The dark web — sometimes called darknet — is a small portion of the internet that is hidden and can be accessed only by using specific software, configurations, or authorization. SecureDrop is an open-source tool that allows whistleblowers to submit confidential information to journalists and news outlets without revealing their identity. Proton VPN, in particular, is an invaluable tool for bypassing state censorship, which is why access to the Proton website is often blocked by repressive governments. To access an onion website, simply open its onion link in the Tor Browser or, if using one of Proton VPN’s Tor special servers, inside your regular browser.
This feature is especially useful for preserving evidence of web content that may be legally or historically significant. SecureDrop has even been adopted by various news organizations worldwide. It provides a safe haven for anyone looking to shed light on wrongdoing or share critical information with the media. ZeroBin’s onion address ensures your traffic is routed through multiple nodes, so it’s challenging for any third party to trace any message back to your original location. Accessing ProPublica via the Tor Browser gives users an added layer of privacy and lets them bypass restrictive government censorship.
- While this side of the internet holds risks, there are plenty of legitimate reasons for venturing into it.
- You can choose the best darknet (.onion) website that suits you and start surfing.
- We recommend you only visit safe dark web links to explore such as The CIA, Facebook, DuckDuckGo, and Torch.
- Tor browsers create encrypted entry points and pathways for the user, so dark web activity remains anonymous.
- All of these features, its competitive pricing, along with the volume of credit card information listings, make Real and Rare one of the prime sites to trade credit card information online.
Privacy Tools
If you think eBay transactions aren’t safe, dark web transactions are far worse. Starting with ProPrivacy and now Proton, Douglas has worked for many years as a technology writer. During this time, he has established himself as a thought leader specializing in online privacy.
Best Dark Web Websites To Explore In 2025
Prey will help keep your digital assets and identity safely away from the dark web. The protection will apply to all your devices so you can browse and send communications without fear of your data being compromised. Take advantage of Prey’s no-risk, 14-day trial and give you and your business the protection it deserves. The dark web hosts a variety of content, ranging from legitimate resources like educational materials and privacy tools to illegal activities and scams. To stay safe on the dark web, use a VPN to mask your IP address, avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, and never enter personal information. It’s also advisable to use antivirus software to protect against malware.
Access The Dark Web Safely
The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet, completely different from the clear web we all use daily. When you search for something on Google or Bing, you’re using the clear web. The dark web continues to evolve, and as we enter 2024, it is vital to understand the nature of dark web websites and what possibilities and risks they entail. Even completing a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive. Many need to cross international borders, and customs officials are cracking down on suspicious packages.
External Links
- The wallet is user-friendly and provides robust security, making it one of the best crypto wallets on the dark web.
- Tor websites may provide secure access to cryptocurrency wallets and anonymous email clients, and they’re also used to access black market sites.
- Cybercriminals exploit its anonymity to buy and sell illegal goods and services, ranging from stolen data and hacking tools to illicit drugs and counterfeit documents.
- ProPublica is a journalism outlet that has its own dark web version of its site.
- Venturing into the dark web highlights the need for robust data protection, not just for online activity, but also for your portable data.
This adds another, more reliable security layer to all of your online activity. Yes, governments can still monitor onion sites if they really want to. Local offices frequently monitor suspicious activities that involve their jurisdictions, so authorities might be closer to your anonymous communication than you know. Insights like these help researchers and advocates understand how and why Tor is being used.
What To Do If You See Something Illegal
This initiative is particularly valuable for those intrigued by the portrayal of chemical processes in the media. As a nonprofit, ProPublica relies on the support of donations from philanthropic foundations, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. This funding model ensures its independence, allowing the organization to pursue stories based on their journalistic merits rather than commercial interests. ProPublica’s commitment to transparency extends to its finances, with detailed reports on its funding sources and expenditures available to the public, reinforcing its accountability.
How To Access The Dark Web
Depending on your preference, you can find links in well-categorized groups. These categories include email providers, news sites, privacy, and commercial services. A VPN protects your connection against everyone, not just your ISP and the authorities.
Use The Tor Browser
Essentially, it’s a search engine like Google or Safari, but unlike other search engines, it doesn’t track your browsing activity or collect user data. So, search results won’t be based on your browsing history, location, or anything else. And I liked that if I visited a site that had a .onion version, it prompted me to switch to that version. While some .onion sites provide essential services like secure communication and censorship-free journalism, others spread malware or run scams.
Darknet Search Engines:
Accessing the dark web is legal in itself; the nature of the activities you engage in ensures it stays that way. Criminals prefer the dark web because it offers anonymity like never before. But as long as you don’t knowingly engage in illicit activity on the dark web, you are completely fine. Since privacy and security are a concern while using the dark web, the websites you visit must have the encryption necessary (HTTPS, preferably) to protect you.
Let’s unravel the mysteries of the dark web, from its safest havens to the threats lurking in its shadows. So, I put together a list of the best dark web sites in 2025 to help you get started. I also included instructions on how to access the dark web, and outlined how to stay safe when browsing dark web links (the dark web is also home to many scams and malicious sites).
Dark Web Monitoring Tools
In the past 6 months, the site has increased the volume of cards sold, placing itself as one of the top sites selling credit cards today. The site has a unique news section, where the admin updates the buyers about new leaks and dumps, the source of the dumps, structural site updates and more. To safely access onion sites, download the Tor browser, activate a reliable VPN like Forest VPN, and browse cautiously by sticking to known and reputable sites. Onion sites are websites that exist on the dark web, accessible only through the Tor browser. They use the .onion domain to ensure anonymity and privacy for users.
