What is the dark web: Definition, How to Access, what’s on it, is it safe?

Discover the hidden world of the Dark Web — what it is, how to access it, and the secrets lurking beyond the reach of search engines.

The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specialized software like Tor to access, offering anonymity and unindexed content not found on regular search engines.

Accessing the Dark Web requires using a specialized browser like Tor, which encrypts your connection and allows you to visit .onion websites.

The Dark Web hosts a variety of content, ranging from anonymous forums and whistleblower platforms to illegal marketplaces and privacy-focused communication tools. Popular Dark Web websites include the Hidden Wiki, privacy-focused email services, cryptocurrency mixers, and forums dedicated to anonymity and free speech.

While the Dark Web can offer valuable privacy tools and access to unique content, it also comes with significant security risks and ethical considerations.

stay Safe on the dark web

The Dark Web is no Disneyland. Use a VPN to keep your data safe and avoid government tracking when surfing Dark Websites.

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is a hidden section of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. It operates on encrypted networks and requires specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to access.

Unlike the Surface Web, which is openly accessible, or the Deep Web, which includes content behind paywalls or logins, the Dark Web prioritizes user anonymity and privacy. This hidden layer of the internet is often associated with secrecy, as it allows users to browse websites anonymously without revealing their IP addresses.

What is the Dark Web

Dark Web vs Deep Web

The main difference between the Dark Web and the Deep Web lies in accessibility and content. The Deep Web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines but can still be accessed with the correct URL, login credentials, or payment. It is largely owned by large organizations or governments. Information found on the Deep Web is usually safeguarded behind powerful firewalls and kept away from search engines. Think medical records, government reports, personal emails, financial reports, and so on – information on the Deep Web is never exposed to the public for good reasons.

In contrast, the Dark Web requires specialized software like Tor to access and focuses on maintaining user anonymity. Dark Web Sites often run on networks of private servers, allowing communication only via specific means. This enables a high degree of anonymity and makes it difficult for authorities to shut down – which, unfortunately, makes the Dark Web a hotbed for many illegal or immoral activities.

How does the Dark Web work?

The Dark Web operates using encrypted networks, with Tor (The Onion Router) being the most commonly used protocol. When a user connects to the Dark Web using the Tor browser, their internet traffic is routed through multiple relays (or nodes) around the world.

Each relay decrypts a layer of encryption, similar to peeling an onion, which ensures that no single node knows both the user’s identity and their destination. This process hides the user’s location, IP address, and online activities, making it nearly impossible to trace their digital footprint.

Why was the Dark Web created?

The Dark Web was originally created to support anonymous communication for privacy and security purposes. Its development began as a project of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, which sought to create a secure communication channel for government operatives and whistleblowers.

Over time, this technology became publicly accessible, giving rise to the Tor network. While the original intent was noble, the anonymity it provides has also been exploited for illegal activities, such as black markets and cybercrime. Despite this, the Dark Web remains an essential tool for journalists, activists, and people living under oppressive regimes who require uncensored access to information.

How many people use the Dark Web?

The number of people who use the Dark Web is difficult to estimate accurately due to its anonymous nature. However, usage reports released by TorProject.org suggest that there are around 2 to 2.5 million users access the Dark Web daily in 2024.

These users include privacy-conscious individuals, journalists, political activists, and those seeking access to uncensored information, as well as individuals engaged in illicit activities.

Who controls the Dark Web?

No single entity controls the Dark Web. It is a decentralized network of websites and communication platforms that operate independently. Since the Dark Web relies on peer-to-peer networks and distributed infrastructure, there is no central authority overseeing its content.

While governments and law enforcement agencies have attempted to regulate and shut down certain illegal Dark Web marketplaces, new sites often emerge to replace them. The underlying technology, like the Tor network, is maintained by nonprofit organizations such as the Tor Project, which focuses on promoting privacy and online freedom.

how do you access the Dark Web?

Tor Browser download page.

