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Understanding the Darknet
The darknet is a portion of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. Accessing it allows users to explore anonymous websites and forums. While there are legitimate uses, such as privacy protection or evading censorship, it can also host illegal activities.
Users should always take extra caution when using the dark web and avoid participating in activities that could be considered illegal. Additionally, some countries have laws against certain types of content, so it’s important to research local laws before accessing the dark web. Crawling is the process by which search engines scour the internet for new content and websites. They can use various tricks to fool you into installing malware on your device or target you with ransomware attacks. Hence, be aware of sharing your personal information like your actual name, email address, contact info, social security numbers, bank account details, and other financial information. The malicious actors can use this information to engage in identity theft, steal money from your account, and launch attacks using your name.
How to Access Darknet on iPhone
Accessing the darknet on an iPhone involves a few steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:
- Fortunately, there are Tor alternatives for iOS like the Onion Browser, which routes your traffic through the Tor network.
- The only issue is that you can’t select a specific server location for VPN (I prefer to use ones outside my home country) unless you use the paid service.
- Essentially, the Dark Web uses a cluster of nodes and networks called “darknets.” These include — but aren’t limited to — peer-to-peer networks — small and big — including Tor and Freenet.
- 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.
With the assistance of PureVPN, your IP address will be concealed and your internet traffic will be encrypted, ensuring the security of your identity and privacy. Once this is done, you will be directed to the homepage of your browser. You can access the dark web from any computer; you just need to download Tor Browser or Brave. Then, there are plenty of legal sites to visit, from dark web search engines to Bitcoin wallets, privacy tools, and news sites.
A favorite of journalists and their anonymous sources, SecureDrop makes it easy to share confidential information without revealing your identity. Many news publications, like the ones listed above, have a SecureDrop on their .onion sites. Keybase also offers extremely user-friendly secure chat and file-sharing services through its app.
This browser has an inbuilt feature that helps you access the internet by taking you through different servers that provide you with encryption. Unsurprisingly, the Dark Web provides users with the opportunity to stay anonymous. These sites, hidden ones, use the Tor network, about which the history trails of the user are anonymized, making it quite hard to figure out the location or the identity of the user. In this guide and the Guidelines for iOS, Security, we will explain step by step how to access the dark web on iPhone safely. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.
Step 1: Download a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for maintaining anonymity when accessing the darknet. It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address.
- