Has anyone here accessed the Deep/Dark Web for research? I know it is not illegal just to look (unless it's something really bad and I think we know what I am talking about.) I have read that a simple download of software can access it but I am still a bit paranoid. Mainly because of the possibly of catching a virus, worm or some other computer harming software that my anti virus and firewalls would not be programed to stop. on the other hand there has got to be tons of great and legal information and research there as well... so conflicted on this.
I tried to use the TOR browser to find the human experiment articles that people keep talking about to get ideas for a horror novel I'm writing. Got confused and gave up. It's kinda hard to navigate if you don't know what you're doing. I also gave up partly because I was paranoid that I was gonna see some shit I didn't want to see. (Yea, I know what you mean...)
I've done some research, and here is what came out of it. TOR seems to be the most used tool to get on the deep web. However, you want to be very cautious, I've been told that going there without a firewall was like running naked in a bad neighbourhood with a "Rape-Me" sign around the neck. But if you take every basic precaution (no scripts, firewall, obturing your webcam, not downloading anything), you should be fine ! However, I recommend you stand near your internet access to be sure you can cut it in the event of someone trying to meddle with your computer. Better safe than sorry. TOR is the program, but you're gonna need web browsers to go with it : Torch, Ahmia or TorSearch. It seems you'll be directed on the Wikipage that'll explain everything upon opening TOR. If you are scared you'll see horrible things, I just suggest you don't search for them. I don't think horrible pictures are gonna pop up from nowhere, it's not because it's the "deep" web that it is not rationnal. Keep focused on what you need ! I'm interested in the upcoming answers though, kind of curious about first-hand experience on this.
Uhm. I would recommend VPN, but stay away from free providers for that. With regard to this talk about bad things, Tor browser is just a means to see unfiltered web-content. It does not mean necessarily that you will get broadside of bad stuff. As @Sniam said, just don't search for them Oh, and another tip. Don't ever give a traceable email address that is in any kind connected to you, and use PGP encryption. That means: First VPN. Then Tor. Then set up email. Then PGP. Not the other way round.
And buy a dog to combat the hackers on steroids! jk But seriously, a virtual machine proxy is probably one of the best options for keeping your computer free of viruses when browsing the deep web.
It is like going into dark, none want to go into the dark. If you do you better have some Know How to knowledge!
I like the dark. it's full of possibilities and wonder. Of course it might also be filled with demons, giant zombie spiders and republicans for that matter.
Terminology issue: The Deep Web is anything that you can't find using a search engine. For example, the contents of the Workshop section of this very site would be classified as "Deep Web", since you need a membership and password to access them. Easily obtained, but still Deep Web. The Dark Web is the bit that you need TOR to access, where you can trade <redacted> for <redacted>, assuming you aren't actually talking to a <redacted> agent who will stuff you down a very deep hole if you're not lucky enough to catch a virus that crashes your computer before you type anything incriminating. Link to an explanation.
I am interested still for the wealth of information there for writing purposes but still there is that voice that says " the second you download a TOR and access the Deep or Dark web (even for legal use) that a swat team will swing thru the windows armed with assault rifles and nets and teargas. but I know that is saved for downloading free music..... I have, in the past, had friends show me pirates bay and all the goodies found there but that again is stealing and all I want is legally obtained info. I will admit that free movies and book are tempting as hell since I know people get away with it all the time but for me it would feel like the sound of a beating heat beneath the floor boards (the tell-tale Heart - E.A Poe) Thank you all for the help and explanation on this.
Now I could be wrong about this, but isn't the "dark web" basically any website that's unlisted? I don't believe that it's some nefarious network of secretive websites that is collectively "dark web" territory. More like (in big cities) it's those underground clubs and 'businesses' that don't advertise themselves so you need to know someone who knows someone to get you in to one. But they're in no way inter-connected. If you want to draw parallels; the dark web is to the internet what the black market is to the real world. Basically anything that's not on the radar. IRL it's drug trade and prostitution and the like, online it's child porn and the like. Like I said, I'm not expert on this so I could be completely wrong and talking outta my ass. But I don't imagine any program you download would give you access to the "dark web" as if it were some gated community. More likely than not, you'll just give yourself a virus. If you are intent on going in search of those kinds of websites, use proxies and any virus protection you can think of. And if you find any illegal activities, report them.
Because of what most members have said seems like a great place to stay away from now and forever. I for one would not enjoy falling into a deep dark hole of regret.
AIUI, you don't need a special browser for the dark web, but it is a protection for you because you cannot be traced to be looking at these dodgy websites. Finding these websites is actually quite difficult. There are some good posts on Reddit about the deep/dark web and links to stuff that you cannot otherwise find.
Just google up "onion sites" and you'll be on your way. The Tor browser is useful and used by plenty of people. It gives some degree of anonymity but you're not truly anonymous, so don't fool yourself by thinking you are. Connecting a VPN through Tor (as opposed to Tor through a VPN) is the way to go. Setting the Tor browser security level to high and disable JavaScript is recommended. The Hidden Wiki is okay if you're poking around but if you're planning on using the markets don't go via there you'll get stung. There's several versions of the Hidden Wiki on the go, so take some of the links with a pinch of salt. SIGAINT is okay for anonymous email. As the previous poster mentioned having a look around Reddit is very useful to get you on the way.
Step 1: Buy a cheap $120 laptop from Best Buy, never put anything on it Step 2: Download TOR Step 3: Setup a VPN through TOR Step 4: Go to public library, Wendy's, or anywhere else with public Wifi Step 5: Browse the deep web freely
Don't forget to do #2 and 3 from free wifi also. Never check anything on the "light side" that can be connected to you from your dark side computer either.
I am completely fascinated by this dark web hoohockey. Although, I don't even like going on Reddit because of all the disgusting shit that's in some of those sub forums. Also, I know next to nothing about internet security and I'm sure Big Brother watches everything we do.
You'd actually be surprised to hear that the vast majority is completely left alone by authorities, who's reach is limited to very specific honeypots. Avoiding the traps is what you have to learn how to do, or simply to avoid being identified if you do fall for one of the honeypots.
What kind of stuff can one find on out there that isn't available on the regular net? I mean aside from the illicit shit that I'd have no interest in anyway. I mean I think the only reason I'm so fascinated is because I know nothing about it. Whats the draw?
You will realize the systems of control and limitations of the world around you are circumvented or ignored almost completely. It is like the normal web, but there is far, far, far more chaotic, unstable, and rich information and resources. It's like a volcano. It is dangerous, unstable, and could be lethal, but the soil is fertile, and the place that grows around it is a paradise.
