and the dark web are explicitly banned in your country: Some countries like Russia and China have outlawed the dark web. We encourage you to research the legal status of the dark web in your country before accessing it.
  • If you use the dark web for illegal acts: Using the dark web will not shield you from criminal liability if you are caught purchasing illegal products or services. Government entities, such as the FBI, regularly monitor the dark web for activity.

History of the Dark Web: Why and How Was the Dark Web Created?

The dark web wasn’t created by cybercriminals. It was actually developed by the United States government.

Below, we’ll go over some important events that eventually led to the dark web as we know it today. Hover over an image to learn more!

The birth of the Internet (1960-1990)

The internet’s origins lie with the ARPANET. This was a US military-backed project that sought to create a decentralized network to exchange sensitive information. The military wanted to make sure the network couldn’t be attacked by external actors.

The Internet goes public (1990-2002)

In the ’90s, the Internet became publicly accessible in lots of countries, leading to widespread commercial use. With this, concerns over the system’s security increased. This led to the creation of projects to facilitate anonymous communication and file sharing.

The emergence of Tor and the dark web (2000-2011)

One of the projects to facilitate anonymous or secret communication was backed by the US government. This project eventually became the Tor browser.

At first, the project was only used for protected communication. However, more and more people started abusing the network’s privacy features to host illegal and questionable content. This is one of the reasons the Tor network eventually came to be known as the dark web.

Bitcoin and the growth of dark web transactions (2009-2015)

Before people started using Bitcoin as a currency, which happened one year after its creation in 2008, dark web users had no way to make anonymous transactions.

This all changed with the rise of Bitcoin: dark web marketplaces, legal and illegal, popped up left and right. The most notorious of these was called Silk Road, on which all matter of illegal items were sold, such as drugs and stolen data, like hacked passwords.

Government crackdown (2015-today)

With illegal marketplaces popping up and other illegal dark web activities, governments around the world felt the need to act. In 2013, the infamous Silk Road was shut down by the FBI. Only a year later, the latter and Europol worked together to close down Silk Road 2.0.

In 2017, the equally notorious Alphabay and Hansa markets were shut down, thanks to efforts from, among others, the FBI and the UK, Dutch, French, and Lithuanian police forces. New markets will likely keep popping up, but ever since 2015, their operators have felt a lot more pressure from authorities.

Conclusion: Stay Safe When Exploring the Dark Web

The dark web can be fascinating, mysterious, and intriguing. It has a lot of sites and tools that can’t be found on the surface web. As such, we understand that several users will want to explore it firsthand. However, it’s imperative that users take proper safety measures when visiting dark web websites.

One of the most important protection measures to take is to use a VPN alongside the Tor browser when surfing the dark web. We recommend NordVPN because of its outstanding military-grade encryption and Threat Protection feature.

Additionally, you should also have a good antivirus scanner installed, such as Norton 360, to prevent malicious files and programs from infecting your device.

Want to learn more about the dark web and what you can do with it? Check out the articles listed below:

What Is the Dark Web: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a quick answer to your questions about the dark web? Click on the questions below to reveal the answer.

What is the dark web?

The “dark web” is a collective term for websites that are only accessible using the Tor browser. These websites are not accessible via Google Chrome, Firefox, or other popular browsers.

In the media, the dark web is often portrayed as a dangerous place, but there are also legitimate dark web sites that are worth visiting.

What kind of sites can I find on the dark web?

There are many different kinds of websites on the dark web, from regular .onion sites (such as news websites) to drug market sites and pornographic sites.

Most websites on the dark web can be put in one (or multiple) of the following categories:

  • Illegal marketplaces for drugs, weapons, etc.
  • Websites for whistleblowers to disclose their information
  • Pornographic websites
  • Dark web news sites
  • Forums and review sites where all kinds of topics are discussed, both legal and illegal
Is the dark web legal?

