Deep Web Guide: Getting There & How It Differs from the Dark Web

Curious about what happens on the Deep Web? The Deep Web refers to web data you can't find using a search engine like Google. Unlike the Dark Web, the hidden corner of the internet often used to conduct illicit or anonymous activity, anyone can get to the Deep Web safely using a regular browser. We'll show you how to find information on the Deep Web and safely dip your toes into the Dark Web.

Accessing the Deep Web: Quick Info

You can't use Google to access the Deep Web—you'll need to go directly to websites and archives to find non-indexed files, or try a Deep Web search engine. Unlike the Dark Web, which requires a special web browser called Tor, you can use any browser to get to the Deep Web.

Section 1 of 8:

Deep Web Search Engines

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Many websites have search engines built into them, which allow you to find information on the site that isn't indexed by Google or Bing. The information you find on a website's internal search engine is part of the Deep Web. Millions of websites have their own search engines, but here are a few that you may find interesting:
- Biznar searches over 100 different search engines at once and removes the duplicates, ensuring you'll find deep web content you wouldn't on Google.
- IntelligenceX is a massive search engine that allows you to search document sharing platforms, whois data, data leaks, domains, Bitcoin addresses, and even the dark web.^{[1]
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- Think Tank Search is a one-stop search engine meant for finding public policy research and analysis from governments, universities, advocacy groups, NGOs, and other partisan and non-partisan think tanks.^{[2]
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- Napalm FTP indexer lets you search for files on thousands of public FTP servers at once.
- Search Engine Colossus isn't a search engine, but a list of smaller global search engines and indexes that contain links to millions of sites and documents you won't find on Google.
- Facebook's search tool is even a Deep Web search engine—you can find many users, groups, and Pages that aren't indexed by mainstream search engines.

Section 2 of 8:

Access the Deep Web at Archive.org

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Find archived websites that no longer exist. The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is an amazing Deep Web tool that lets you view websites that no longer exist and older versions of websites that exist now.
- For example, if you search for Facebook.com, you can see what Facebook's homepage looked like in 2006.
- Not all websites are archived by the Wayback Machine—some webmasters prefer their sites not to be indexed and can opt out.

Section 3 of 8:

Deep Web Access via Academic Databases and Archives

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Academic databases and archives are some of the most interesting parts of the Deep Web. There are plenty of great databases that contain peer-reviewed and other academic data that isn't completely searchable in Google or Bing, including:
- PubMed indexes articles about biomedical topics. Google indexes some of what is on PubMed, but you can browse and search the website for difficult-to-find articles.
- DOAJ offers a one-stop option to search over 20,000 journals for free open-access articles.
- Project Muse lets you read peer-reviewed academic journal articles and e-books about the humanities.
- Voice of the Shuttle is another humanities-focused resource curated by humans who share helpful and interesting Deep Web content.
- Library of Congress's Digital Collections is home to hundreds of manuscripts, photos, videos, articles, and other historical information you won't find in Google.
- National Archives Catalog search lets you search multiple archives, including documents uploaded by citizen archivists.^{[3]
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- Most regional libraries have extensive websites available for members. As a library card holder, you can search dozens to hundreds of databases you won't find anywhere online. This includes genealogical information, local news archives, public directories, oral histories, and much more.

Section 4 of 8:

Other Deep Web Tools

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Use Deep Web tools to look up information. As you can see, anything behind a paywall, username and password, or CAPTCHA is technically the Deep Web. You might not realize that many online tools that show live content are also on the Deep Web. Some examples:
- Usenet Archive is a searchable archive of Usenet posts from the early days of the internet.
- The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center lets you view live flight delays across the United States.
- Melissa lets you look up and verify the names and addresses of people across the globe.
- The United States Department of Transportation is home to a great lookup tool that lets you find documented safety issues and recalls by vehicle—enter your VIN to find out if your car is safe.
- The United States Congress website has a searchable index of bills, laws, and congressional records.
- Access to Archival Databases offers records that identify specific people and organizations, making it great for genealogy and social research.^{[4]
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- The United States Copyright Office lets you search for copyright information.
- Project Gutenberg is home to over 60,000 free eBooks you can read on your eReader, computer, or tablet.
- SearchCode lets you search for code snippets from billions of projects.

Section 5 of 8:

Deep Web vs. Dark Web

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The Deep Web is made up of information you can't get to from Google. Library archives, private databases, online banking accounts, subscription-only magazines, and court dockets are all things you'll find on the Deep Web. Although the Deep Web sounds mysterious, you've likely spent time there!
- Basically, anything that requires a password, subscription, or even a CAPTCHA to access is part of the Deep Web.
While the Dark Web requires using a special web browser to access anonymous websites, anyone can find information on the Deep Web through a regular web browser like Chrome or Safari. Unlike browsing the depths of the Dark Web, checking out sites on the Deep Web is just as safe as browsing any other website.^{[5]
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The Dark Web refers to a small sliver of the web that is impossible to access without special software and links. Since the Dark Web's focus is on anonymity, it's home to a lot of illicit content, which gives it a bad reputation.^{[6]
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- Although the Dark Web is most known for its illegal marketplaces, it's also used to provide anonymity to journalists, political dissidents, whistleblowers, and the like.

