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The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will provide a beginner’s guide on how to use the dark web safely and responsibly.
What is the Dark Web?
This is like going spelunking without the proper equipment — you’re likely to get hurt, possibly very badly. We’re going to get you oriented for this journey as fast as possible, then give you the tools you need to get down to the Dark web and look around for yourself. The Tor browser is based on Firefox, so add-ons for Firefox will work. But every additional add-on you install increases the risk of others being able to track you.
As always, protect yourself from online threats with mobile Android security or iOS security software. And use a VPN for Android or VPN for iOS to get a secure, anonymous connection. The standard dark web browser is Tor Browser, which directs your browser traffic through the Tor network so you can reach the darknet. As your traffic passes through Tor, it’s encrypted and bounced between at least three relay points, known as nodes. This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address). But as a result, Tor Browser will feel much slower than a normal web browser.
The dark web is a network of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through special software, such as the Tor browser. It is often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing.
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to download and install the Tor browser. Tor (The Onion Router) is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
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Your CreditWise score can be a good measure of your overall credit health, but it is not likely to be the same score used by creditors. The availability of the CreditWise tool depends on our ability to obtain your credit history from TransUnion. It will hide your IP and won’t let your ISP know if you use Tor for dark web access. The purpose of creating it is to provide a platform for intelligent agents and whistleblowers to report wrongdoings or expose crimes surrounding them while staying anonymous. If you feel that the website you are using is suspicious, then trust yourself and exit from it.
Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can access the dark web by typing in the .onion URL of the website you want to visit. These URLs are not accessible through regular web browsers, so you will need to use the Tor browser to access them.
How to Use the Dark Web Safely
Using the dark web can be risky, so it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. Here are some tips for using the dark web safely:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt your internet connection and make it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
- Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for each of your dark web accounts. This will make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
- Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number, on the dark web. This will help protect your identity and prevent identity theft.
- Beware of scams: The dark web is full of scams, so be cautious when interacting with others. Don’t send money or share sensitive information with anyone unless you are sure they are legitimate.
FAQs
Is the dark web illegal?
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No, the dark web itself is not illegal. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal. It is important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Can I access the dark web on my phone?
Yes, you can access the dark web on your phone by downloading and installing the Tor browser app. However, it is not recommended to use the dark web on a mobile device, as it is more difficult to protect your privacy on a mobile device.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
No, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, if you engage in illegal activities on the dark web, you may be subject to legal consequences.
Can I use my regular email account on the dark web?
No, it is not recommended to use your regular email account on the dark web. Instead, create a new email account specifically for use on the dark web. This will help protect your privacy and prevent identity theft.
Can I use a credit card on the dark web?
No, it is not recommended to use a credit card on the dark web. Instead, use cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to make purchases. This will help protect your identity and prevent fraud.
How Does Data End Up On The Dark Web?
Most internet users access the deep web several times a day to perform common tasks, such as checking email, accessing a bank account or reviewing health or school records. Items you would not be able to simply access by clicking on a link from a search engine. The deep web constitutes over 90% of online content and is inaccessible via search engines.
Can I use social media on the dark web?
No, social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are not accessible on the dark web. Instead, use the dark web for more private and secure communication.
Can I use a search engine on the dark web?
Is Tor illegal?
Are Tor browsers legal? Yes, using the Tor Browser is perfectly legal in most countries. It's used by many legitimate users, including journalists, activists, and law enforcement agencies, for various purposes. However, just like any other tool, it can be used both for legal and illegal activities.
No, regular search engines, such as Google and Bing, do not index dark web websites. Instead, use a dark web search engine, such as Ahmia, to find the websites you are looking for.
Can I use a VPN on the dark web?
Yes, using a VPN (virtual private network) is recommended when accessing the dark web. A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and make it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Can I use Tor on a regular website?
No, Tor is only used to access the dark web. Regular websites can be accessed through a regular web browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
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Can I use Tor on a public Wi-Fi network?
- By design, it removes the risk of third-parties accessing files on your hard drive (like your pictures, videos, and sensitive documents).
- ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more.
- You must be aware of your region’s legal and political policies when using Tor.
Yes, you can use Tor on a public Wi-Fi network. However, it is not recommended, as public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure and can be easily hacked.
Can I use Tor on a work or school network?
No, it is not recommended to use Tor on a work or school network. Many organizations block Tor traffic, and using it on their network could get you in trouble.
Can I use Tor on a mobile device?
Yes, you can use Tor on a mobile device by downloading and installing the Tor browser app. However, it is not recommended, as mobile devices are more vulnerable to hacking and tracking.
IP2 is faster than Tor and offers stronger peer-to-peer security, as it uses one-way tunnels to encrypt traffic — meaning, only inbound or outbound traffic could be intercepted, not both. In addition, it uses a distributed network database which is harder to attack than Tor’s fixed, trusted Directory servers. Even after you have done the needful, tracking charges on your credit card statement is vital. Credit cards are highly attractive to hackers, and they often get away with using multiple credit cards with charges (usually small amounts) that go unnoticed. Whenever you fall victim to a data leak, it’s crucial to inform leading credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They have multiple options to prevent fraudulent credit requests, including two-factor authentication on all credit pulls.
Can I use Tor on a Linux operating system?
Yes, you can use Tor on a Linux operating system. There are several Tor-enabled Linux distributions, such as Tails and Whonix, that are specifically designed for use on the dark web.
Can I use Tor on a Mac operating system?
Yes, you can use Tor on a Mac operating system. There are several Tor-enabled Mac applications, such as Onion Browser and Tor Browser Bundle, that are specifically designed for use on the dark web.
Can I use Tor on a Windows operating system?
Yes, you can use Tor on a Windows operating system. There are several Tor-enabled Windows applications, such as Tor Browser Bundle and TBB, that are specifically designed for use on the dark web.
Can onion be tracked?
Onion routing is a sophisticated means to prevent tracking your location, but there's no such thing as perfect online anonymity. Although your internet traffic is encrypted on Tor, your ISP can still see that you're connected to Tor. Plus, Tor cannot protect against tracking at the entry and exit nodes of its network.
Can I use Tor on a Chromebook?
Yes, you can use Tor on a Chromebook by installing the Linux (Beta) feature and then installing the Tor browser. However, it is not recommended, as Chromebooks are not as secure as other operating systems.
What makes a website illegal?
If your website doesn't include a privacy policy, you could be breaking federal law. If your website isn't *GDPR compliant, then you could be breaking international law. Not to be all “gloom and doom,” but that's a pretty big deal.