Yes, the dark web is legal in most countries. However, it is possible that some websites or that some content on dark web websites is illegal. Moreover, repressive governments restrict access to the dark web and to Tor in an attempt to limit free access to information. If this happens to you, you can try using a Tor bridge, or a VPN, to get around this censorship.

Which browser can I use to visit the dark web?

The dark web can only be visited with special web browsers such as the Tor browser. Through the Tor browser, you can visit .onion web addresses. You cannot visit these dark web websites with browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

What is Tor?

Tor stands for “The Onion Router” and is a special browser that allows you to visit dark web sites. Besides being the gateway to the dark web, Tor also offers enhanced privacy for its users.

Leave a comment

62
comments
  1. Karlijunio

    Okay with all the write up
    It as easy thank you
    But how can I locate an email phishing link or page on the dark web page browsing using thor browser and it vpn
    Also how do hackers get public and private email to phish ?

  2. Heaven

    How can l access the Dark web

    • Priscilla Sherman

      Hi! You can follow the steps in the article above to access the dark web. If you need a bit more help, here's a full guide to get on the dark web. Do make sure you watch what you click, and use a VPN to keep your devices safe!

  3. Melanie B

    I don’t have internet at home. How safe is it to take my laptop to a WiFi cafe?

    • Priscilla Sherman

      For general internet use, you can simply use a VPN to stay safe on public Wi-Fi, and that will keep your online traffic safe from onlookers. You can read all about this in our article on safe public Wi-Fi use.
      This is also an option if you mean to visit the dark web, but we wouldn't necessarily recommend visiting that in a public place. A (secure and leak-proof!) VPN might be able to protect you, but you wouldn't want the couple sitting behind you in the cafe to see you exploring the dark web -- one misclick might raise some serious eyebrows.

  4. No 1 Karez

    Between Proton VPN and IPVanish which of the two would be the better choice to use to be able to browse the dark web?

    • Priscilla Sherman

      Both offer excellent security options and good, trustworthy VPN servers. However, Proton VPN has a better track record when it comes to privacy. They have a strict "no logs" policy, whereas IPVanish had a privacy scandal in 2016 and turned out to be logging user data. IPVanish has improved a lot since then, but they still do connect some minor connection data.

  5. Lexical

    I guess it would give me an extra layer of security to have a linux virtual machine installed on my windows machine to access the dark web?

    • Kat Oran VPNOverview.com

      Yes, that is correct. using a virtual machine on Windows (or any other operating system) will provide an additional layer of security while browsing the dark web and insulate you from malware or other similar harms.

  6. Abraham Kamara

    so how can I use the VPN device
    on my machine

    • Priscilla Sherman

      Hi Abraham!

      To use a VPN, you should first subscribe to a VPN provider and download VPN software. We'd recommend a trustworthy provider like NordVPN or Surfshark. If you're looking for directions on how to install these providers, you can have a look at our VPN download article. Once the software is installed, all you have to do is connect to a server (usually by clicking one button) and your VPN is activated.

  7. Katheria Nadella

    Hey, can I use CyberGhost VPN with Tor?

    • David Janssen

      Yes, you can. Simply turn on your VPN before opening your Tor browser (Tor-over-VPN), and you'll be good to go! Do keep in mind that CyberGhost currently only supports Tor-over-VPN. VPN-over-Tor (meaning you first fire up the Tor network and then activate your VPN) doesn't work with CyberGhost. Since Tor-over-VPN is safer and easier anyway, we recommend going for that!

  8. Talon Watkins

    Very informative. Thank you. I also found that the wiki link doesn't work.

    Webpage not available
    The webpage at http:// zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad. onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page could not be loaded because:

    net::ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

    • David Janssen

      Hi Talon! Thank you for the compliment! Did you try to open the URL in the Tor browser? It won't work in a regular browser. When we try it, it does appear to work.