Section 6 of 8:

Browsing the Dark Web with Tor

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Download and install Tor. Dark Web addresses typically look like long strings of letters and numbers and always end with .onion. Unlike browsing the Deep Web, you'll need a special web browser to browse the Dark Web because of these strange addresses. You can find Tor, the most popular browser used to access the Dark Web, at https://www.torproject.org/download.
- Tor has some added features for security, including the ability to change your location so that websites think you're in another region.
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Connect to Tor. Open Tor and click Connect. This will open the Tor home page.^{[7]
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- Tor recommends that you don't maximize the Tor window, as doing so will publicize your screen size—this could be problematic if you're trying to be anonymous.^{[8]
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Once you've launched Tor, click the shield icon at the top-right, select Change, and then choose Safest as your security level.^{[9]
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Browse the Dark Web. Now that you're on the Dark Web, you can visit websites that end with .onion.
- A mostly safe place to start is The Hidden Wiki, a site that contains a frequently updated set of links to common Dark Web sites including email tools, messaging, website hosting, blogs, and more. Find it at http://kpvz7zqaqdk3eoqqkd32sqkzyyajnegtkwdlfeyp2xgxmbwh5iabtkyd.onion.^{[10]
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Section 7 of 8:

Dark Web Search Engines

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Dark Web search engines only index the Dark Web. Be careful when using Dark Web search engines, as many could point you in disturbing directions. Here are a few relatively safe places to start your journey into the Dark Web:
- Torch is a commonly used Dark Web search engine with over one million indexed hidden pages. You can access it at http://xmh57jrknzkhv6y3ls3ubitzfqnkrwxhopf5aygthi7d6rplyvk3noyd.onion/ .
- AHMIA is another Dark Web search engine that indexes non-abusive sites on the Dark Web. Check it out at juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion.^{[11]
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- TorDex is an uncensored dark net search engine that lets you find anything you need without restrictions. Designed for privacy and freedom, it offers secure access to the deep web, ensuring a truly open and unrestricted search experience.http://tordexu73joywapk2txdr54jed4imqledpcvcuf75qsas2gwdgksvnyd.onion/.^{[12]
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Section 8 of 8:

Dark Web Browsing Precautions and Tips

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Consider using a VPN. Before downloading Tor, which is the most common Dark Web-accessible web browser, you may want to sign up for and install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.^{[13]
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- A kill switch for when your VPN goes down.
- A no-log policy can protect you if the government demands log files from your VPN server.
- Anonymous sign-up.
- Quick load times.
- Protection against IP and DNS leaks.
- The ability to connect via another country's server.
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Linux is strongly recommended for people who plan on using the Dark Web. Tails is a popular option, as it's portable and has the Tor network built in. You could also use a virtual machine instead of booting Tails from a USB or optical drive, such as VirtualBox.
- If you're on a Mac, you should be fine if you use a VPN and Tor. Just make sure you're protected from viruses and other malware—Malwarebytes is a great option for malware protection.
Much of the Dark Web's illegal content is based on things like human trafficking, illicit drug and firearm sales, and so on. Nearly anything available for sale on the Dark Web would be illegal in most regions.
Do not search for or click links to pages referring to or participating in illegal topics. Simply viewing certain types of web pages may be illegal in your region, so it's best not to take any chances.

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What precautions should I take when accessing the deep web?

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You should cover your webcam and microphone and avoid entering your email address or passwords while using TOR. Make sure to hide your IP address and be prepared to encounter potentially disturbing content.

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How can I protect myself from someone tracking me online?

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Avoid contacting anyone on the deep web to minimize risk. Use a VPN and antivirus software to protect yourself from hacks. If possible, use an old computer running macOS or Linux, as they are less susceptible to viruses, and consider using a virtual machine for added safety.

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What risks do I face when accessing the deep web?

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You typically won't encounter problems for merely accessing the deep web, as long as you steer clear of illegal activities such as buying or selling illicit goods. While the First Amendment offers some protection, it's crucial to adhere to good operational security (OPSEC) practices.

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Parts of the Dark Web are used to store raw research data and other tidbits of information that you may find interesting to browse.

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The internet can be broken up into three main parts: the Surface or Clear web (roughly 4 percent of the Internet), the Deep Web (roughly 90 percent of the Internet), and the Dark Web (around 6 percent of the Internet).

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Remember that Tor Project & Browser is free, so consider donating to invest in online private surfing.

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