News Sites: ProPublica, New York Times, BBC, And The Guardian
The Dark Web Onion
The term the dark web onion often refers to a layer of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. This part of the web is primarily accessed using specific software, the most notable being Tor.
The name “onion” comes from the way data is encrypted and routed through multiple nodes, creating layers of security much like the layers of an onion.
You won’t be able to find these .onion links on just any browser, and will be able to access them using a TOR browser. Terms like “Deep web” and “dark web” are frequently used interchangeably, despite the fact that they refer to different things. The deep web refers to any information on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines like Google and is thus not accessible via standard searches. The deep web content includes anything requiring a login or behind a paywall, as well as any material which site owners have made efforts to exclude from the crawler’s indexing. Shadowy depths of the internet, where anonymity reigns, and curiosity intertwines with caution. Hidden from the prying eyes of mainstream search giants, these enigmatic tools allow users to access an alternative realm of the internet, where secrecy and privacy take precedence.
Although it’s a bit more expensive than other VPNs, ExpressVPN is worth the price for providing reliable, high-speed connections and robust security for the Dark Web. Plus, when you opt for a long-term 1-year + 3 months plan, you’ll save 49% and pay just $6.67/month! You can even pay with Bitcoin or Mint to keep your account from being tied to you.
From leaked credentials or stolen company data for sale and signs of targeted attacks, Flare provides comprehensive dark web threat detection. Wallstreet Market was a pioneer of 2/3 Multisig use on the darknet scene, which involved making direct deposits (no wallets), PGP login, BM-Notification System & Auto shop for Digital Goods . It was available in English & German and supported cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Monero. Wallstreet Market has exit scammed and was seized by law enforcement who collected the information of all its users. As in normal Tor use, none of the relays between a user and the website see the “whole picture”. But the onion site connection never has to leave those confines to connect to the normal Internet, which exposes metadata.
But with I2P, your traffic can be sent through any I2P user’s device. There’s information on live marketplaces and even includes some trustworthy links. We primarily use this website to research current websites on the dark web. Some websites have multiple links available, which can all be verified using a PGP signature. To prove its commitment to privacy, PIA has implemented RAM-only servers, regular third-party audits, AES-256 encryption, and effective VPN kill switches in its apps.
Because of its association with certain illicit activities, there have been calls for regulation of the dark web. For instance, the G20 and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have both called for cryptocurrency companies to provide information on buyers and sellers in transactions conducted online. This is especially true, they say, to help law enforcement track criminal organizations and illicit activities. The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals. That’s because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for people who buy and sell on the dark web.
Understanding the Dark Web
The great thing about sharing via the Dark Web on SecureDrop is that users can do so without fear of persecution and without the possibility of being tracked down and punished. We also urge you to remember that there are various versions of the Hidden Wiki circulating on the dark web. The original (linked below) is still considered the most reliable, so try to avoid counterfeit versions. With this in mind, it is essential that you are careful about what you choose to visit and where you choose to click. As always, we strongly recommend using a reliable antivirus and a robust VPN to increase your security.
To fully grasp the concept of the dark web onion, it’s essential to understand the structure of the internet:
- Surface Web: This consists of sites that are indexed by search engines like Google and Bing.
- Deep Web: This includes all content that is not indexed, such as databases, medical records, and more.
- Dark Web: A small portion of the deep web that requires specific software and configuration to access.
How to Access the Dark Web
If you want to explore the dark web onion, consider the following steps:
- Download Tor Browser: This browser is specifically designed to navigate the dark web.
- Use a VPN: For enhanced security and anonymity, it’s advisable to use a VPN along with Tor.
- Access Onion Sites: These are websites ending in .onion which can only be accessed through Tor.
Contents of the Dark Web
The dark web onion contains a variety of content, including:
- Illegal Activities: Marketplaces for drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Whistleblowing Platforms: Sites like SecureDrop allow whistleblowers to share information anonymously.
- Forums and Communities: Forums discussing various topics, often without censorship.
Risks Involved
While the dark web onion offers anonymity, it also comes with significant risks:
- Legal Risks: Engaging in illegal activities can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Cybersecurity Threats: The dark web is rife with malware and hacking attempts.
- Scams: Many sites are fraudulent and can steal personal information or money.
- There’s information on live marketplaces and even includes some trustworthy links.
- Just as before, Tor picks three random relays, but in this case, a copy of Tor we’re running also picks three random relays and the relays meet in the middle.
- But Tor does have some vulnerabilities, and as with any browser, Tor users remain vulnerable to online threats, ranging from malware to phishing scams.
- Instead, Tor clients create circuits through relay points in the Tor network.
FAQs
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The deep web includes all unindexed content, while the dark web is a small part that requires specific tools to access.
Is it safe to browse the dark web?
While tools like Tor provide anonymity, the dark web is home to many illegal activities and cybersecurity threats, making it risky.
Can anything legal be found on the dark web?
Yes, there are legal resources like forums for privacy advocacy, secure communication channels, and even legal advice.
In summary, the concept of the dark web onion is multifaceted, encompassing a complex structure filled with hidden content, but also fraught with risks. Understanding how to navigate this unique part of the internet can offer insights into both the benefits and dangers it holds.
