How Do I Access Dark Web
Millions of customers’ personal data, including names, addresses, bank account and credit card account information, and many other forms of sensitive data. Naval Research Laboratory mathematicians and computer scientists in the mid-1990s. The U.S. Army developed “onion routing” to protect intelligence communications online. The users of the dark web are typically aiming to block governments from snooping on them. This can often be for political reasons, but also because they may be involved in illegal activities, such as the ones listed above. The dark web is infamous for containing sites such as Silk Road and other marketplaces where users could potentially buy drugs and/or weapons, stolen credit cards, IDs, and much more.
Links posted to the clear web, in particular, are often malicious. And because there’s very little use of HTTPS on the dark net, verifying whether or not a website is genuine using an SSL certificate is not feasible. Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results. You can’t just Google “Silk Road” and hope to land on the dark website. If you want to use Tor privately, you can use either a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed).
Therefore, it is safer to use dedicated VPN service provider tools. On the other hand, Dark Web is mostly run on private server networks that allow communication only via specific means. This provides you a high degree of anonymity and makes it difficult for authorities to shut down.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access. Below are steps on how do I access dark web safely and responsibly.
You can find a thorough breakdown of the differences between the two networks here, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll go with Tor as it’s the most widely used. Perhaps the best-known thing you can buy on the Dark Web is information collected in what seems like the almost daily data breaches we read about in the news. That information can include checking and credit card account numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive information. NordVPN offers a 30-day, no-risk trial subscription when you sign up on this page.
For this guide, we’ll use the Tor Browser as an example, but any other web browser (like Brave) that supports the Tor protocol will work just as well. Other examples of compatible web browsers include the Onion browser, Firefox and Chrome, but the latter two require you to install a separate plugin. That means that if your incoming traffic is routed through a node operated by cybercriminals, they can inject malware into the code of the response, without you ever knowing that it’s happened. The reason why the deep net provides this level of privacy for website hosts is that the .onion address that you use to access the website obfuscates the actual IP address of the server. This makes it impossible to track down the physical server under ordinary circumstances. With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is often confused with the deep web; however, the two are not the same:
- Deep web: Part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines, including databases, private content, and login-protected websites.
- Dark web: A small subset of the deep web that offers anonymity and can only be accessed through specific software.
It contains pages that are intentionally hidden from search engines, all of which require you to use anonymity software, like the Tor Browser, to access them. However, the dark web can facilitate illegal acts, such as accessing illegal images or videos, money laundering, and selling illegal items like drugs, firearms, or stolen credentials. However, these search engines have a lot of links to websites that are either no longer available or scams. To access the dark web on a computer, use the Tor Browser on Tails OS or with a VPN. If you’re using a mobile device, you can access the dark web using a VPN and the Tor Browser on Android, or Orbot and the Onion Browser on iOS. However, phones are much less secure and private than computers, and we don’t recommend using them to access the dark web if you’re concerned about safety.
The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites. This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the surface web. In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any one time. People often confuse the dark web with cryptocurrencies, which are often used to make purchases there.
Tools Required
Before diving into the dark web, you need to have the proper tools:
- Tor Browser: A modified version of Firefox that allows you to browse the dark web anonymously.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Adds an additional layer of security by masking your IP address.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- If you’ve followed the news in the last two decades, you’ve probably heard stories and seen headlines about the deep web or dark web.
- This will prevent any unwanted software being installed on your device.
- Hence, several dark web pages contain harmful elements, such as child pornography and malware.
- Endpoint security programs like Kaspersky Security Cloud are comprehensive to cover both identity monitoring and antivirus defenses.
- You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting.
- Download and Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service that doesn’t keep logs. Install the VPN on your device.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download the Tor Browser. This is crucial for maintaining your anonymity.
- Connect to the VPN: Always activate your VPN before launching the Tor Browser to protect your identity.
- Open the Tor Browser: Modeled to access .onion websites that are hosted on the dark web.
- Start Browsing: You can search for dark web directories or forums to find .onion links.
Safeguards to Consider
When accessing the dark web, consider the following precautions:
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid providing any personal information while browsing.
- Use Secure Payments: If you need to make transactions, consider using cryptocurrencies.
- Avoid Downloads: Be cautious with files that could contain malware.
- Be Cautious of Links: Many links on the dark web can lead to scams or illegal content.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities can have serious consequences.
Is the dark web safe?
The dark web poses unique risks, including exposure to illegal content and potential cyber threats. Always take precautions.
What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, including forums, hidden services, and marketplaces. Some of this content may be illegal or dangerous.
Is a VPN necessary for accessing the dark web?
While not mandatory, using a VPN enhances privacy and security while browsing the dark web.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web involves certain risks and responsibilities. By understanding how do I access dark web safely and employing the right tools, individuals can explore this part of the internet with a degree of security and anonymity.
