What are onion sites?
Onion sites are websites on the dark web that use the “.onion” top-level domain instead of “.com,” “.net,” “.gov,” etc. Onion sites use The Onion Router (Tor) software to encrypt their connections and enable anonymous communication. They also hide their location, ownership, and other identifiers.
You can access onion sites only through the Tor browser or special network configurations. The onion domain name reflects the fact that, like the layers of an onion, the Tor browser consists of layers of protection. Tor encrypts traffic, masks your IP address, blocks trackers and browser fingerprinting, and doesn’t store a record of your activity.
The anonymity of onion sites is the main draw of the dark web, and most dark web links are hosted on “.onion” domains due to the sensitive nature of the businesses or services they host. Onion sites may offer secure access to cryptocurrency wallets or anonymous email clients. Or, they can help avoid government surveillance and censorship.
What is the dark web?
The dark web, also called the darknet or black web, refers to websites that are not indexed by normal search engines and need special software like Tor to access. Dark web websites offer privacy, anonymity, content, and goods that you can’t get on the surface web. The dark web is the unregulated part of the deep web, which encompasses all parts of the web not indexed by search engines.
In more technical terms, the dark web is the part of the web where sites are hosted on so-called darknets — computer networks overlaid on other networks. Like regular “surface” sites, dark web sites use internet protocols, but the darknet networks that are overlaid on normal networks can’t be accessed through regular web browsers.
A: The surface web includes publicly visible websites (blogs, shopping sites, news sites, YouTube).
B: The deep web consists of sites that require a login to access (email accounts, banking portals, subscription services).
C: The dark web is the part of the deep web that isn’t indexed by search engines and requires special tools to access, like Tor Browser.
In some ways, the dark web offers more browsing freedom, but the lack of safeguards can leave you exposed to hackers, malware, and other online threats. Before you access deep web sites, you need to be aware of the dangers that can lurk on the dark web, such as viruses or other malware.
And it’s not just cybercriminals and scams on the dark web. The lack of regulation leaves the dark web rife with offensive content and unsafe websites.
To stay safe while browsing dark web sites, follow these general rules:
- Don’t click unfamiliar links
- Confirm the URL is correct
- Use strong passwords
- Use a VPN
- Use alternative emails
- Don’t enter personal information
- Avoid proxy services
- Cover your webcam and microphone
- Don’t download anything
- Avoid buying anything
- Use antivirus software
To further reduce your exposure to dark web dangers, you can run a dark web scan to see if any of your data has leaked onto the black market. If you think you’ve fallen victim to identity theft or fraud, be sure to report the internet scam just like you would any other crime.
FAQs
Is it illegal to browse the dark web?
No, it’s not illegal to browse the dark web. But anything illegal in the real world is still illegal on the dark web. Illicit goods, illegal transactions, criminal harassment, downloading copyrighted material: anything that’s against the law on the regular web or offline is also illegal on the dark web.
Is it illegal to have websites on the dark web?
No country has jurisdiction over the internet, so simply having a website on the internet, whether it’s on the surface or dark web, is not illegal. While many deep web sites are undoubtedly used to facilitate criminal activity and other scams you should avoid, there are also plenty of legitimate dark web sites.
Are the deep web and dark web the same?
The dark web and deep web are not the same — all sites on the dark web are technically part of the deep web, but much of the deep web is not part of the dark web. The deep web is simply the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, such as email inboxes, banking portals, or any site that requires authentication or a password.
Unlike regular deep web sites such as your email account, the dark web is inaccessible unless you have special tools or software like the Tor browser. Some even say that the real dark web requires an invitation to participate.
Is the dark web 90% of the Internet?
The deep web is about 90% of the internet, while the dark web makes up about 5%. The normal, surface internet makes up the other 5%. A large portion of deepweb links are sites hidden behind security firewalls or authentication forms, such as banking sites or any of the billions of web pages that are password protected.
Are onion sites dangerous?
Onion sites aren’t inherently dangerous, but they can be. A lot of illegal activity occurs on the dark web, and onion websites are popular hangouts for cybercriminals and scammers. But if you use antivirus software, avoid clicking on shady links, and stick to known sites you should be fine. It’s also a good idea to set up a VPN for an extra layer of protection.
Can I access the dark web on mobile?
Yes, you can access the dark web on a smartphone, but you’ll need an appropriate browser, like Tor browser for Android or Onion browser for iPhone. Remember that phones can get viruses just as easily as computers, and the chances of getting a virus likely increase when you’re browsing dark web mobile sites, no matter your platform.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
Your activities on the dark web are not completely immune to web tracking, and the expectation of anonymity can create a false sense of security. The dark web not only attracts some of the most dangerous cybercriminals, it also attracts authorities looking to catch those cybercriminals. So your dark web use may draw unwanted scrutiny from your ISP or law enforcement. Use a VPN to strengthen your privacy on the dark web.
Telegram Channels : Stealer Logs
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