Search engines such as Google index well over a trillion pages on the World Wide Web[1] , but there is information on the web that common search engines don’t reach. Most of this is in databases of information that need to be searched directly from the specific website. More famously (or infamously), a small pocket of the deep web is filled with hyper-secret communities who flock there to escape identification from authorities.
Accessing the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you need a specialized browser like Tor. Tor stands for The Onion Router – It is free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication. Once you have installed Tor, you can access the dark web by entering specific URLs or web addresses into the browser’s address bar. These URLs are often long and complicated and end with .onion.
Here are the steps to get on the Dark Web:
Download the latest Tor Browser
Install Tor Browser on your computer
Optional: Install and turn on your VPN for extra protection (we recommend NordVPN if you don’t have a VPN)
Turn on Tor Browser
Copy and paste Ahmia.fi address (juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion) to your Tor Browser address bar and perform a Dark Web search to begin your journey
Alternatively, check out our .onion link list below to find interesting dark websites
Onion URL
Note that most websites on the Dark Web are on “.onion” extension. These .onion URL addresses usually consist of a set of random alpha-numerical strings and can only be accessed with the Tor Browser.
For example, this is the .onion address for Ahmia.fi, a popular search engine on the Dark Web. Can you memorize it in one go?
juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion
There are a few other top-level domains (TLDs) that were made for anonymous Internet access (ie. ,bit, .i2p, .loki) but in this article, we will focus on just .onion sites.
Performing a dark web search requires specific tools and precautions due to the nature of the dark web. Here are the steps to perform a dark web search:
Understand the Risks: The dark web is associated with illegal activities, and accessing it can expose you to various risks. It is crucial to understand the potential dangers, such as encountering illegal content, scams, malware, and surveillance. Proceed with caution and ensure you take appropriate security measures.
Install the Tor Browser: The Tor browser is the most commonly used tool to access the dark web. It enables anonymous browsing by routing your internet traffic through a network of relays, masking your IP address. Download and install the Tor browser from the official Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/).
Configure Tor Browser: Once installed, open the Tor browser and follow the initial configuration steps, such as connecting to the Tor network. The browser will automatically handle the necessary settings to enable anonymous browsing.
Access Dark Web Search Engines: The dark web has its own search engines that index content within the dark web. Some popular dark web search engines include:
Torch: http://xmh57jrzrnw6insl.onion/
Ahmia: http://msydqstlz2kzerdg.onion/
Candle: http://gjobqjj7wyczbqie.onion/
Note: These links can only be accessed through the Tor browser.
Enter Your Search Query: Similar to regular search engines, you can enter your search query into the search bar provided by the dark web search engine. Keep in mind that search results might be limited compared to the surface web, and you may come across illegal or disturbing content.
Navigate with Caution: When browsing the dark web, exercise caution and be aware of the content you access. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from untrusted sources, or providing personal information. Remember that illegal activities and dangerous entities exist on the dark web, so it’s crucial to maintain a cautious approach.
It’s important to note that exploring the dark web can be risky and may violate the law or terms of service, depending on your jurisdiction. It’s recommended to exercise discretion, prioritize personal safety, and use the dark web responsibly, if at all.
References:
https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/dark-web-monitoring/
https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/dark-web-monitoring
