Initially, the dark web was mainly used by government agencies, big businesses, hackers, and cybercriminals. However, technological advancements such as encryption and privacy-focused browsers like Tor enabled the general public to access it. No one is hiding here—they’re just guaranteeing that people in censored countries can read the news without being flagged. There are often copious amounts of how-to articles, software exploits, and hacked credentials for sale. Not every visitor is a criminal, but this is where most cybercrimes begin.
Some are looking for illegal stuff they can’t buy elsewhere, like drugs or counterfeit documents. As of 2020, nearly 57% of the dark web was estimated to contain illegal content, including violence and extremist platforms. Despite growing crackdowns from law enforcement agencies, the dark web remains a hotbed of criminal activity, offering everything from drugs to stolen data. This isolates any potential malware and prevents cross-contamination with your personal data.
Other Dark Web Sites Offering Email Services
This means that your browsing activity can’t be snooped on by someone watching the Tor exit nodes. It also means that someone hosting a website can hide that server using the Tor network, so no one can find it–in theory. As we’ve seen, technologies like Tor, I2P and privacy coins empower users to bypass censorship, protect sensitive communications and maintain control over personal data. At the same time, the same infrastructure facilitates illicit trade, malware distribution and identity theft. The line between privacy and peril is often one of intent—and operational discipline.
Law Enforcement Interventions
Moreover, due to its popularity, many copycats of the Hidden Wiki exist. So don’t be surprised if you encounter different versions that claim to be genuine, and be very careful.
Choose A Dark Web-compatible Search Engine
- No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
- It’s also a playground for cybercriminals, illegal activities, and shady stuff.
- Understanding how this hidden corner of the Internet works matters more than ever.
- Whether that statement is actually true, remains to be seen; the proverbial grain of salt.
- Outdated versions may contain weaknesses that attackers can exploit to compromise your anonymity.
Today’s cybercriminals spread their activities across multiple platforms, making them harder to track and shut down. To help you make educated choices about cybersecurity to keep you (and your data) safe and secure, by providing detailed, accurate, and practical information based on thorough testing. Always run the latest version of the Tor Browser to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Separate Your Real Life From Your Online Persona
Quality and validity of the data it provides justify its higher cost over other marketplaces. The platform’s popularity continues to grow, attracting both new and returning customers. Valued at approximately $15 million, Abacus Market is one of the most lucrative platforms in the dark web ecosystem. Based on our observations from analysis on dark web data using Lunar, we’ve identified the top 7 marketplaces on the dark web in 2025. We developed Lunar to monitor the deep and dark web, including dark web marketplace sites.
Top Dark Web Marketplaces Of 2025: A Deeper Dive Into Illicit Trade Markets
On Hidden Wiki, you can find working links to sites like ProPublica, Facebook, Deep Web Radio, and more. With each random server, your traffic bounces off, and a layer of encryption gets added. These layers upon layers give this network its iconic “onion” name—as the onion itself has layers upon layers.
Bonus: A Few More Dark Web Websites
Anonymity of the dark web is one of the main draws for using onion sites, and most dark web links use a “.onion” domain. This is usually due to the sensitive nature of the businesses or services they offer. Onion sites may offer secure access to cryptocurrency wallets or anonymous email clients.
Quick List Of The Best Dark Websites In 2025
And unlike Reddit, this darknet site offers its users complete anonymity. To visit a .onion site, you’ll have to both know it exists and have its URL ready. One of them is by using a directory of sites, like The Hidden Wiki.
Navigating The Dark Web Safely
That is why we emphasize caution, vigilance, and adherence to best security practices when exploring these hidden corners of the internet. Dark.fail has become one of the most trusted alternatives to the traditional Hidden Wiki. This directory focuses on providing users with verified, frequently updated links to a broad range of dark web services, including marketplaces, forums, and whistleblower platforms. Its community-driven verification system helps minimize the risk of scams and outdated URLs. Dark.fail also emphasizes user security by offering warnings about phishing sites and scam links.
Since most Tor websites are non-indexed and unregulated, the probability of scams is much greater on the dark web. Malicious actors can prey on unsuspecting users without leaving much of a digital footprint on Tor, so it’s often just a matter of time before you run into one. Ahmia also discourages access to illegal content and promotes safer internet practices. Confidential government files and pages tied to unlawful trafficking often get filtered out.
I think it’s safe to say that these are unsanctioned exploits, all the more reason to boast them on the dark web. I have to admit to having a soft spot for Tunnels, an onion website about underground “urban” exploration. Apart from having that “As above, so below” vibe, Tunnels is a great source of info for users who are into dark urban history. The website contains pictures and videos of various cavern-like structures, shafts, and possibly escape tunnels. A little refresher on the dark web – it’s like a gathering house, where all sorts of people congregate. Cybercriminals often leverage the anonymity to leak sensitive information, like stolen credentials, credit card numbers, or company data.
