The dark web is a mysterious part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it can also be a place for whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals seeking privacy and anonymity. If you are curious about how to use the dark web, here are some tips to help you navigate this hidden world.
You can use a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode to hide your Tor Browser download. Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Victoria and a passion for helping people identify and avoid fraud. However, you can still take illegal actions within Tor that could incriminate you regardless of the browser’s legality. You could easily use Tor in an attempt to pirate copyrighted content from the deep web, share illegal pornography, or engage in cyber terrorism.
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Accessing the Dark Web
Before diving into the dark web, it is crucial to understand that accessing it requires special software. The most common tool used to access the dark web is Tor (The Onion Router), which allows users to browse anonymously.
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In reality, whistleblowers and journalists can utilize its anonymity when conducting research. At the same time, it is also used for banking transactions, medical procedures and education services, among many other legitimate activities. For most of us, the internet begins and ends with websites we can find on Google. Sure, we understand that there are websites that are hard to find because they’re unlisted. But we imagine these sites mostly to be blogs and business websites that are too small or undeveloped to see the light of search engines.
How does Darkweb work?
How Does the Dark Web Work? To keep your online activities private, the Dark Web uses advanced encryption, different from what you use every day. Users need special browsers, like Tor, to create secret tunnels for accessing it. This way, no one can snoop on what you're doing.
Steps to access the dark web using Tor:
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- Download the Tor Browser from the official website.
- Install the browser on your computer or mobile device.
- Open the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network.
- Start browsing websites with .onion domain extensions.
The standard dark web browser is Tor Browser, which directs your browser traffic through the Tor network so you can reach the darknet. As your traffic passes through Tor, it’s encrypted and bounced between at least three relay points, known as nodes. This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address).
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Risks And Threats Of The Dark Web
While exploring the dark web can be intriguing, it is essential to prioritize your safety and security. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while using the dark web:
- Do not provide personal information or use your real identity.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for an extra layer of security.
- Be cautious when engaging in any transactions or interactions on the dark web.
Each version of the dark web provides its own dataset, encryption services and risks from attempting to access it. Tor—short for “The Onion Router”—bounces information through a series of encrypted layers (like an onion) that offers users more anonymity. There are onion sites and services on the Tor network, and page addresses end in .onion. They target the illicit sale of personal data, malware and cybercrime tool development and sales, as well as ‘cybercrime-as-a-service’. “The goal is to identify, disrupt and prosecute cybercriminals domestically, and through international law enforcement partnerships,” an AFP spokesperson says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone see what I browse on Tor?
No one can see your browsing activity or the encrypted data when you're using Tor unless the exit node is set up by malicious actors for tracking Tor users' activity. However, your internet service provider can detect the fact that you're using Tor.
Is it illegal to use the dark web?
Using the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Can I access the dark web on my phone?
Yes, you can access the dark web on your phone by downloading the Tor Browser for mobile devices.
However, Tor does not establish a direct connection between the user endpoint and the internet. Instead, it passes user data through a randomized link of encrypted servers called nodes. While the content on the dark web has the potential to be more dangerous, this content is usually walled off from regular users. However, it is entirely possible for regular users to accidentally come across harmful content while browsing the deep web, which is much more easily accessible. This makes deep web security important for individuals and enterprises alike. The former includes privately protected file collections that one cannot access without the correct credentials.
Are all websites on the dark web illegal?
No, not all websites on the dark web are illegal. There are legitimate websites offering services and products on the dark web as well.
- For Chromebook users — unfortunately, there isn’t an official Tor app available for ChromeOS at this time.
- Moreover, the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that is unavailable on search engines, making it difficult to monitor.
- After all, you don’t want your bank statements appearing in someone’s search results.
- And without experience deciphering trustworthy dark web sites, it’s easy to fall prey to dangerous cybercriminals.
Exploring the dark web can be an eye-opening experience, but it is essential to approach it with caution and respect for your privacy. By following these tips and guidelines, you can safely navigate the dark web and uncover its hidden secrets.
Who created the dark web?
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.
