Top Dark Web Websites to Access Info Not Available Anywhere

Onion Websites: Key Points

If you want to use onion websites, here are some of the essential points you must remember:

• Accessibility: Regular web browsers aren’t capable of accessing onion websites or dark web links. So, you need a Tor browse that anonymizes traffic and allows you to access hidden sites on the dark web.
• Content: There can be legitimate content like whistleblowing platforms or access to censored information from certain countries. Contrarily, it is also a breeding ground for activities like selling drugs, weapons, or stolen data.
• Anonymity: A key feature of onion websites is retaining anonymity. However, the website and the user are hidden so it is difficult to track who’s running the site or who is visiting it. This attracts all types of users both legitimate and illegitimate.
• Risks: Considering the anonymous nature of the dark web, it can be a dangerous place. In fact, malware, scams, and illegal content are often common on these websites.

What is the Dark Web and Its Importance?

The dark web is the hidden part of the internet. It is not accessible through regular search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo. This requires specific software like Tor to navigate. So, here’s a breakdown:

What is it?

• Imagine the internet like an iceberg. The surface web is the tip of it that is available to you through search engines like Google. The larger part is the deep web that are private databases or password-protected areas. From that, a tiny portion of the deep web requires special software to access.
• Dark web websites use “.onion” addresses and anonymize the traffic using the Tor network making it difficult to track the users or the website’s operators.

Furthermore, the importance of the dark web has both positive and negative bifurcations. Let’s see:

Positive Uses:

• Whistleblowing: These platforms allow anonymous reporting of the wrongdoing within the organizations. Some of the real-world incidents that involve these platforms are The Panama Papers, The Shadow Brokers, The Ashley Madison Data Breach, etc.
• Censorship circumvention: This is accessing information that is otherwise blocked. In fact, many governments like China control the information from the outside world also known as the “Great Firewall”. To breach it, many Chinese users access the dark web to access that information.
• Privacy-focused services: These are tools that are used for communication or securing document storage with high anonymity. Some of the examples are Signal (messaging app), Tor Browser (web browser for the dark web), Tutanota (Email Service), etc.

Negative Uses:

• Illegal activities: The dark web is often infamous for selling drugs, weapons, and even stolen data. Some incidents that you learn about are the Silk Road, Alphabay and Hansa Market, Besa Mafia, etc.
• Scams and malware: These are malicious actors that exploit anonymity to spread malware or trick users into scams.  Here are some real-life examples: “The Wannacry Ransomware Attack”, “Cerber Ransomware”, “Dream Market Fraudulent Listings”, etc.
• Unreliable information: Lack of regulation means that the information found on the dark web can be false and misleading. Some of the ways this information is spread are fake news and misinformation, fake government documents, fake cryptocurrency, bogus security breaches, etc.

How to Access Onion Sites?

As discussed, to access dark web websites you need special software that can interact with the Tor network. This software enables anonymous browsing and lets you access these hidden sites. So, here’s how to go on dark web and access websites:

Step-by-Step Guide to Access Onion Sites

1. Download and Install the Tor Browser

• Go to the Official Tor Project Website: Visit torproject.org for the web. If you want to visit the dark web on your smartphone, download the Tor Browser app for Android and the Onion Browser for iOS.
• Install: Follow the instructions that are specific to the operating system you are using to connect with the dark web.

2. Launch the Tor Browser

• Open the Tor Browser: Once the browser is installed, open the Tor Browser.
• Connect to Tor: When you open the Tor Browser for the first time, it will ask you to connect to the Tor network. Simply, click on “Connect” and start the process.
• Wait for Connection: The browser will establish a connection to the Tor network. However, this will take a few seconds.

3. Navigating to Onion Sites

• Enter Onion URL: Once connected, you can enter the .onion URL of the Tor websites you want to visit into the address bar. Typically, these URLs look like “http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion (for DuckDuckGo’s onion site)".

Alternative Access Methods:

• Tails OS: Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a live operating system. It can be booted using a USB stick or a DVD. This OS is designed to preserve your privacy and anonymity and it comes as a pre-installed feature along with the Tor Browser.
• Tor on Mobile: You can access the Tor network on mobile devices using apps like Tor Browser (for Android) and Onion Browser (for iOS).

Also Read: Looking for the best Android browsers? Here’s a list for a seamless internet experience!

Security and Privacy Considerations for the Dark Web

While doing a dark web search, it is essential to stay safe because it is an unregulated part of the internet. Therefore, here are some of the security and privacy considerations that can help you have a safe experience:

Security Threats:

• Malware: Malware is a significant threat to the dark web. These are malicious programs that disguise themselves as downloads and exploit vulnerabilities of your system to steal data or infect it.
• Scams: There are many deceptive practices on the dark web. These can be fake websites that can trick you into revealing personal information or sending money.
• Zero-Day Exploits: In this, criminals exploit any unknown software vulnerabilities that can compromise the system.

Taking Precautions:

• Use a VPN: The first step is to secure yourself using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN encrypts your traffic and adds another layer of security on top of Tor. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider that has a strong track record of security.
• Keep Software Updated: Make sure that your operating system, browser (Tor), and antivirus software are updated on the latest security updates. This helps close the vulnerabilities of your system that can be exploited.
• Strong Passwords: It is important to use unique and complex passwords, especially for the people who access these dark websites. You can also consider a password manager to create and manage strong passwords.
• Beware Downloads: Be wary of downloading files on the dark web. Always download from a trusted source and stay away from suspicious attachments or clicking on unknown links.

Additional Considerations:

• Legality: Be aware that there are certain dark web marketplaces or forums that can be considered illegal depending upon the location and the content you are accessing.
• Exit Nodes: While Tor provides anonymity, the final exit node reaching the website is not encrypted. So, there is a slight chance that there could be a malicious actor controlling the exit node to see your unencrypted traffic.
• Human Error: Accidental mistakes can also reveal your identity. So, be mindful of what information you are sharing on dark web forums or websites.

Remember: The dark web is a dangerous place. Even after taking all the precautions, there are still inherent risks involved. So, it is generally recommended to avoid it. However, if you have a specific or legitimate reason, these tips can help keep your surfing safe.

Tips for Using the Tor Browser

Here are some of the tips for effectively using the Tor browser:

• Tor is a separate browser so don’t expect the same functionality or speed as a regular browser.
• Use a VPN to get an added layer of security while surfing the internet.
• Unlike conventional website names, .onion addresses are hard to remember so bookmark the websites you trust.
• Be cautious while clicking on any links or opening files unless you are 100% sure.
• Avoid using the Tor browser for activities that can reveal your identity like checking social media or using email.
• Tor anonymizes traffic but the data at the exit nodes are still vulnerable to malware and human error.

Conclusion

The global situation has always undergone turmoil due to many oppressive regimes, civil wars amongst factions, and fights over resources. In this state, the right to information is not a choice but a necessity. With these best dark websites, it is possible to gain news regarding global politics that could be radical to bring in positive change. Stating this, we hope that our list may have been of help to you, and provide you with all the necessary information you are looking for.