Understanding the Dark Web
In a classic example, the surface web can be imagined as the tip of a large iceberg whose bulk remains hidden just under the surface. However, thanks to Tor’s onion routing, your online activity is encrypted and hidden from view. This means your ISP can’t see that you’re accessing the dark web (or indeed, the specific sites you’re accessing). Put simply, the deep web is all of the information stored online that isn’t indexed by search engines. You don’t need any special tools or a dark net browser to access most of the deep web; you just need to know where to look.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access and is often associated with illicit activities.
In this guide, we will explore how to go to the dark web safely and responsibly.
The number of users across relays has increased in 2023, and the number of relays themselves has increased, according to Tor metrics, suggesting dark web usage is on the rise. What was once a small, unknown area of the internet has grown into a formidable power, according to Biswas, and attackers are innovating to stay ahead of defenders in the cat-and-mouse game. This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.
This screen time includes everything from streaming video, scrolling social media, and browsing the web. Across the US, cybercriminals stole the information of 58.4 million consumers, patients, and students. We don’t think about it much, but moving data from our devices to various online locations is a complex process.
There are onion sites and services on the Tor network, and page addresses end in .onion. The dark web is a small subsection of the deep web that’s only accessible with special tools, software or authorization. Similar to the deep web, search engines don’t index material that’s on the dark web. It is fraught with scams, malware, and malicious actors looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Therefore, navigating the dark web comes with inherent risks, and caution should be exercised at all times.
Necessary Preparations
Before you venture into the dark web, consider the following preparations:
- The internet opened the door to a realm of possibilities that permanently changed the business landscape and our personal lives.
- Using Tor means your ISP won’t be able to see the sites you visit, but they will be able to see you accessed Tor.
- Given the dangers that lurk on the dark web, it’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t disclose any personal information like your name, email address, phone number, or financial details.
- Knowledge of Risks: Understand the potential dangers involved, including exposure to illegal content and potential hacking.
- Privacy Measures: Utilize a VPN service to help protect your identity and location.
- Secure Your Device: Ensure that your device is protected with updated antivirus software to mitigate risks.
My advice is to research before entering sites you find through search engines and protect your personal information with a highly secure VPN. Another alternative is Freenet; like I2P, it won’t give you access to.onion links — only content that was uploaded to Freenet. Like I2P, it uses a distributed network database for added assurance against cyber attacks.
How to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- Download Tor Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor network. Download the Tor Browser from its official website.
- Install the Browser: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Be sure to install the software only from official sources.
- Connect to Tor: Open the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network. This may take a few moments.
- Use .onion Links: Once connected, navigate to websites with the .onion extension, which are only accessible through the Tor network.
The number and variety of cybercrime services available on the dark web are growing, according to Ivan Shefrin, cybersecurity expert at Comcast Business. Yes, you definitely need a VPN if you want to access the dark web on your phone. The reason for this is that the dark web is full of potentially dangerous content, and a VPN will help to keep your identity and personal information safe. Without a VPN, you could be putting yourself at risk of being hacked or scammed. The dark web contains much of the internet’s illicit content, ranging from drug trafficking to child pornography sites.
The lack of regulation leaves the dark web rife with offensive content and unsafe websites. Facebook’s onion version lets people access Facebook in countries where access to the social network is otherwise restricted. After connecting to the Tor network, the Brave browser in the bottom left corner, “If your personal security depends on staying anonymous, use Tor Browser instead.” gives a warning. Let’s say you want to go on the dark web to see what information of yours, if any, is floating around. You can install the TOR browser on your system by using a virtual private network.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, keeping your safety in mind is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Limit Personal Information: Avoid sharing any personal details, as anonymity is key.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Do not download files from unknown sources, as they may contain malware.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for any accounts you may create on the dark web.
What Is The Tor Browser?
FAQs About the Dark Web
Q: Is the dark web illegal?
A: The dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities that take place there, such as drug trafficking and illegal sales, are against the law.
Q: Can I be tracked on the dark web?
A: While the dark web offers a degree of anonymity, users can still be tracked if proper safety measures, such as VPNs, are not employed.
Q: What kinds of websites are found on the dark web?
A: The dark web hosts a variety of sites, ranging from forums and marketplaces to blogs and whistleblower platforms.
Conclusion
Venturing into the dark web can be intriguing but requires caution and preparedness. By following the outlined steps on how to go to the dark web safely, you can mitigate risks and explore responsibly.