  9. Chase

    Dark web is simply the way the internet was in the 90s and early 20s

  10. Richard

    How does dns resolution work in the dark web? Does the tor browser use specific dark web dns severs? Is dns for the dark web encrypted?
    Or does the tor browser abandon dns altogether and in place have a different way of being able to resolve the url into routable end point(s)?

  11. Tweedle-dee

    Interesting article. As exhaustive as it seemed to be, I was surprised to see no mention of the scourge of child sex trafficking that is said to take place on the dark web. Scary stuff. Sam Harris’ interview with NYT reporter Gabriel Dance was a chilling look at this vile phenomenon. I believe the Dark Web figures prominently.

  12. Randy W.

    My neighbor said that he was able to get illegal drugs on the dark web. Is that true or is he full of it?

    • David Janssen

      It's true that there are drug marketplaces on the Dark Web. However, we don't know whether your neighbor is speaking the truth or not. While there are marketplaces for illegal substances and arms on the Dark Web, it's not as easy as ordering something off of Amazon for example. It has happened before that well-known marketplaces are infiltrated by law enforcement agencies and that buyers and sellers have faced legal repurcussions.

      Also, we do not condone these kinds of illegal practices and we would advise against the use of the dak web for such purposes.

  13. Micheal E.

    Can i use my mobile phone to access the dark web? Also can you tell me the antivirus i need to use?

    • David Janssen

      We would advise against it. There used to be certain apps for accessing the dark web via mobile phone, but they have been discontinued for the most part. If you want to access the dark web, we would suggest you use a laptop or desktop and look at our other article on how to access the dark web. With regards to antivirus, bitdefender is a pretty good choice.

  14. Mick

    It is not working

  15. Dmoney

    Are Mac products susceptible to virus in the dark web? Can you recommend a good anti virus for us to use? And Assisi can we use ExpressVPN instead of nor?

    • David Janssen

      Yes, Mac products can also catch a virus, both on the dark web and on the surface web. We'll soon have more information on antivirus programs, but for now we would recommend Bitdefender, which does its job really well. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by your final question. If you're wondering whether you can use ExpressVPN instead of NordVPN, the answer is yes. Both providers have plenty of servers all over the world and work extremely well. You can read more about ExpressVPN and NordVPN in our reviews. If you want to use ExpressVPN instead of Tor, that won't work as well. Without Tor (or a similar special browser) you won't be able to visit the dark web. Without a VPN, you'll be unprotected, so you'll need both. Let us know if you have any other questions!

  16. School Sucks

    What was the publication date of this article (I want to talk about internet awareness and how the dark web affects society, like how kids have access and used the dark web to involve in illegal activity like drug usage) because I need to cite this source, but all I can find is the edited date.

    • David Janssen

      This article was first published on March 4, 2019. However, the text is constantly being updated to ensure it covers the correct and most recent information, so the version of the article published back then is very different from our current version. Good luck with your project - it's definitely an interesting and important topic!

    • Asif

      I want to know more about dark web. I’m really interested about dark web. If any one can trust me and help me
      I’ll be thankful

      • David Janssen

        This article will teach you more about the dark web in general. If you'd like to explore this part of the internet yourself, make sure to have a look at these steps to access the dark web safely first.

  17. Sidney rich

    I would like to use the dark web plz

    • David Janssen

      If you want to visit the dark web, you can find a step-by-step guide on how to do so safely right here in our 'How to access the dark web safely' article. However, we do want you to be cautious. The dark web can be an interesting place, but also a dangerous one. Make sure you know what you're doing and always stick to the law. Good luck!

  18. anon

    The link for the hidden wiki is dead :(

    • David Janssen - VPNOverview.com

      Thank you for taking the time to let us know. The link seems to be working for us just fine. Could you tell me exactly what happens when you try to navigate to this URL? We might be able to help you fix it.

  19. Mafia Boy

    Can we find hacking tools in the dark web?