Accessing the Dark Web requires specific tools and knowledge, as it is not reachable through standard web browsers like Chrome or Safari. Instead, users must use special software that can connect to encrypted networks. While accessing the Dark Web itself is not illegal, certain activities on it may violate the law.

Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to access the Dark Web safely and securely.

Step-by-step Guide to Get On the Dark Web

In total, you can be on the Dark Web within 10 to 15 minutes from the time they start downloading the Tor browser. However, navigating the Dark Web safely and understanding which websites to trust can take much longer.

Total Time: 15 minutes

1. Download the latest Tor Browser at TorProject.org

The Tor browser is the most important tool for accessing the Dark Web. It allows you to connect to the Tor network and browse .onion websites. Download the Tor Browser only from its official website to avoid malware-infected versions. This takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your internet speed. Once ready, install the Tor Browser like any other program.

2. Install and turn on your VPN (Optional)

For an added layer of privacy, connect to a VPN before launching the Tor Browser. While Tor already anonymizes your browsing activity, a VPN adds an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet connection before it reaches the Tor network. Choose a reputable no-log VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN or ExpressVPN). Once connected, launch the Tor Browser and begin browsing.

3. Connect to the Tor Network

After setting up your VPN, open the Tor Browser. The first time you launch it, you will see an option to “Connect.” Click on it to establish a connection to the Tor network. Establishing a connection with the Tor network takes 1-2 minutes. The browser will route your traffic through a series of encrypted nodes, making your activity difficult to trace. This process might take a few seconds, depending on your internet speed.

4. Use Dark Web Search Engines

Navigating the Dark Web can be challenging since traditional search engines like Google cannot index .onion sites. Instead, use specialized Dark Web search engines like Ahmia or DuckDuckGo (which also indexes some .onion content). Copy and paste Ahmia.fi Dark Web address here: juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion to your Tor Browser address bar and perform a Dark Web search to begin your journey

5. Visit Dark Web Sites with Caution

Once connected, you can access Dark Web sites using their .onion URLs. Only visit sites you know and trust, as many are scams or host illegal content. Verify .onion URLs through trusted sources like The Hidden Wiki or reputable Dark Web forums. Avoid downloading files or engaging in transactions unless you are certain of a site’s legitimacy, as many contain hidden malware.

What Can you find on the dark web?

The Dark Web is just like the Surface Web (also known as the “Clearnet”), where you can find information, buy products and services, or interact with others. The main difference is that anonymity is a more highly treasured commodity on the Dark Web. It’s not all illegal, but a significant portion of it skirts or completely breaks the law.

Some common types of websites found on the Dark Web include:

  1. Marketplaces: These are e-commerce-like platforms where users can buy and sell both legal and illegal goods, such as digital products, data, or physical items.
  2. Forums and Communities: Anonymous discussion boards where users discuss privacy, security, hacking, or other niche topics.
  3. Whistleblower Platforms: Websites like SecureDrop that enable whistleblowers to share information anonymously with journalists and media outlets.
  4. Cryptocurrency Services: Platforms for managing cryptocurrency wallets, mixers, and exchanges.
  5. Privacy-Focused Services: Encrypted email services, secure messaging apps, and other privacy tools that prioritize user anonymity.
  6. Illegal Content: While controversial, some users seek out illegal activities like counterfeit items, hacking tools, or other illicit content.

What are the things you can buy from the Dark Web?

Almost anything can be bought on the Dark Web as long as you’re willing to pay, including firearms, illegal drugs, illegal wildlife, or even services such as the rental of a hitman. Based on our recent research, here are the prices of commonly traded items or services on the Dark Web:

  • Payment processing services: $10 – $800
  • Crypto accounts: $90 – $250
  • Hacking services: $5 – $40
  • Forged documents (scans): $25 – $165
  • Forged documents (physical): $150 – $6,500
  • DDoS attacks: $50 – $850

Is the Dark Web just illegal content?

No, the Dark Web is not solely a hub for illegal content. While it is often portrayed as a haven for criminals, it also serves legitimate purposes. Many users access the Dark Web to maintain privacy, communicate securely, or avoid censorship.

