How to Access the Deep Web Anonymously
So you’re sick of ‘surface web‘ sites such as Facebook, Google, and all the other boring sites and you would like to access the deep web and have some fun, right?
But be careful though because not everything that you will encounter on the deep web is fun and entertaining. In fact, some of the things there are just plain disturbing, awkwardly creepy, and downright spooky.
So just keep that mind, today we will help you learn the best ways to access the deep and dark web, software/tools you need to use, and tips on how to remain anonymous while you’re there while ensuring your safety and protection of your personal data.
Please read this guide carefully especially if this is your first time trying to access the deep web, you never want to risk having your IP or any data leaked that could potentially be used to learn about your real identity or worse, your real home address.
But first…
What is the deep web?
Most people will only stick to surface web or visible web sites and such as Facebook, Wikipedia, and many other well-known websites.
But according to some statistics, only 4% of the internet is visible and available to the public. While the other 96% is hidden from the public, and not easily accessible or searchable by most regular web browsers and requires special software and configurations to obtain access.
This part of the internet is not indexed by most everyday popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing. This part of the internet is what’s commonly called ”the deep web.”
In general, the deep web contains sites and marketplaces that sells all kinds of illegal goods and services such as drugs, pirated videos/movies/software, and also some other spooky and disturbing things such as child pornography, hackers for hire, and even hitmen for hire. Not to mention political activities and money laundering.
Though the deep or darknet can also be used by online users who just seek more privacy such as oppressed journalists, freedom seekers and other activists.
How to access the deep web
As we have mentioned earlier, before you try to access the deep web you need to first be aware of all the necessary precautions that you need to take to keep yourself safe and your data secure while you’re down there. (Did I mention that hackers love to hang out in the deep web?)
Also, keep in mind that some websites in the deep web are much difficult to access than others, but these are usually password-protected websites, private databases, and online archives just to name a few.
Step 1: Get a virtual private network (VPN), this is the first thing that you need to do to ensure the safety of your identity on the deep web and protect your online data. Learn more about how a VPN can protect your digital life or subscribe here for a premium VPN service.
A VPN will help encrypt your internet traffic, mask your IP address from snoopers, and keep your identity anonymous on and off the deep web. It’s a must-have tool for anonymous internet browsing.
Step 2: Download and install the anonymity-focused web browser Tor project on your computer it’s a web browser specially configured for anonymous browsing, it will help keep you safe while browsing the dark web.
The Tor (Onion Router) web browser that was initially developed by the U.S. Navy is one of the most well-known and widely used freemium web browsers for anonymous browsing, it’s ease of use and reliable privacy features has made it the first choice for many online users looking to browse the deep web.
Though it doesn’t ensure complete anonymity, but we will get to that later.
Step 3: Learn about the direct links to the websites you want to visit on the deep web. Because while you can browse everyday surface web sites using the Tor browser, it’s not the case with deep web sites.
Websites on the deep web don’t generally use general purpose domain name extensions such as .com, .net, and .org, or others. Most dark web sites use the .onion top-level domain extension provided by the Tor anonymous hidden service.
Here’s what a typical .onion website domain name looks like:
Apparently, they can be a little bit difficult to remember. Which is why you will need to keep a list of this deep site links in a notepad or somewhere so you can later easily copy & paste them into the Tor browser when you need them.
Congrats…
Now you can safely visit any deep web site of your choice without worrying about your safety and the security of your private data.
With the help of Tor browser + a reliable VPN software you can safely access any deep web site anonymously without worrying about anyone trying to track your online activities.
The above two tools will help provide the necessary security protection measures needed to enable you to browse the deep web safely.
You can also use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin on deep/dark web marketplaces, but unless you’re planning to buy some illegal goods and services such as drugs or any other thing that may put you on trouble, you generally don’t need to use any cryptocurrencies.
The deep/dark web can be an intriguing and exciting part of the internet, particularly to those who have never gone down that rabbit hole before.
And while it can be a host to numerous cybercriminals and freaky stuff, it is also an important place for online users concerned about their online privacy and freedom of speech.