The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet. While it has gained notoriety for being a hub for illegal activities, it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, activists, and those seeking privacy and anonymity online. If you’re curious about how to get into the dark web, here are some tips to help you navigate this hidden realm safely.
Understanding the Dark Web
How Do You Search The Dark Web?
It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux and comes pre-installed in Qubes. Army for more secure communication, it is now available for free for everybody with a Windows, Mac, or Linux machine, or even Android mobile device. For this guide, we’ll use the Tor Browser as an example, but any other web browser (like Brave) that supports the Tor protocol will work just as well. Other examples of compatible web browsers include the Onion browser, Firefox and Chrome, but the latter two require you to install a separate plugin. As we wrap up this exploration into the Dark Web, it’s important to take a moment and reiterate the crucial nature of safety and anonymity when venturing into this realm. Accessing the Dark Web isn’t illegal in and of itself, but many activities on the Dark Web can lead to legal trouble.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal personal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords.
Before diving into the dark web, it’s important to understand what it is. The dark web is part of the deep web, which contains websites that aren’t indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access these sites anonymously.
Do I Have To Use A VPN?
Steps to Access the Dark Web
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.
However, since iOS is a more closed-off ecosystem than Android, the process and precautions are slightly different. Before you embark on your journey to the Dark Web, it’s crucial to understand the importance of internet safety. The Dark Web can be a treacherous place, and precaution is the name of the game.
Alternatives To The Tor Browser
- Download a Secure Browser: To access the dark web, you’ll need to download a secure browser like Tor (The Onion Router).
- Install the Browser: Once you’ve downloaded Tor, install it on your device following the instructions provided.
- Launch the Browser: Open the Tor browser and connect to the network. This will allow you to access .onion websites.
- Start Exploring: You’re now ready to start exploring the dark web. Be cautious and avoid clicking on unknown links or engaging in illegal activities.
The dark web contains a wide variety of services and content to its users, some of which skirts or disregards legality. While the intention and purpose of users on the dark web may vary, the dark web itself is neither good nor bad. Once you have the necessary tools, you can visit dark web sites by adding their domains to the Tor browser’s address bar. Freenet’s release to the public in 2000 helped activists to bring attention to the need for a way to stay anonymous online. It was followed by the Tor network, created by the US intelligence community to communicate in secret.
Where access to popular social media or news sites is censored, dark web links of the same sites can help you stay informed. The biggest benefit of the dark web is its extreme online privacy. Much of the dark web isn’t shady, illegal, or used for criminal purposes. Dark web browsing is often motivated simply by keeping your real identity secure and your online activity private. Depending on where you are, accessing the dark web might be illegal. But unless you engage in illegal activity on the dark web, you shouldn’t have to worry — at least in the US.
Can I remove my email from dark web?
Note that a Dark Web scan does NOT automatically remove your compromised information from the Dark Web. It simply alerts you that the information is out there. There is no Dark Web manager to call to request its removal; it's up to you to take action from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browsing The Dark Web With Tor
Is it Legal to Access the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Visiting the dark web without one puts you at greater risk of identity theft, DDoS attacks, and other dangers. The dark web is undoubtedly dangerous, but it can also create a lot of good for the world. It’s useful for research, helping journalists shed light on injustice, communicating anonymously, and investigating criminal activity. Browsing the dark web puts you at risk of cyberattacks such as DDoS attacks, botnets, and other malware or viruses. By simply entering the wrong URL or accidentally downloading a malicious file, you could install infectious viruses or malware.
How Can I Stay Safe on the Dark Web?
- However, it hosts tons of communities and marketplaces and has a thriving economy driven by the sale of illicit goods and information.
- We recommend using Clario’s VPN, which is a highly-rated, easy to use and reliable VPN software.
- It’s further important to distinguish the deep web from the dark web — as the next section explains.
Rather than weeding out the genuine web users from the criminals, many website owners find it easier just to block all Tor users. While Tor gives you access to sites on the .onion ecosystem, you can also use Tor to browse the surface web, taking advantage of its encryption to enjoy additional security and privacy. However, be warned, this will not be an enjoyable user experience.
To stay safe on the dark web, avoid sharing personal information, use a VPN for added security, and be cautious when interacting with unknown websites or individuals.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can safely explore the dark web and discover its hidden depths. Remember to always prioritize your privacy and security while navigating this enigmatic corner of the internet.
Is Tor a VPN?
No, Tor is not a VPN. Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a decentralized network that routes your internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers, providing anonymity. A VPN, on the other hand, creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, offering privacy and security.
