Understanding the Dark Web
The Tor network is operated by thousands of volunteers worldwide who maintain the proxy servers that protect your identity. You can download the Tor Browser for Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android. Drugs, weapons, and stolen IP and data are all hot businesses on the dark web, with terabytes of information on offer.
Top 5 Recommended VPNs You Should Get Before Accessing The Dark Web
You can also put a freeze on your credit to prevent it from being compromised any further. The dark web and the deep web are also often erroneously used interchangeably. The deep web is what lies underground and isn’t just the content that is considered dark. You will install Tails, and Tails only, directly on your storage device.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software to access and is known for its anonymity, attracting various users, including those seeking privacy and those engaging in illicit activities.
Search engines on the dark web are a bit of a contradiction because dark web sites by definition are not indexed by traditional search engines. As the dark web provides several layers of encryption on both your files and connections, it’s a secure platform for file uploads and transfers. Many journalists and informants use the dark web to share files with sensitive information. The deep web is the part of the internet that’s behind closed doors, consisting of databases and pages that are only meant for a specific group of people within an organization. This part of the internet rests below the surface and, like the bulk of an iceberg unseen underwater, actually accounts for 90% of all websites. Yes, but you need to be cautious because there are many malicious sites on the dark web.
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. You can archive any site you want, or retrieve historical records wherever available. One of the most popular ways to get around the dark web is not to use a search engine at all. Just like in the old days of the internet, the dark web maintains numerous indexes of sites, like The Hidden Wiki.
Even if a cybercriminal steals one of your passwords in a data breach, they will only be able to access one account. If you receive an alert that your information has been compromised, it’s worth changing your sign-in information as quickly as possible. Websites on the dark web end in “.onion” rather than in endings like “.com” or “.gov.” Users need special dark web browsers to access these sites.
Why Access the Dark Web?
Combining a high-end VPN service with the Tor network adds another layer of defense that will make using the Tor network safer for you. Here is what your VPN will look like with a desktop app running in the background (NordVPN) while you browse the Dark web. You can connect to the Tor network using the Tor browser, a custom web browser designed specifically to work with this network. A popular Surface web browser called Brave browser now also has the ability to connect to the Tor network, so we’ll look at that too. The Surface Web (also referred toy as the Visible Web, the Indexed Web, the Lightnet, and the Clearnet) is the part of the World Wide Web that most of us are familiar with. If you can find a page with a standard search engine (Google or DuckDuckGo) and visit it with a standard web browser (Chrome or Firefox), it is part of the Surface web.
There are various reasons someone might want to learn how to go on the dark web:
- Privacy and anonymity
- Access to information and communities not available on the surface web
- Whistleblowing or journalism in oppressive regimes
Preparations Before Accessing the Dark Web
Before diving into the dark web, it’s crucial to take certain precautions:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): This adds an additional layer of security by masking your IP address.
- Install a secure browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser.
- Practice good online hygiene: Avoid downloading files from unknown sources and be cautious about what information you share.
- Consider your safety: Always have an exit plan in case you encounter something illegal or disturbing.
How to Go on the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- Meanwhile, the dark web is part of the iceberg deepest in the water – you’d need special diving equipment to reach it.
- The United Nations, FBI, and CIA use the encrypted internet to monitor terror groups like Daesh and keep tabs on criminal profiteers.
- Estes agrees that there are legitimate purposes for using anonymizing tools like Tor.
- Download the Tor Browser: Go to the official Tor Project website and download the latest version of the Tor Browser.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions, ensuring that you are downloading from the official source.
- Connect to the Tor network: Open the Tor Browser and click on “Connect” to establish a connection to the Tor network.
- Access .onion sites: Use specific URLs that end in “.onion” to navigate through the dark web. Regular search engines will not index these URLs.
Safety Tips While on the Dark Web
When navigating the dark web, consider these safety tips:
- Do not share personal information: Keep your identity and location private.
- Avoid illegal activities: Engaging in illegal activities can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Be aware of scams: The dark web is notorious for scams; always tread carefully.
- Use encrypted communication: If you need to communicate with others, opt for encrypted messaging apps.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
Q: Is going on the dark web illegal?
A: The dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities that occur there can be. Accessing the dark web for legitimate reasons is generally acceptable.
Q: Do I need to be tech-savvy to access the dark web?
A: While some technical understanding can be helpful, most users can safely navigate the dark web by following the above steps.
Q: What should I do if I encounter something illegal?
A: Exit the site immediately and consider reporting it to authorities if necessary.
Conclusion
Learning how to go on the dark web can be a valuable skill for those seeking privacy and alternative information. However, it is essential to prioritize safety and legality while navigating this unregulated space.
