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How to Surf the Dark Web
It also introduced a bug bounty program, hired a cybersecurity consulting firm to test its infrastructure, and then carried out a third-party security audit. The most common way to safely access the dark web is by connecting to a VPN and then opening the Tor browser. The dark web is something of a mystery to the average internet user. It tends to conjure vague notions of bad people secretly doing bad things.
Exploring the dark web can be intriguing yet intimidating. Unlike the regular internet, the dark web requires specific tools and precautions to ensure safety and privacy.
In keeping with the ideological aims of the Tor Project, Tor is free to use and available across most platforms, including Linux. Simply download and install the browser from the Tor Project website, which is a modified version of Firefox available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Anonymity is Tor’s bread and butter, and as such, it is probably impossible to get an accurate view of its user base. Specific trends become apparent, however, and some Tor advocates are especially vocal about their reasons for using the service. At each stop, the node only knows the last place the packet was and the next place it will be. No node records the complete path of data, and neither would anyone observing the message go out, assuming your first three servers are configured correctly.
Onion sites are only accessible via the Tor Browser or similar services. They are not accessible through your mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. As mentioned above, much of the content on the dark web is the same as you might find on the normal internet (news, message boards, web services) but made accessible on a more anonymous platform.
In my opinion, this is a much better option for many reasons aside from the fact that your ISP won’t see your Tor usage. Don’t forget that it supports ALL systems, so you can install it wherever you like. But since Tor only works on Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac, I suggest choosing one of these platforms. The first step is to get a quality VPN and for this case, I recommend ExpressVPN. This provider fully supports Tor over VPN, which means that it can be used to get on the dark web. Beware that this is NOT a free VPN and we intentionally avoid free providers due to security issues.
Is The Dark Web Truly Anonymous?
It is worth noting that some pages on the deep web contain valuable personal data to cybercriminals. Securing this data prevents it from being compromised and possibly showing up for sale on the dark web. The average monthly traffic received by the deep web is 50% more than surface websites. The volume of public data on the deep web is 400 to 500 times greater than that of the surface web. The terms dark web and deep web are perceived to be linked with illegal and otherwise suspicious activity; however, a vast difference exists between the two. The architecture of the dark web features some key elements that make it an anonymous sanctuary for censured activities.
Your internet service provider can see the type of your network traffic. They can’t see the content of the traffic, but they do see that you are using the Tor network. The first step towards being anonymous is to find a VPN provider that doesn’t track you, so you can hide your Tor use from the internet service provider. Regardless of why you may need to get on the dark web, protect your data and your connection as securely as possible. AVG Secure VPN will help you conceal your IP address, while encrypting your connection to keep all your activity private. If you ever need to download and use Tor, a VPN will help prevent your ISP or anyone else from knowing about it.
Since this is sensitive information and requires a unique login, it doesn’t need to be made publicly available via search engines. The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above. 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. So, why would someone not want their website to be picked up by a search engine? The individuals and organizations on the dark web often engage in illegal activities and want to keep their identities hidden — something that is difficult to do with an indexed website. While accessing the dark web isn’t necessarily wrong or illegal, it’s important to know how to navigate this part of the internet safely.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specialized software to access and is known for hosting anonymous activities.
Tools Required
To surf the dark web, you will need:
- Tor Browser: This is the most commonly used browser for accessing the dark web, providing anonymity by routing your connection through multiple servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Before launching the Tor browser, it’s advisable to use a VPN for an additional layer of security. This hides your IP address from potential prying eyes.
- Secure Operating System: Using a privacy-focused OS, such as Tails or Qubes, enhances security by minimizing left-behind traces on your device.
How to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to surf the dark web safely:
- Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service and install it on your device. Connect to a server before proceeding to the next step.
- Download Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Avoid downloading from third-party sites to minimize risks.
- Open Tor Browser: After installing, open the Tor Browser. You may need to adjust some settings for optimal performance.
- Access .onion Websites: Use specific URLs ending in “.onion” to navigate the dark web. These sites are only accessible through Tor.
- Stay Safe: Be cautious of the sites you visit and avoid sharing personal information.
- These provide point-to-point links, friend-to-friend connections.
- This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.
- Theoretically, all you need to access the Dark Web is a Computer, the Internet, and the TOR Browser.
- You won’t be able to access .onion addresses using a standard search engine as they aren’t indexed by crawlers.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web, keeping your safety in mind is crucial. Consider the following precautions:
- Avoid Downloads: Files can be malicious, so refrain from downloading anything unless you are sure of its source.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Keep your identity private and avoid sharing any personal information.
- Be Aware of Scams: Many dark web sites are scams. Use discretion when interacting with unfamiliar sites.
- Use Encrypted Communication: If you need to communicate with someone on the dark web, use encrypted messaging apps.
FAQs
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines and often requires special browsers like Tor to access.
Is browsing the dark web illegal?
While visiting the dark web itself is not illegal, many activities conducted on it, such as trading illegal goods, are against the law.
Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
While using Tor and a VPN significantly reduce tracking risks, it’s not 100% foolproof. Always remain cautious.
What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
If you stumble upon illegal content, it’s best to leave the site immediately and consider reporting it to authorities.
By following these steps and precautions, you can safely navigate and explore the intriguing world of the dark web. Remember, knowledge is power, and keeping informed will help you stay secure.
