can any web page contain dark web links

[MrMajorThorburn]

When I am using a normal browser (edge, chrome, firefox, etc) searching for something and get urls to select can any of the pages I access contain links to the dark web?

If so is there any way I can protect myself from the links so I don't accidently use them? 

[Porthos]

The following information will help you to keep your computer and data safer as well as improve your overall privacy

1. Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.
   https://www.howtogeek.com/780233/best-password-manager/
2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download     https://patchmypc.com/about-us
4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

•   Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-guar/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee
•   Microsoft Edge: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413298736787-Install-Malwarebytes-Browser-Guard-on-Microsoft-Edge-browser
•   Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

uBlock Origin

• Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm 
• Microsoft Edge: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak 
• Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin

 

[David H. Lipman]

@MrMajorThorburn

The Dark Web is a separate network from the Internet. If a web site has a .onion sister site and you are on the Internet (aka; World Wide Web), it will not resolve and you will not be able to access it.  Just like the US Department of Defense may have a .mil site on the Internet (NIPRnet), many sites will also have a sister site on the classified network (SIPRnet) as a .smil.mil site.

Two Examples:

1.  Propublica on the Internet

https://www.propublica.org/

And its sister site on the Tor Network (aka; Dark Web)

http://p53lf57qovyuvwsc6xnrppyply3vtqm7l6pcobkmyqsiofyeznfu5uqd.onion/

2.  DuckDuckGo on the Internet

https://duckduckgo.com/

And its sister site on the Tor Network

https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/

The Dark Web exits on the Tor network and requires the use of a Tor Browser or use of the Tor Expert Bundle in conjunction with a Proxy agent and then the Dark Web sites can be accessed.

Example Tor only site:  Onion Mail

 

There are several examples of separate networks.  Some like the Tor Network exist as a sub-network off the Internet and others like the SIPRnet are separated (air gap'd) from the Internet.

References: 

• The Dark Web: what is it and why do people use it?
• .onion
• What is an "Airgapped" Network?
• Tor Network

 

 

 

Edited April 20 by David H. Lipman
Edited for content, clarity, spelling and/or grammar