Often, you also need to provide some kind of authentication, such as a password. If you want to be 100% sure you won’t install any malware on your PC while on the dark web, you can use a virtual machine (VM). In short, a virtual machine is an emulation of an actual PC using your existing computer or the cloud.
Originally used by the United States Department of Defense to communicate anonymously, the dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world. It uses a technology called “onion routing,” which protects users from surveillance and tracking through a random path of encrypted servers. When users access a site through Tor, their information is routed through thousands of relay points that cover the user’s tracks and make their browsing virtually impossible to trace.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also provides a platform for privacy-focused communication, political activists, and journalists. Understanding how to access this hidden part of the internet is crucial for anyone interested in exploring its contents.
Some antiviruses also include a “sandbox” feature, where you can quarantine files downloaded from Tor until you’re sure they can be opened safely. You can thank the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), those weird security nerds who are responsible for basically everything on the internet that doesn’t suck yet. In 2016, EFF encouraged hosting services to adopt the more secure HTTPS protocol, starting a trend that’s made us all safer.
What’s more, the addresses of these links tend to be a cluster of seemingly random letters, so it isn’t always entirely clear where they’re leading you. There’s also a Tor app for Android, called Orbot; and an operating system – Tails – that’s preconfigured to use Tor. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link. In combination with that data, and data gathered by other methods and/or tactics may in fact lead to complete exposure and could eventually lead to the police standing at your doorstep.
However, browsers with proper proxy can reach these darknet websites; with a normal browser, you can’t reach there. Most people get confused between the Deep Web and the Darknet (or Dark Web). The Deep Web refers to all parts of the Internet which search engines can’t find. This can be anything from secure academic archives, library databases, members only websites and all the way up to the Darknet which I’ll talk about shortly. First off, you must know that accessing the deep web means going below the surface, and even the tools you use are not the usual ones. You might be using a VPN for other reasons too, but to access the deep web it is a ‘must’ because it is the only way to hide your identity, i.e. your IP address.
How to Connect to the Dark Web
Connecting to the dark web requires specific tools and steps to ensure safety and anonymity. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
In the vast majority of the world outside of China, using the Dark Web in and of itself is perfectly legal. Generally, you’ve only broken the law if you do something on the Dark Web that would also be illegal to do offline. There are also a few search engines like DuckDuckGo and you can find some guidance or related information on reddit, too. There will be a lot of sites that have been taken down or are offline so finding working, up-to-date links and directories can take some time. While finding content on the dark web can take time and plenty of patience, technically, accessing the Tor network isn’t that complicated at all. You simply need to download and install the Tor browser available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access. In reality, there’s nothing inherently dangerous about accessing either, and doing so is surprisingly simple. Keep reading this guide to learn more about what these terms actually mean, and how you can find your way into the underbelly of the internet. If you’ve followed the news in the last two decades, you’ve probably heard stories and seen headlines about the deep web or dark web. However, you might have found yourself asking, What is the deep web? As news outlets rarely concern themselves with explaining exactly what it is besides being a place where you can anonymously acquire illegal goods.
How Secure Is Your Password? Tips To Improve Your Password Security
- Beware that this is NOT a free VPN and we intentionally avoid free providers due to security issues.
- It’s important to use a VPN when accessing the dark web to protect your online safety and identity.
- The information and data cybercriminals are able to access depend on the type of malware installed on your device.
- The deep web is just the part of the internet you can’t find with a search engine.
- Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence.
- You should not use Gmail and Outlook to create accounts on dark websites, because it may lead to break your privacy.
1. Download a Secure Browser
The first step to access the dark web is to download the Tor Browser. This browser allows users to access .onion websites and maintains anonymity by routing your connection through several nodes, obscuring your IP address.
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the browser compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- Install the browser following the provided instructions.
2. Configure Security Settings
Once the Tor Browser is installed, it’s important to configure your security settings:
- Open the Tor Browser.
- Access the security settings by clicking on the shield icon near the URL bar.
- Adjust the security level to ‘Safer’ or ‘Safest’ based on your comfort with potential risks.
3. Use a VPN for Additional Security
While Tor provides a layer of anonymity, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds another level of security. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address even from your internet service provider:
- Choose a reputable VPN service known for privacy.
- Download and install the VPN application.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor Browser.
4. Accessing .onion Websites
With the Tor Browser configured and the VPN running, you can start visiting .onion sites. These websites are specifically designed for Tor:
- Ensure you have a list of trusted .onion links, as the dark web can host harmful sites.
- Type the .onion address directly into the Tor Browser’s address bar.
- Be cautious of the types of information you share or the sites you visit.
Safety Tips for Navigating the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, it’s important to stay safe. Keep these tips in mind:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid downloads from untrusted sources.
- Be wary of scams and phishing attempts.
- Use strong passwords to protect your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for various purposes, including anonymous communication, activism, and sometimes illegal activities. However, it also provides safe spaces for information sharing in oppressive regimes.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted on the dark web can be. Always ensure you understand the legality of your actions.
How can I protect myself on the dark web?
You can protect yourself by using a VPN, ensuring your Tor Browser is secure, avoiding sharing personal information, and being cautious about the sites you visit.
Can I get caught while using the dark web?
While anonymity is a major feature of the dark web, it is not foolproof. Law enforcement agencies have methods to track illegal activities, so it’s essential to be aware of what you are doing.
Conclusion
Connecting to the dark web can be intriguing and offers opportunities for privacy and information sharing. However, it is crucial to approach it with caution and implement necessary safety measures. By following the steps outlined above, you can access the dark web while minimizing risks.
