So You Want to Browse the Deep Web? A definitive guide to surviving your first encounter with the internet underworld.
Background Information
Before you go on the deep web, you need to know what it is. The most widely used definition is “the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines.” However, it is much, much more than that. The deep web is basically the underworld of the internet. Think of the internet as an iceberg. The small part on top of the water is the “surface web.” This is where Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and every other site you go on is. If you take a look underwater, you see that the iceberg goes on much deeper. This is the deep web. It is called the underworld for various reasons. The obvious is because it is the deeper part of the internet. It also is an allusion to the fact that various illegal activities can be found on it. Drugs, fake credit cards, hitmen, snuff films, illegal porn, and various other deviant acts have found a home on the deep web. This is where the other nickname for the deep web comes from -- “the darknet.” Do not let this ruin your image of the deep web. It is also a refuge for journalists, people with internet service providers that block certain sites, and people in countries that heavily censor the internet. The deep web has provided a home for them to stay. Many civil revolutions in third world countries were planned on deep web forums because the government monitored internet use. Many people just use the deep web to find information and knowledge that is otherwise unattainable on the surface web. I have put together this guide that makes sense to the absolute beginner.
Software
First of all, you need to download all of the correct software to safely browse the deep web. There are many options, but the most widely used browser is TOR. This is known as the onion router. It is called that because, like an onion, TOR uses many layers of IP scrambling to hide your true IP address. This lets you anonymously browse the websites without having the admins or your ISP (internet service provider) see your online activity. Another option that is used is I2P. This is not as widely as used as TOR and there are not as many websites as you can find on TOR.
The link to download TOR is https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Another thing that is highly stressed to have is a VPN. This adds another layer of security that protects your identity. However, many people argue that it is better to have a SSH Tunnel. As one of those people, I recommend you look up a tutorial on how to set one up, but if you are just doing casual browsing and no illegal activity then a VPN is good. Make sure it is not a US based program. Never pay for a VPN. There are plenty of free ones.
While it is good to have that extra layer of security, it is not needed.
Getting Started
After you have installed TOR and your optional VPN/SSH Tunnel, open up the TOR browser. Make sure your VPN is on and working before you launch the browser.
Once it is launched, go into settings and customize them to fit your needs. It is generally agreed upon to disable scripts globally and set up high security. Once you are all set, you are ready to explore the deep web.
Browsing the Deep Web
There are quite a few tips and tricks for a safe journey on the deep web. These rules are something you set for yourself so you do not get doxxed. The following is a good general rule of thumb to follow:
Never download anything.
Looking is not illegal, but downloading and purchasing illegal services is.
If you get scared, leave. Don’t scar yourself or get into something you cannot deal with just because you want to be that cool person who goes on the deep web.
Sketchy sites are most likely scams. Best not to buy anything.
Never browse in full screen. Hackers can use this to get your monitor size and make it easier to get into your system.
Do not click on random links from an untrusted source. You never know what you will end up seeing.
Cover up your webcam. I know, it sounds like an old people thing and for those that are too into conspiracies. However, if a hacker gets into your webcam and takes a picture of you, they can do a reverse search and find all your social media.
Never give out personal information. This is pretty obvious.
Do not use your real name or anything that can be traced back to you. Give yourself a new nickname to go by.
Use all new passwords for accounts you make.
Links
The following links are ones that I personally have visited and deem as “friendly.” To me, they are somewhat safe for work, but can lead to content that is not safe for work. My morals might be askew to yours. Browse at your own discretion.
The Hidden Wiki - http://zqktlwi4fecvo6ri.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Some links may not always work. Almost no sites are static and go down all the time. If any do not work please message me. If there is any specific websites or links that you want, I have a database of thousands of links so feel free to ask. I will add to the list later.
*has NSFW content
Signing Off
To properly sign off of the TOR browser, go up to the top right and then get a new identity. This will refresh the browser and give you a new IP address. Then you can safely exit out.
Hello everyone! This is my first post on here and I wanted to start with a tutorial on how to safely browse the deep web on your phone.
Note: this is not the end all be all of how to do this, but it is what I personally recommend. It is not as safe as browsing on a virtual machine on your computer, but if you do everything correctly then there should be no problem.
Before You Browse
Applications-
For iPhones, I would recommend the app Tob.
I do not have an android phone, but after research I would say use the app Orfox. If anyone has any other recommendations please add it.
VPN-
Get a good VPN that you can connect to. This helps hide your IP address, get past blocks your internet service provider (ISP) might have, and adds another layer of protection.
Browsing the Deep Web
Turn on your VPN and make sure it’s fully connected. Then start up your downloaded Tor browser. You can visit sites that are indexed on the clear web (Facebook, YouTube, Google, etc.) but scripts will be disabled so you can’t do that much. All websites that are deep web exclusive will be ended with a .onion instead of a .com and such.
Once that all is set up, you can enter the link that you wish to visit. I have a list of links for people new to the deep web to visit.
Staying Safe
Do not download anything off of any websites. Don't just go clicking on random links you find on forums. This is a good way to find new websites, but you might end up seeing something you don't want to see. Seeing illegal services and websites are not illegal, but purchasing anything is. It is not illegal to look at the drug websites as long as you don't buy it.
A lot of people who want to explore the deep web are often afraid to find illegal stuff or simply do not know what links to start on. After a few years of browsing the deep web myself, I have an index of 200+ sites that are currently up and running. If you have a specific website or topic you want to explore, just send me an ask of what you want! Links below! (it would be safe to assume that all sites contain content that is nsfw)
The Hidden Wiki (general directory) -http://zqktlwi4fecvo6ri.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Intel Exchange (forum with subjects like software, hacking, conspiracy) - http://rrcc5uuudhh4oz3c.onion/
8chan (like 4chan but with more boards) - http://oxwugzccvk3dk6tj.onion/index.html
Tell Me Your Secrets (anonymous confessions) - http://secretsxsrvlpawm.onion/show
SIN (Strategic Intelligence Network) - http://4iahqcjrtmxwofr6.onion/
TSUKI (matrix type of network, includes a forum for members) - http://tsukixalyg4hza72.onion/
Qusemett’s Home (personal blog, forum) - http://googleofqusemett.onion/
