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 comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web refers to everything on the Internet not indexed by search engines, such as medical records, private social media accounts and fee-based content requiring password authentication. Criminals frequently use it for purchasing weapons, drugs and fake IDs on illicit markets. Protect yourself against malicious actors by installing antimalware and antivirus protection on your computer and mobile device. Malware can steal personal data from any surface or deep web website and then sell it to identity thieves and scammers, who use it for illicit activities. There are also number of legitimate reasons users may want to access the Dark Web. The web’s substratum is populated by mainstream web companies like Facebook, political activists, and journalists who need to communicate and share sensitive information.
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such tor darknet markets as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also many legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, political dissent, and secure communication.
How To Stay Safe On The Dark Web
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of servers around the world, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
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. Avast BreachGuard scans the dark web and will alert you immediately if and when it detects your personal data. BreachGuard will guide you through the process of recovering your accounts and protecting them before a hacker can use your leaked credentials.
Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser
The first step is to download and install the Tor browser. You can download it from the official Tor project website. Once you have downloaded the installer, run it and follow the prompts to install the browser.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
Browsing The Dark Web With Tor
Once you have installed the Tor browser, launch it and click on the “Connect” button. The browser will connect to the Tor network and display a welcome message once it is ready.
Step 3: Browse the Dark Web
What websites can you find on the dark web?
- The Hidden Wiki. The Hidden Wiki is the dark web's unofficial Wikipedia, where you can find “.onion” links for many black web pages, services, and other content.
- DuckDuckGo.
- Sci-Hub.
- ProPublica.
- Impreza Hosting.
- Tor Links.
- Facebook.
- BBC Tor Mirror.
To browse the dark web, you will need to use special URLs that begin with “http://” followed by a string of numbers and letters. These URLs are not indexed by search engines, so you will need to know the exact address of the website you want to visit. Some popular dark web websites include The Hidden Wiki, DuckDuckGo, and OnionDir.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Step 2: Adjust Tor Browser Security Settings
The dark web can be a dangerous place, and it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. Here are some tips for staying safe on the dark web:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your identity by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
- Don’t download anything: Malware is common on the dark web, and downloading files can put your computer at risk.
- Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for each website you visit on the dark web.
- Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious of any websites or messages that ask for personal information or login credentials.
FAQs
Can I access the dark web on my phone?
Yes, you can access the dark web on your phone using the Tor browser. However, it is not recommended as mobile devices are more vulnerable to malware and other security threats.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing these sites can put you at risk of prosecution.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
When using this method, Tor will encrypt your request, which will pass through your ISP unhindered. From there, it will go through a VPN server that conceals your IP and wipes geo-locations tags and other elements your Government or ISP might use to track the request. There’s no broad consensus on dark web safety, but you at least need to use Tor and VPN together. Once you have those, there are several ways to tunnel through the dark web. Prior to Keeper, Darren served as an advisor to JiWire, now called NinthDecimal. NinthDecimal is the leading media and technology service provider for the WiFi industry.
It is possible to get in trouble for accessing the dark web if you engage in illegal activities. However, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal.
What if my phone number is on the dark web?
If your phone number is in the wrong hands, your identity and sensitive information could follow. Scammers and hackers could use your number to access your cloud accounts, which might hold private photos and details about you. They could then threaten to reveal your identity or information unless you pay a ransom.
Some hidden websites won’t allow you to connect if you have JavaScript enabled, some others will warn you that it is enabled. Instead of ending in .com or .co, darknet websites end up with .onion extension. According to Wikipedia, that’s “the main use of top-level domain suffix designating an unidentified hidden service reachable using the Tor network,” Wikipedia.
- SecureDrop protects your privacy by encrypting your data, which makes it unreadable.
- Hence, the process of navigating the Dark Web can be quite intimidating for an average internet user.
- As a general rule, you should always use a VPN and only use Tor when you need to.
- The BBC and other well-known news services are blocked in some parts of the world.
- Android users will need to download Orbot and Orfox to access the dark web with their phones.
- However, the dark web is not as simple to search as the clear web really, and this is where onion link sites come in, which brings us to the second option I want to mention here.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot use your regular browser to access the dark web. You will need to use the Tor browser to access websites on the dark web.
Can I be traced on the dark web?
It is difficult to trace activity on the dark web, but it is not impossible. Using a VPN and taking other precautions can help protect your identity and privacy.
What is the onion address?
An onion address is a special URL that begins with “http://” followed by a string of numbers and letters. These URLs are used to access websites on the dark web.
Can you be removed from the dark web?
It is generally implausible to remove data that has been disseminated within the Dark Web.
What is the hidden wiki?
The Hidden Wiki is a dark web website that serves as a directory of other dark web websites. It is often the first stop for people who are new to the dark web.
What is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that can be used on the dark web. It is dark web monitoring services known for its focus on privacy and does not track user activity.
What is OnionDir?
OnionDir is a directory of dark web websites that is accessible through the Tor browser. It is a popular resource for people who are new to the dark web.
Is my password on the dark web?
Use HaveIBeenPwned.
HaveIBeenPwned has been around for many years and is a great tool you can use to find out if your passwords are being leaked on the dark web.
