Dark Web, Deep Web, Surface Web: What Is the Difference?

WWW, or the World Wide Web, is what makes us learn about everything and anything. But, it is a big mystery itself. There are many things that we don’t know about the web.

The dark web is one such aspect of the web. As to Tor, only 3% of traffic is directed to the dark web, according to the Anonymous Traffic Classification research. 

If you’re also ignorant about the dark web and how to access the dark web, this post is going to help you a lot.

Dark Web: What Potential Threats Are Hidden There?

Now, you must consider why people access the dark web, even if it is risky and outlawed. Well, the Dark Web is like a double-edged sword. While it has become an ideal place for illegal activities, it has also helped organizations communicate securely. Those who don’t want to compromise their privacy just because they have to use the internet can pick the Dark Web when the deep web vs. the dark web is concerned. But that doesn’t mean it is not a risky space.

Attention! Before accessing the dark web, consider the potential threats that will automatically follow you. If not paid attention to, the threats of the dark web can be your worst nightmares. Some of the most common dangers of the dark web are:

Malware

They are the most preferred means of cyber-attacks everywhere on the dark web. Keyloggers, botnet malware, ransomware, and phishing malware are some of the most common malware that one will spot on the dark web.

Viruses

The dark web can inject viruses into your system and crash it entirely if you’re not vigilant enough.

Scams

The dark web is the favorite place for scammers. They can trick you with a lucrative deal and seal your crucial data and even money quickly.

Becoming a target of government agencies

We have already been told that the dark web is a hub of illegal activities.

Now, the governments of all countries have become extra vigilant and have started monitoring dark web users. So, the chances are high that government agencies will monitor you rigorously by simply accessing the dark web.

Dark Web: How to Get Access to it Safely?

After knowing so much about the dark web, we are sure that the thought of how to get to the dark web would be roaming in your mind. Well, we have an answer for this as well.

First of all, understand that using the dark web is not an illegal activity or a crime. Misusing it is. You won’t be behind the bar for using the dark web. So, keep your mind on this front. So, keep your mind clear on this front. Now, let’s talk about accessing dark web safety. 

As quoted above, you need a specialized browser to access it. Tor stands for The Onion Routing and allows a user to access the internet, and acts like the most direct route that anyone can take to the dark web. It is free of charge and can be downloaded on most data-driven devices.

Tor takes the path of unregulated encrypted servers, commonly called “nodes”, to connect a computer to the deep web. It hides the IP location and doesn’t let anyone know a single detail about the user. But Tor is not the only way to easily access the dark web, and it is not foolproof.

This is why it is suggested to use a VPN and Tor for complete secrecy and security.

If you’re wondering why adding a VPN with Tor is a good idea, then here are the reasons.

A reliable VPN with a wide range of servers can keep your identity secret while using the Dark Web.

How Can a VPN Help You Protect Yourself on the Dark Web? 

Now that what is the dark web is clear to you, you must be thinking about how to use it securely. Well, consider a VPN.

VPN is the greatest gift to internet users as it protects user data and crucial information and lets users browse anonymously and secretively. Its usage gives the ultimate peace of mind to users of all kinds of web users.

However, more than using a VPN, using the right one is crucial.

It is crucial that the VPN you’re using or planning to use has passed the DNS leak test, adheres to a strict zero-log policy, provides military-grade encryption, and has a wide range to the server hassle-free location switching.

After much research, we were able to spot one such VPN, and it is NordVPN. It has all these and multiple other security features and facilities. Its key trait is “Onion over VPN” servers that offer an extra bout of security. It is super user-friendly and can prevent all kinds of DDoS- attacks.

Setting up NordVPN is as easy as clapping. Here are the steps to configuring it and how to get on the dark web:

• Step 1 – Login to the official website of NordVPN and get the correct subscription.
• Step 2 – Download the NordVPN on your data-driven device and complete the account setting formalities. NordVPN is compatible with Windows, leading OS, and even routers. So you can download it on multiple platforms.
• Step 3 – Once the set-up is complete, you can use the “Quick Connect” feature of NordVPN to connect to the server of your choice. The server list is mentioned on the home page. The country of the server will be mentioned as well. So, pick as per your preference and start using NordVPN.

Visit the NordVPN Website

Top 20 Websites on the Dark Web That Are Worth Taking Risks

Even though the dark web is a bed of thorns, few dark web websites are worth taking risks on. These websites are hidden gems and can be a great help. If you’re keen to know about them, stay tuned.

For crisp information when you’re short in time, pay attention to this dark web com site(s) table:

Let’s talk about these sites in detail now:

DuckDuckGo

Often considered the Google for dark web browsers, DuckDuckGo will not keep your cookies while providing helpful information. You can access it on the surface web as well. You can ask anything from this platform and get accurate answers without being logged in.

