Deep web and dark web are terms often used interchangeably, but the two are quite different. One is commonly used to identify internet archives, while the other term is used for illegal activities. If you can’t resist the temptation to explore the deep web, you’re at the right place.
In this article, we’ll understand the deep web, the difference between the deep and dark web, and how to access the deep web using a VPN server based in another location using a Washington VPN.
Without further ado, let’s dig in.
What is a Deep Web?
You must have heard about the deep or dark web through stories or headlines circulating online or otherwise. And we’re sure you would have found yourself asking, What is the deep web? As no news outlet explains what a deep web is besides calling it a place where you can anonymously access illicit content.
The deep web, unlike the dark web, fulfills a range of needs, from allowing people to access and host digital content away from the prying eyes of authoritarian governments to facilitating vast illegal activities.
The deep web, commonly known as the deep net, is a collective term used for non-indexed websites. Most of the websites on the deep web are intranet sites or databases that are typically not something you think about while hearing the term “deep web.”
The sites on the deep web outnumber those on the regular web.
We won’t blame you for thinking that the deep web is dangerous, considering how it has been blown out of proportion. There’s nothing inherently dangerous about accessing deep or dark web, which is quite simple.
Keep reading this guide to learn ways to access the deep web.
Deep Web vs. Dark Web – What’s the Difference?
The terms “Deep web” and “dark web” are used interchangeably, but they differ in multiple ways. The term deep web refers to web pages that have not been indexed, while the dark web is part of the deep web where illicit activities occur.
How to Watch Deep Web Safely?
Tor is a network of volunteer relays that routes the user’s internet connection. The connection is encrypted, and all communication is routed through relays situated worldwide, keeping the user anonymous. Tor is required to access the vast bulk of the dark web.
· Tor Browser
Tor Browser is the most convenient method to connect to Tor. It is entirely free to download and install. You might wish to use a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode to conceal your Tor Browser download.
Tor Browser, based on Firefox, allows you to browse the clear and black web. The Tor Network automatically routes all of your traffic. To avoid downloading malware, spyware, or other viruses to your system, only download the Tor Browser from the official website.
Tor Browser is officially only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Many experts recommend avoiding using the Tor Network’s third-party mobile browsers. Sorry, iPhone and iPad users.
· Use a VPN for Added Security
Because Tor node IPs are public, internet service providers and websites may detect when Tor is being utilized. Although websites cannot identify you and ISPs cannot decode your internet traffic, they can detect Tor usage. This might lead to suspicions and unwelcome attention.
If you wish to utilize Tor secretly, you can do it through a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed). In particular, Tor users in the United States may choose to utilize a Washington VPN, which is quicker and more dependable.
Your ISP will not be able to tell if you are connected to a Tor node or an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server if you use a VPN for the dark web.
· Installing VM or Disposable OS
It is advised to access the dark web using a virtual machine rather than your personal computer. Why? Because malware is easier to contain in a virtual environment that can be fully regulated.
It’s like in those movies where scientists experiment on lethal virus strains behind the protection of a glass box. There are several VMs to select from, including Oracle VM Virtualbox, VMware Fusion and Workstations, QEMU, Red Hat Virtualization, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, and Xen Project, to mention a few.
Final Thoughts
Although the deep and dark web may seem intimidating and dangerous, there is more to them than meets the eye. While dark web technology is used to conduct illicit activities, there are many legitimate reasons to access the deep web, especially in countries with poor digital privacy laws like China.
You can certainly dig deeper into the topic, but we hope that the information we provided has given you a basic understanding of the deep web and how to access it at your leisure.