    • David Janssen - VPNOverview.com

      You can find all sorts of content on the dark web. However, while the dark web is very useful and informative, it can also be dangerous. As you look for hacking tools, you might run into all sorts of trouble. Therefore, we'd advise you to be very careful if you do go looking, and always make sure you don't accidentally become involved in illegal activities.

  20. katheryne reece

    I would like to know about the dark web

    • David Janssen - VPNOverview.com

      Then you're in the right place! Everything you'd like to know, you can find in the article above. If you have any specific questions that aren't answered in the text, feel free to ask them here and we'll try to answer them as well as possible.

      • Molly

        I’ll be careful while using the dark web.

  21. Joyce

    Can you look at creepy Haunted stuff or get one from the dark web can you see the hackers username or something because i don’t want to get hacked or get my computer in trouble with horrible stuff going on in the dark web can you search up creepypasta?

    • David Janssen - VPNOverview.com

      Before you go anywhere on the dark web, it's important to make sure you and your computer are as safe as possible. Use a good VPN, make sure the settings of your browser are configured correctly, and always be careful what you click on. You should never use any personal information while you are on the dark web, either. Don't use your name as a username, and preferable only use a completely anonymous and encrypted email, if you need to use one at all. With the right preparations, the chances of a hacker getting into your computer are a lot smaller. As for creepypasta content - you might be better off searching the surface web for that. There's plenty of content to be found there. I hope this answered your questions!

  22. Janto jando

    Can web hackers be found on darkweb?

    • Priscilla - VPNOverview.com

      You won't have to go far into the dark web to find hackers, cybercriminals, viruses and more of the like. However, the dark web entails more than that. It also provides a platform for, for example, people who aren't able to speak freely in the country they live in. Journalists, too, use the dark web to get in touch with sources sometimes. In other words, yes, you will be able to find a hacker on the dark web. Do always be careful who you contact, though, or you and your laptop could get into serious trouble.

  23. Sandraalbarrz@email.com

    Nice

    • Priscilla - VPNOverview.com

      Glad to hear you value our information ;)

      • Celesti

        How do I get started

        • Priscilla - VPNOverview.com

          Before going on the dark web, you should make sure you have a good VPN, like CyberGhost, which is mentioned in the article. Then, you'll have to get yourself a browser that allows you to access the dark web, like the Tor browser. Once you've activated your VPN and are using Tor, you can go on the dark web. Even then, you should make sure to always think twice before you click on any link. You never know what kind of trouble you could be getting yourself into.

        • John Benedict

          What's the dark web website so i can visit

          • David Janssen

            There is no one dark web website you should visit. The dark web consists of many websites. If you want to know how to visit this part of the internet safely, you can have a look at our guide to access the dark web.

      • Sureboss

        Can anyone get me a tool
        For wire transfers

  24. Jamar

    I will like to access the dark web

    • Priscilla - VPNOverview.com

      Great! Just make sure you stay safe while browsing this part of the internet. Use a good VPN, and think twice every time you click a link!

  25. jorma

    what if i get hacked in deep web

    • David Janssen - VPNOverview.com

      If you get hacked there's all sorts of problems that could arise, just like if you get hacked via the regular web. The best thing to do is be cautious, use good antivirus software and use a VPN to keep yourself from harm. If anything does happen, you should look up what the best course of action is in that specific case.

    • Beyonce

      Buy a brand new phone, make a fake account, turn that location off then download them to be safe. don't give out your real name, birthday, credit card. Use fake information for everything.

    • Frost

      I want to try to get on but I don't know how

      • David Janssen - VPNOverview.com

        If you follow these steps, you should be able to get on the dark web. Another bit of advice: always consider your safety first, and don't get tied up in anything illegal.

        • Mwanjje

          How to get access on dark web?

          • Priscilla Sherman

            To get on the dark web (in a safe way), you need a good VPN, an antivirus program, and a browser that allows you access, like the Tor browser. You can read our guide with a step-by-step guide to the dark web here.

  26. Kylee guerra

    I am never going to be on this ever in my life

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