SecureDrop, for example, is used by major media organizations like The New York Times and The Guardian. These sites enable whistleblowers to share sensitive documents safely, protecting their identity from oppressive regimes or corporate retaliation.

Examples of legitimate uses of the Dark Web

  1. Journalism: Journalists use anonymous communication channels like SecureDrop to collect sensitive information from whistleblowers.
  2. Human Rights Advocacy: Activists use the Dark Web to access blocked websites and communicate securely with the outside world.
  3. Privacy Protection: Privacy-conscious individuals use the Dark Web to browse anonymously or avoid surveillance.
  4. Research and Education: Cybersecurity researchers access the Dark Web to monitor hacking trends, identify data breaches, or learn about emerging cyber threats.

How safe is it to access the Dark Web?

What are the risks of using the Dark Web?

Accessing the Dark Web comes with significant risks, including legal consequences, malware threats, and potential exposure to cybercriminals. Below are the key dangers associated with exploring this hidden part of the internet.

  • Legal Risks: Visiting illegal content or services may lead to severe legal consequences, including investigations or watchlist placement.
  • Malware Threats: The Dark Web is rife with malware and phishing attacks that can steal data or credentials.
  • Cybercrime: Personal data, credit cards, and logins are targeted for identity theft, blackmail, or resale.
  • Scams and Fraud: Fake marketplaces and unregulated sites lead to financial loss or undelivered/fake goods.
  • Anonymity Loss: Improper tools or setups can leak identity, exposing users to surveillance or tracking.
  • Surveillance Risks: Traffic monitoring and honeypot sites by law enforcement can jeopardize privacy.

Can you get hacked by browsing the Dark Web?

Yes, it is possible to get hacked while browsing the Dark Web. Cybercriminals use tactics like phishing, malware downloads, and fake websites to target unsuspecting users. Without proper security measures, users may expose their IP addresses or download files that compromise their devices. To reduce the risk, users should avoid clicking on unknown links, refrain from downloading files, and only visit reputable Dark Web sites.

stop being tracked on the dark web

The Dark Web is no Disneyland. Use a VPN to keep your data safe and avoid government tracking when surfing Dark Websites.

How do you protect yourself while using the Dark Web?

To protect yourself while browsing the Dark Web, follow these best practices:

  1. Change your mindset: Many people browse the web daily with abandon and even with increased cyber threats today, there is still the mindset that the web is a safe place to just stumble around. Browsing the dark web with this mindset could be fatal. Always be security conscious and aware. Trust no one. There are a ton of other things you should take note of, but here’s one final tip – Be cautious of making friends on the dark web, it’s not Facebook.
  2. Use Tor with a VPN: A VPN adds an extra layer of encryption, making it harder for third parties to track your activity. VPN brands we have tried ourselves and recommend include: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and SurfShark.
  3. Install Antivirus Software: While antivirus software is not technically required to access the Dark Web, it is highly recommended. A reliable antivirus software can detect and block malware, ransomware, and other threats that exist on the Dark Web.
  4. Stop Using Macros: Macros and apps which run scripts like JavaScript open a whole new can of worms and raise your risk profile considerably. Some normal sites like YouTube need them, but if a site on the dark web is asking you to enable scripts, think twice. You will be at high risk of virus or Malware infections.
  5. Use a Privacy-Focused Email: If you must register for an account, use a disposable or anonymous email service like ProtonMail.
  6. Do Not Download Files: Avoid downloading any files, as they may contain malware or spyware. Malicious code can be embedded in almost any file type and you won’t know until it’s too late. If you must, use a virtual machine to do so, as this will isolate the file from the rest of your OS.
  7. Practice Digital Hygiene: Clear your browser cache, avoid saving passwords, and use a secure password manager.

Frequent Asked Questions About the Dark Web

What are the most popular websites on the Dark Web?

Some of the most popular websites on the Dark Web include The Hidden Wiki, SecureDrop, ProPublica, ProtonMail, and RiseUp. We have curated a list of legitimate Dark Web links for you to explore. For those seeking a deeper dive into the more unconventional corners of the Dark Web, our Dark Web search engine offers a gateway to discover the wilder side.

