Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is very popular with cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Wasabi Wallet is a Bitcoin wallet that not only hides all your data in the Tor network but also allows you to “join” your transactions with others to increase your anonymity. Following the NYT, the BBC launched a dark web “mirror” of their international edition in 2019. Note that some features of the normal website are not available on the .onion version, including BBC iPlayer. Archive.today is considered an important tool to track changes across government and corporate websites, preserve cultural heritage, and keep knowledge outside of autocrats’ reach.
Understanding the Dark Web
Just like Quora, Yahoo Answers, or Reddit, we’ve got Hidden Answers for the dark web. While you can ask your questions on Quora or Reddit, you’re not truly anonymous there. You can freely carry out your queries without worrying about exposing your identity or even being shy. If it’s been a while since you’ve used TOR, you’ll likely be thrilled with some of the changes they’ve instituted, including a better path selection tool. They still offer the same secure, anonymous web browsing that they did before, with improved functionality.
Navigate The Shadows With Caution: A Guide To Accessing The Dark Web Safely
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access, making it a hub for anonymity and privacy.
Why Use the Dark Web?
People may want to access the dark web for various reasons, including:
Atlas VPN is a highly secure service with servers located across several dozen locations. Aside from fast server speeds for faster browsing and streaming, it provides comprehensive security and privacy protection. This starts with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch feature. Better still, you can secure all of your devices at once with just one account. If you browse the dark web using the Tor Browser, your IP address will be hidden from the sites you visit.
He contributed to developing our rigorous VPN testing and reviewing procedures. However, thanks to its potential for anonymity, the dark web also features a lot of sites you won’t find on the surface web. For instance, the dark web is where a lot of journalists exchange information anonymously. Sites like ProPublica and Secure Drop are fundamental to investigative journalism. If you get NordVPN, you can also use the Tor network whenever you want with its Onion over VPN servers.
- Enhancing privacy and security.
- Accessing information not available on the surface web.
- Participating in forums that discuss sensitive topics.
To access the dark web on a mobile device, we recommend using a VPN with the Tor Browser on Android, or using the Onion Browser and Orbot on iOS. You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app. Install a mobile dark web browsing app — like Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iPhone — and enter a [dot] onion URL to start browsing. Some people simply prefer not to share any information online and use Tor to access normal websites outside the dark web, or to visit dark web news websites and forums. Because privacy and anonymity are the hallmarks of the dark web, it’s easy to assume that everything that happens there is illegal. And while plenty of cybercrime does take place, the dark web is used legally as well.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple misclick before all the information stored on your computer gets leaked. Even worse — cybercriminals have been known to activate computer cameras and microphones to get live streams from unsuspecting victims. To avoid encountering disturbing or illegal situations, I advise against entering darknet sites before thoroughly researching them.
How to Access the Dark Web on iPhone
Accessing the dark web on an iPhone requires specific steps, primarily due to the added security features of Apple’s iOS.
Step 1: Install a VPN
Before accessing the dark web, it’s essential to protect your identity. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address.
Choose a reliable VPN service and download its application from the App Store.
Step 2: Download a Tor Browser
The Tor network is a critical component for accessing the dark web. While traditional browsers won’t work, the Tor browser provides a way to navigate this hidden part of the internet.
Although the official Tor browser is not available on the App Store, you can use a third-party app:
- Download an app like “Onion Browser” which is designed for dark web access.
- Alternatively, you can try “Tor Browser for iOS” if available.
- The Dark Web hosts a variety of content, ranging from illegal activities like drug trading and cybercrime, to legitimate, privacy-focused services like encrypted email providers.
- While the terms, “deep web” and “dark we” are often used interchangeabley, they are not the same.
- If you do ever find yourself on a questionable website, utilizing a good security app, such as Clario, with a built-in VPN and other useful tools is vital.
- Darknet websites are also known as Tor hidden services, and you can see the difference between normal websites by their URLs.
Step 3: Configure the Browser
After installing the Tor browser, you may need to configure it:
- Open the app and select “Connect” to access the Tor network.
- Be patient as it may take some time to establish a connection.
Step 4: Start Browsing
Once connected, you can start browsing. To do this:
- Enter a .onion website URL directly into the browser.
- Explore various forums and dark web markets with caution.
Safety Precautions
To ensure a safe experience while navigating the dark web, consider the following:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid downloading attachments or files.
- Don’t make purchases or engage in illegal activities.
FAQs
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities that happen there may be against the law. Always adhere to local laws.
Will a VPN slow down my internet speed?
Using a VPN may reduce your internet speed due to the encryption process. However, the added security can be worth the trade-off.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, standard browsers do not support the Tor network required to access dark web sites.
Is it safe to access the dark web on mobile devices?
While it can be safe if you follow precautions, mobile devices may present additional security risks compared to a desktop environment.
In conclusion, accessing the dark web on an iPhone involves installing a VPN and a Tor browser-like application. Always prioritize safety and legality when navigating this intricate part of the internet.