Perks

• Has added a security layer
• No data is stored

Dangers 

• Limited accessibility

The Hidden Wiki

If the surface web has Wikipedia, the dark web browser has The Hidden Wiki. It’s a massive link directory featuring information on tons of topics. If you’re new to the dark web world, it’s suggested to use this directory to get the required .onion link for any dark web website or content. But, we are careful as it is famed for hosting pedophile sites.

Perks

• Provide dark web information at a centralized place

Dangers 

• A few links can be wrong or misleading

ProPublica

Interested to know the confidential information? Access ProPublica. Because of its informative content, it won a Pulitzer Award in 2016. Yes, it’s true. The online publication platform features stories on corruption, child labor, and political scams. It has exposed many politicians through dark web videos and other content formats.

Perks

• It can be accessed on the Surface web
• Feature an Onion site

Dangers

• Date leak

Daniel

Daniel is a great way to learn everything about ‘how to access dark web websites’ as it features more than 7000 dark web links. With this information, surfing dark web browsers becomes easy.

Perks

• Inform whether or not the particular dark web website is online

Dangers 

• Some links can feature malware.

Hidden Answers

The dark web also has Quora and Reddit, and it’s known as Hidden  Answers. Here, you’re allowed to share your thoughts in mind without getting tracked or blocked. The community will guide you on almost every topic.

Perks

• Anonymity

Danger  

• Unfiltered content can be too problematic.

Facebook Onion Site

If you don’t want to share your data while using Facebook, then try Facebook Onion Site. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy better online privacy.

Perks

• Provide access to restricted content.

Dangers 

• Threat actors are present in huge numbers.

SearX

A massive meta-search engine for dark web browsers, SearX is available on both the surface and dark web. One of the best dark websites, it doesn’t store the end-users’ IP address and search history. Hence, privacy is protected. It’s a great choice to make if you’re looking for a dark intellectual web.

Perks

• Auto blocking of cookies
• No user-profiling results

Danger 

• Some of the images may contain malware

SecureDrop

For sharing sensational information while keeping identity hidden, whistleblowers use SecureDrop.

Perks

• Keeps the user identity hidden

Dangers 

• Sharing is limited

BBC TOR Mirror

If the BBC is banned in your area and you still need to access it, try BBC Tor Mirror with the help of a dark web browser. It keeps the users’ identities a secret and lets them access content without any hassles.

Perks

• Uncensored Content

Dangers 

• If government vigilance is strong, you can have a tough time accessing it

Tunnels

Unlike other dark web websites, Tunnels features links displaying information related to individuals who have broken into the American university system.

Perks

• Help you post censored content

Dangers 

• Accessing tunnels is illegal

Keybase

If you want to bring all your online identities together using cryptography, then the Keybase dark web website will help you out. By simply uploading the PGP key, you can connect your active Facebook, Twitter, Github, and Bitcoin business accounts.

Perks

• Allows end-users to make online presence safe

Dangers 

• If hacked, you will lose all your digital presence in one go

Imperial Library

For lovers of the intellectual dark web, the Imperial Library is the best bet to make. Here, one will access a wide range of websites.

Perks

• Easy access to more than 500,000 books

Dangers 

• It can make you do with the offense of copyright infringement

Wasabi Wallet

With Wasabi Wallet, you can easily use cryptocurrency on the dark web, as this is the most famed cryptocurrency wallet. With features like CoinJoin, end-users can use different coins in a single payment.

Perks

• It uses the Neutrino protocol

Dangers 

• I cannot think of it. Mostly, it’s safe.

ZeroBin

Use ZeroBin to share dark web content seamlessly. It’s a reliable communication tool when you use it with the Tor browser dark web.

Perk

• Data shared in encrypted

Danger 

• It may not work in certain countries

BlockChain.Info

With BlockChain.Info, one can buy or sell cryptocurrencies of all sorts with enough safety.

Perks

• Features HTTP security certificate

Dangers

• Some data theft incidents have happened

Mailpile

With this dark web website, one can make email encrypted.

Perks

• The code is open-source

Dangers 

• You can download user information

Archive.Today

Launched in 2012, it preserves the dark web heritage. It will help you learn what is the dark web and how to get to the dark web with verified content.

Perks

• Information remains alive even if the original page is deleted.

Dangers 

• Might house malware

SecMail

SecMail is one of the most famed email services for the dark web.

Perks

• Handles PGP-encrypted messages

Dangers 

• Limited data usages

RiseUp

It’s a type of communication website that gives multiple emailing and chat options.

Perks

• No record of communication is stored.

Dangers 

• An invitation code has to be shared for an account.

Tor Metrics

Want to learn more about Tor dark web, then use Tor Metrics.

Perks

• Data will be safe.

Dangers 

• Only non-sensitive data is stored.