Curious about the mysterious world of the dark web? Many people are intrigued by this hidden part of the internet, but accessing it can be risky if you don’t take proper precautions. If you’re interested in exploring the dark web safely, follow these steps:
Why is Tor so slow?
Tor circuits lengthen the connections
So instead of connecting directly to the destination server, a connection is made between each relay of the circuit and this takes more time. Furthermore, Tor tries to build circuits with relays in different countries which make connection travel more and appear slower.
The deep web is the first level beneath the “surface” of the visible web — and it’s significantly larger than the surface web, accounting for an estimated 96% to 99% of the entire internet. There is a portion of the internet that is encrypted and inaccessible to standard search engines like Google, Facebook, and other large search engines. The legality of accessing and using the Dark Web varies across jurisdictions.
1. Use a VPN
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential when accessing the dark web. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, making it much harder for anyone to track your online activity.
Does A VPN Protect You On The Dark Web?
Agencies can determine users’ location by analyzing the data flow within the TOR network. This method allows law enforcement agencies to trace activities back to specific individuals on the TOR network. You can access the dark web by using a specialized browser like Tor and a VPN to ensure privacy and security.
Surprisingly, the U.S. government is usually cited as the creator of the dark web to allow spies to communicate with each other anonymously. Just like when navigating the surface web, the dark web has similar risks that should be taken into account when protecting your personal information. The names of dark web pages are unusual, too, and can make it difficult to find them. Instead of site names that are easy to memorize, such as CNN.com or Google.com, Tor sites are made up of a random series of numbers and letters. For instance, the website of the Torch dark web browser is cnkj6nippubgycuj.onion, while the Tor website for DuckDuckGo is 3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion.
The Deep Web: How It’s Used, Risks, And How To Access It
2. Download the Tor Browser
If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. 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. Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see.
How To Access The Dark Web Using Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is a free, open-source web browser that allows you to access the dark web anonymously. It routes your internet traffic through a series of servers, making it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your online movements.
However, note that by accessing the Dark Web you may attract attention from law enforcement agencies who monitor Dark Web activity. FBI, Europol, Interpol, and many other national police agencies regularly police the Dark Web. The Dark Web is not accurately indexed or searchable, which makes it difficult to quantify the overall safety of Dark Web sites. Some people and groups (like law enforcement agencies) consider the Dark Web to be dangerous.
3. Understand the Risks
It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with exploring the dark web. Illegal activities, scams, and malware are prevalent on these hidden websites. Exercise caution and avoid clicking on any suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- From here, I recommend connecting to a VPN server first and then using Tor.
- The dark web has some legitimate uses, such as people using it to protect their anonymity in countries with heavy censorship or reading news unaffiliated with political parties or agendas.
- NordVPN even has Threat Protection, a bundle of features containing antivirus, anti-malware, and an ad blocker.
- The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet, completely different from the clear web we all use daily.
4. Stick to Reputable Websites
Some sites on the dark web offer forged documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and social security cards. After clicking the “Connect” button, you are now connected to the Tor network. After completing the operations and completing the bridge connection, click the “Connect” button in the same window. The terms “dark web” and “deep web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of the internet. The dark web has also been used for other nefarious activities, such as the sharing of child pornography and the planning of terrorist attacks.
While there are many shady sites on the dark web, there are also legitimate sources of information and services. Stick to reputable websites and forums that have positive reviews and a good reputation within the community.
5. Keep Your Identity Safe
Protect your identity while browsing the dark web by refraining from sharing personal information or using your real name. Avoid logging into accounts that are linked to your real identity and consider creating a separate email address for dark web activities.
Final Thoughts
Accessing the dark web can be an intriguing experience, but it’s important to prioritize your safety and security. By following these tips and using caution while exploring this hidden corner of the internet, you can navigate the dark web safely and responsibly.
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
Access: Despite not being indexed by search engines, the Deep Web is accessible via traditional web browsers — i.e. you can access a Gmail page using Firefox, Chrome, etc. The Dark Web, on the other hand, is only accessible via special browsers that use Tor to protect anonymity.
