In this article, you will learn how to access the Deep Web, a part of the internet with data and information that cannot be accessed through a normal search engine such as Google or Bing. There will also be instructions for entering the Dark Web, a very controversial and hard-to-find “subsection” of the Deep Web.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Accessing the Deep Web
Step 1. Understand that Deep Web data encompasses all internet information that is not indexed by search engines (Google, for example)
That way, you can find it just by opening its source and looking from it, instead of doing a quick Google search.
- On the Deep Web, there's data like university library archives, search results on travel sites, and so on.
- Deep Web data is not normally illegal and must be linked to reputable sources of research and libraries.
- There is a big difference between the Deep Web and the Dark Web, which is used for illegal purposes and anonymous activities.
Step 2. Learn how search engines find results
When searching for a word or phrase on Google or Bing, for example, the search engine “sweeps” the internet to display results, taking into account only the “surface” of the web.
As Deep Web content is never part of the “shallow” layer, there is no way to find its content through conventional search engines
Step 3. Use Firefox
As a precaution, using Firefox prevents your browsing history from being tracked; in this way, backward searches will not interfere with access to Deep Web materials, allowing the user to have a degree of privacy not found in other browsers.
As with any browser, the internet provider will be able to verify your activity if he wants to
Step 4. Use a website's dedicated search engine
Many addresses have a built-in search tool; they are needed to find results that are not listed on the “surface” of the internet.
- One example is Facebook search. Through the search field at the top of the screen, you can find users, pages and other items that you can't find with Google and other similar sites.
- Research fields and academic website archives are also examples. These features cannot be discovered without the help of tools.
Step 5. Try using the DuckDuckGo website
This is a private search page, which can index results from the surface and the Deep Web; although unlikely, there is a possibility of finding results related to the Deep Web through it.
- DuckDuckGo's big downside is that results from more popular surface sites are more likely to appear than those from Deep Web, which are rarely visited.
- To find Deep Web results through DuckDuckGo, go directly to the last results pages.
Step 6. Locate a specialized database
On this site, you will find several options for conducting research.
- Most of them are in English.
- Select a search category (“Architecture”, to search on the topic, for example).
- Choose a subcategory, if any.
- From the list of results, choose one of the databases.
Step 7. Browse the Deep Web however you like
As mentioned above, it is difficult to have any problems when browsing the deepest part of the internet, due to the nature of the internet. As long as you stick to basic security guidelines (don't give out private information, don't download suspicious files, and more), you shouldn't have any problems. On the Dark Web, however, you need to be very careful.
Method 2 of 2: Accessing the Dark Web
Step 1. Know what the Dark Web is
It is a “slice” of the internet that cannot be accessed without specific links and programs; Unlike Deep Web data, Dark Web information is often made up of broken links, downed sites, and more useless resources.
The great purpose of Dark Web is the possibility of providing anonymity to journalists, political dissidents, whistleblowers and people like that
Step 2. Understand the risks
Despite being harmless, as long as the user is not looking for problems, it is a fact that the Dark Web is a stronghold of criminal activities. The advantage is that legitimate sites on this part of the internet will not cause any problems.
- If you don't try to access illegal addresses, you will find many broken links and the loading time of normal websites will be very slow.
- When trying to access illegal content, the chance of getting caught is much greater than actually being able to find what you were looking for.
- Most Dark Web “horror” stories are made up, but it's best not to contact anyone or download files from it.
Step 3. Don't use Windows to access the Dark Web
Despite being more secure than previous versions, Windows 10 still has several security flaws that leave it quite vulnerable to hacking or virus entry when browsing the deepest part of the web.
- Linux is the best option for those who want to use the Dark Web; Ubuntu Linux is widely used and free.
- Mac users should have no problems as long as they use a VPN and the Tor browser.
Step 4. Take basic precautions before entering the Dark Web
There are some basic aspects that must be followed to avoid unpleasant “encounters” on the Dark Web:
- Cover the computer's webcam.
- Password protect your internet network if you haven't already.
Step 5. Use a VPN.
If possible, before downloading Tor or accessing the Dark Web, it's a good idea to install and enable a Virtual Private Network (VPN). NordVPN and ExpressVPN are very common alternatives, but you can choose either one that has the following features:
- The “kill switch” function, which terminates all applications when the VPN goes down.
- Fast charging time.
- Protection against IP and DNS leaks.
- Ability to connect through another country's server.
Step 6. Check if VPN is enabled and redirected to another country
It hides the IP address of any hacker who tries to view your location; it's an extra layer of security, as other people will see an IP address from another country, totally different from your current one.
Step 7. Download and install Tor
Go to this site to get the browser, which is intended for use on the Dark Web. There is a Brazilian Portuguese version for it.
Tor is indispensable for accessing addresses with the ".onion" ending, which make up the vast majority of Dark Web content
Step 8. Close any open windows from other browsers
Thus, no public information from previous browsing will be available when connecting to Tor.
Step 9. Enter the Tor
After enabling VPN and closing other browser windows, open Tor and click “Connect”; you will be taken to the Tor home page.
Tor recommends that its window not be maximized, as this allows certain programs to track the user according to screen resolution
Step 10. Change Tor's security settings
On the home page, click an onion icon in the top left corner of the page and drag the slider to the top. Now, tracking scripts and other forms of browser monitoring cannot be loaded.
Step 11. Open a Dark Web search site
The most common (and relatively safe) are:
- Torch: common search site on the Dark Web, which has over a million hidden pages indexed. Your address is:
- DuckDuckGo: Works for both surface and web depth addresses. Access it here.
- notEvil: Has a Google-like interface and blocks ads. your address is
- WWW Virtual Library: the oldest existing search engine. Offers historical sources and other academic information; click here to access it.
- Avoid the “Hidden Wiki” and “Onion URL Repository” search engines. Both will have links to illegal or obscure information.
Step 12. Browse the Dark Web
Through one of the search sites above, you can explore the Dark Web as you please; just remember to avoid suspicious websites and links, and never open or download files found there.
Tips
- You can configure Tor to use a specific country as an entry or exit point.
- In the end, the Deep Web is nothing out of the ordinary, as pop culture has led Internet users to believe. Still, it is a great source for academic papers, research and specific information that is not available on the “surface” of the internet.
- Some parts of the Dark Web are used to store research data and information that might be interesting to analyze.
- The internet can be divided into three main parts: the “surface” (about 4% of the web), the “Deep Web” (about 90% of the internet) and the “Dark Web” (about 6% of the internet). web).
Notices
- Much of the illegal content on the Dark Web is tied to things like human trafficking, selling illicit drugs and weapons, and so on. Never search or click on links to pages that reference or offer content related to such topics.
- Don't download files or accept chat requests on the Dark Web. Downloading torrents from this area of the internet is a bad idea.