Can you make money on the Dark Web?

Yes, people can make money on the Dark Web, but it’s often tied to high-risk activities. Some of the ways users earn money include: Freelance work, Bug bounty hunting, and selling digital products.

Can you be arrested for visiting the Dark Web?

No, simply visiting the Dark Web is not illegal in most countries. However, accessing illegal content or engaging in criminal activities (like purchasing illegal goods) can result in prosecution. Law enforcement actively monitors illegal marketplaces and illegal forums on the Dark Web, and users who engage with these platforms can face legal consequences.

Can you find secret government files on the Dark Web?

While some users believe that secret government files can be found on the Dark Web, most classified documents are stored on secure government networks, not on public networks like the Dark Web. However, leaked government files from whistleblowers have been found on platforms like SecureDrop or shared via anonymous forums.

Can you delete your Dark Web browsing history?

Yes, you can delete your browsing history on the Tor browser, but it’s not as simple as clearing cookies. Since Tor anonymizes traffic, your activity isn’t directly stored on your device. However, if files are downloaded or if tracking scripts manage to log user activity, it’s possible for evidence to remain on your computer. To ensure privacy, you should use “New Identity” on Tor to reset the browser session, clear cache and cookies, and use disk encryption to encrypt the storage where browsing data might be stored.

What is Dark Web monitoring?

Dark Web monitoring refers to the process of scanning the Dark Web for signs of leaked or stolen data related to a specific business or individual. This can include stolen credit card data and credential leaks.

Do I need to pay for access to the Dark Web?

No, users should never pay for access to the Dark Web. If someone offers to “sell access” to the Dark Web, it is likely a scam. Accessing the Dark Web is completely free using the Tor browser (see our step-by-step tutorial above). Scammers often prey on uninformed users by promising access to “exclusive” sites, but this is unnecessary and risky.

When did the Dark Web “start”?

The term “Dark Web” was officially coined on 20th March 2000. It came with the introduction of the Freenet decentralized network system invented by Ian Clarke. The intention aimed at offering access to a network that was more difficult for official sources to spy or intrude upon.

Why are the old .onion links no longer working?

All .onion websites on the Dark Web are now shifted towards the Onion v3 protocol. That means many of the existing Dark Web Websites will no longer be accessible unless you know their new v3 .onion address. To see if the .Onion URL you’re trying to access is v2 or v3, the most telling sign is the length of the URL. v3 .onion addresses are 56 characters in length. The older v2 URLs are only 16 characters in length.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve tested some of the stuff in this article out – by now you’ve probably realized that what I’ve given you is a highly sanitized version of what’s really available on the Dark Web. Seriously, some of the things are so illegal that I won’t even type them out here.

Is the Dark Web worth exploring?

The Dark Web can be a place of real freedom. For example, you can openly discuss anything political, no matter how left or right-wing, without fear of prosecution from your local authorities. Unfortunately, that’s intermixed with a lot of, well, not-so-nice things.

While privacy advocates, journalists, and whistleblowers rely on its anonymity to protect their identities, let’s not kid ourselves – it’s also where the internet’s “most wanted” like to hang out. If your idea of “exploration” includes dodging scams, malware, and phishers-in-disguise, then, by all means, fire up that Tor browser.

Stay Safe

Exploring the Dark Web safely is like navigating a haunted house – except the ghosts might steal your data. Rule #1: Don’t trust anyone, especially websites with flashing pop-ups promising “exclusive” content. Rule #2: Stay anonymous with Tor and a VPN, because you’re not the only one peeking behind the curtain. And rule #3: Use antivirus software like it’s your best friend, because clicking the wrong link could unleash malware faster than you can say “oops”. But if you’d rather not wander aimlessly, why not start with our Dark Web search engine to skip the guesswork and get straight to the action (without all the endless link-chasing).


Article by Jerry Low

20 years SEO junkie now swimming in the sea of cybersecurity, learning every day and helping keep the digital world a little safer.