For Android we recommend Tor Browser, as it is built by The Tor Project. Despite there being no official iOS app built by Tor Project, they have endorsed Onion Browser—an open source Tor browser. With that out of the way, let’s get onto accessing the dark web—specifically Tor (which stands for The Onion Router), the largest darknet. Darknet refers to a restricted overlay network that is only accessible with specific software or authorization.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires specialized software. It’s important to understand the implications and risks involved.
While there is no hard link between your real identity and your bitcoin activity, there are two crucial things to keep in mind. While we’ve already discussed anonymity above, there are a few more things you need to consider when browsing the Tor network with the Tor Browser. Some thieves will even go through the trash to look for documents containing personal data. Your email, bank account and online health records are all on the deep web.
What Percentage Of The Internet Is Dark Web?
The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate. A lot of illegal activity occurs on the dark web, and onion websites are popular hangouts for cybercriminals and scammers. But if you use antivirus software, avoid clicking on shady links, and stick to known sites you should be fine. It’s also a good idea to set up a VPN for an extra layer of protection. The anonymity of onion sites is the main draw of the dark web, and most dark web links are hosted on “.onion” domains due to the sensitive nature of the businesses or services they host. Onion sites may offer secure access to cryptocurrency wallets or anonymous email clients.
What You Need to Know
What’s more, you should always use a VPN (like ExpressVPN) with Tor to protect yourself from IP leaks. I also recommend using an antivirus (like Norton 360) to protect your device from malware infections. You also get strong security features, as the VPN has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, an audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. But I think it’s a shame how it’s missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection (ExpressVPN has full leak protection) — still, I never experienced any leaks in my tests.
Before learning how to access the dark web, it’s crucial to consider why you need to access it:
The dark web refers to a subset of the internet not indexed by search engines. While Tor is perfectly legal to use, it’s common knowledge that a lot of criminal activity does happen on it. Rather than weeding out the genuine web users from the criminals, many website owners find it easier just to block all Tor users. But we also know from Moore and Rid’s research that the majority of sites on the dark web are used for illegal activity. Therefore, we have to respect how this environment has the potential to be very unsafe.
- Privacy: Users often seek anonymity.
- Information: Can access various platforms not available on the surface web.
- Risks: Understanding potential hazards is essential.
This negates the need to download, install, and run the Tor browser separately, and lets you access the Tor network without your ISP knowing. Using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor (The Onion Router) browser is the best way to access the dark web safely. A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser.
The Dark Web is known for hosting illicit activities and dangerous individuals. Use common sense, protect your personal information, and be cautious when interacting with others on the Dark Web. It is essential to note that accessing and using the Dark Web may be illegal or restricted in some jurisdictions. Users should familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations of their country to avoid unintentionally engaging in illegal activities. Communication and data transmission on the Dark Web are encrypted, making it significantly more difficult to intercept and decipher.
How to Access the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web involves several steps. Follow these directions carefully to ensure a secure experience:
- Download the Tor Browser:
The Tor Browser is the primary tool used for accessing the dark web. It helps to anonymize your connection by routing your traffic through multiple servers.
- Install a VPN:
While Tor provides anonymity, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds another layer of security. It encrypts your internet connection, making it harder to trace.
- Access .onion Websites:
Dark web sites typically use the .onion domain. Look for directories that list these sites, as they are not accessible via standard web browsers.
- Stay Cautious:
Be aware of potential scams and illegal activities. Always prioritize security over curiosity.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web, adherence to safety measures is vital:
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Always keep your identity secure.
- Use Reputable Links: Stick to well-known directories and forums to reduce the risk of scams.
- Keep Software Up to Date: Regular updates can protect against vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access the dark web on my phone?
Yes, there are mobile versions of the Tor Browser available, but ensure you follow the same safety measures as on a computer.
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
- Azura Vascular Care operates a national network of health and wellness centers.
- Still, this is enough to make them suspicious of your activities on the dark web, as Tor is used mainly for this purpose.
- Choose Tor when you need to stay anonymous or want to get to the dark web.
- By doing this, they get access to whoever is visiting the sites — including you if you accidentally end up there.
- The deep web, on the other hand, can be accessed with a conventional browser such as Firefox or Safari.
Simply accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities present on the dark web is against the law.
What are some common uses of the dark web?
- Whistleblowing: A safe space for sharing sensitive information.
- Political Activism: A platform for dissidents in oppressive regimes.
- Marketplaces: Some are legal, such as forums for discussing privacy tools.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to access the dark web can be valuable for various reasons, but it comes with significant risks. Always prioritize your safety and security while navigating this obscure area of the internet.
