The easiest way to access Tor is through a special browser, known as the Tor Browser. You might want to hide your Tor Browser download using a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode. The dark web, or dark net, is a small part of the deep web that is kept hidden on purpose.
Step 4: Visit The Dark Web Sites
The dark web can be a mysterious and intimidating place, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge and precautions, anyone can access this hidden corner of the internet. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting on the dark web safely and securely.
What are the positives of the dark web?
The dark web helps people to maintain privacy and freely express their views. Privacy is essential for many innocent people terrorized by stalkers and other criminals. The increasing tendency of potential employers to track posts on social media can also make it difficult to engage in honest discussions publicly.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. The dark web is a valuable resource for journalists, whistleblowers, and activists who need to communicate securely and anonymously.
How to Access the Dark Web
What Does The Tor Browser Do?
To access the dark web, you’ll need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. The Tor browser routes your internet connection through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. You can download the Tor browser for free from the official Tor project website.
However, your connection to Tor is not pretty private since your Internet Service Provider can see it. This happens when you first connect to your VPN, then start browsing on Tor. You are actually counting on your VPN to keep you safe because what this connection basically means is that – you browse anonymously on the deep web with Tor, and your only secret-keeper is your VPN. For this kind of connection, you can use a logless VPN that doesn’t store any traffic logs – things you search on the internet, or session logs – your IP address and similar information. Everyone who has access to the internet uses the Surface web, or as some like to call it – the Clearnet. That content is indexed by different search engines like Google, Bing, Yandex, Duckduckgo, Yahoo, Baidu, etc.
Anonymity Is In Your Hands
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tor Browser
Then, once you connect to Tor, your connection is encrypted once again, so you basically get a double layer of encryption. The important thing is that you download it from the official site or Google Play (Android)/Apple Store (Mac). It’s free to download, so you won’t have to pay a single cent to get it. In this case, you’ll need to download the setup file from ExpressVPN’s site and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. It’s easy and the whole process lasts about 20 to 30 seconds, so it’s not going to chip away too much of your time. Now that you know that using a VPN is mandatory for safe and secure dark web access, let’s see how to combine it with Tor to achieve the result you want.
- Download the Tor browser from the official Tor project website.
- Install the Tor browser on your computer.
- Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can use the Tor browser just like any other web browser.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
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The dark web can be a dangerous place, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are some tips for staying safe on the dark web:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.
- Never give out personal information or click on suspicious links.
- Use a secure and anonymous email provider, such as ProtonMail or Tutanota.
- Consider using a hardware wallet to store your cryptocurrency offline and protect it from hackers.
Accessing the Dark Web without the TOR Browser can bring down any personal device for unwitting users, even those looking for help or support. Getting on the Dark Web safely is easy; staying that way is next to impossible. The above description is accurate, but unfortunately, it is a casual oversimplification of a dangerous area of the Internet. Exploring the Dark Web is not recommended for average users and young people. Venturing into this area exposes users to malware, hacking, and extreme scams. Users may also confront any number of law enforcement surveillance efforts.
It provides an .onion URL and an interface for you to manage your Tor site easily. It also boasts that no personal information is required to use the service, and payment can be made with cryptocurrency. Keybase also offers extremely user-friendly secure chat and file-sharing services through its app. The process costs a fee, but unlike other “tumbler” or “mixing” services, there is no risk that Wasabi or any of its users could scam you out of your coins. Haystak also offers a premium version that allows advanced search, access to historical content, and email alerts. Almost everyone universally agrees that the best place to start with the Dark Web is Ahmia.fi .
FAQs
Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
No. You need to use the Tor browser to access the dark web. Regular web browsers do not have the necessary security features to protect your privacy on the dark web.
How do I access Tor browser?
You can download the Tor Browser for your desktop from the official download page. The link for the Android version will take you to a page with downloads for . apk files. On that same page, you'll find a link to the Google Play Store Tor entry.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
- The dark web’s anonymity accommodates illegal activity and contributes to its reputation as being a haven for criminals.
- A VPN also helps protect your privacy by preventing your ISP from monitoring your connection.
- Also referred to as “non-indexed” content, it’s any content hidden behind some kind of access control such as a log-in or code word.
- As an independent network of websites and services not indexed by traditional search engines, the dark web has no official ownership or authority.
- Legal.Cases lets you pick court decisions from 10+ country categories (including the US, the UK, and Russia).
No. Accessing the dark web is not illegal in itself. However, some activities on the dark web, such as buying or selling illegal goods, are illegal. It’s important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
If you use the dark web for illegal activities, you can get in trouble with the law. However, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal and should not get you in trouble. As long as you use the dark web responsibly and take the necessary precautions to protect your privacy, you should have nothing to worry about.
What do people use Tor for?
Why do people use Tor? Anonymity is what Tor Browser does best. Tor hides users from anyone who might be watching, whether it's an Internet service provider (ISP), the government, advertisers, or cybercriminals. Tor's data encryption attracts anyone who wants to keep their activity hidden, regardless of their motives.
