When it comes to the dark side of the internet, the darknet is where you’ll find some of the most secretive and mysterious websites. These sites are typically not indexed by traditional search engines and require special software, such as Tor, to access. If you’re curious about what lies beyond the surface web, here are some of the top darknet websites you should know about:
Silk Road
Silk Road was one of the first and most infamous darknet marketplaces, known for selling a wide range of illegal goods and services. While the original Silk Road has been shut down, there have been several successors that have popped up in its place.
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The Hidden Wiki
SecureDrop is software platform that NGOs and media organizations can install to accept leaked information from whistleblowers safely. It also comes with a functionality that allows journalists to communicate with their source(s) in a private manner. Many news sites use SecureDrop, such as The Washington Post, ProPublica, and The Guardian. TorLinks is a great alternative to The Hidden Wiki and provides a list of .onion websites across various categories. Sure, there’s some overlap between the two, but the list of sites on TorLinks is widely different. Considering how regularly dark web sites vanish and go offline, it’s better to have more than one source to help you find .onion URLs.
The Hidden Wiki is a popular darknet directory that provides links to various websites on the darknet. It’s a good starting point for anyone looking to explore the depths of the dark web.
How many dark web marketplaces actually exist? About 100.
- When browsed safely with TORNADO or another crawler, troves of valuable information can be uncovered to prevent future harm.
- During the shutdown, the FBI seized approximately 144,000 Bitcoins, worth about $28.5 million.
- It also doesn’t keep a tab on your activity and ensures your site is secure by encrypting your server’s hard disks.
- With its commitment to blocking unwanted tracking, ads, and invasive profiling, Brave Search offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream search engines.
- As when visiting ordinary websites, stay alert to security risks on onion sites.
DuckDuckGo
Right now, Tor is protecting the privacy of millions of people like you!
Each server adds a layer of encryption, and these layers give rise to the name The Onion Router. The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. A part of the deep web is the dark web, which exists inside layered proxy networks—known as darknets.
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DuckDuckGo isn’t a darknet website, but it’s a privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t track your searches or collect personal information. Many users on the darknet prefer using DuckDuckGo for their browsing needs.
Your first step must be downloading a Tor browser and a VPN to access the dark web safely. However, negative issues are circulating online about its safety and privacy. To clear all your doubts, read Techjury’s article about whether Tor browser is safe and can secure your privacy. While all of these exist online, it is also a melting pot for internet freedom.
DarkMarket
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DarkMarket is another popular darknet marketplace that offers a variety of illicit goods and services. It has gained popularity as a go-to spot for buying and selling illegal products.
ProtonMail
The most notorious of all Dark Web marketplaces was Silk Road which, at its peak, catered to over 100,000 buyers. The Onion Router (hence the Tor acronym) uses three layers of encryption and a specific internet traffic routing mechanism to ensure complete anonymity. It combines strong layers of encryption with the ability to randomly bounce internet traffic through the Tor network of relays. Those who want to browse and use the Dark Web need to use specialized software, such as the Tor browser.
ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that prioritizes user privacy and security. Many darknet users prefer using ProtonMail for their communications to avoid being tracked or monitored.
Empire Market
Empire Market is a prominent darknet marketplace that offers a wide range of products, including drugs, counterfeit items, and hacking tools. It has gained a reputation for its user-friendly interface and reliable vendors.
Explore with Caution
While the darknet can be an intriguing place to explore, it’s important to remember that many activities on these websites are illegal and can have serious consequences. Always proceed with caution and consider the potential risks before delving into the world of darknet websites.
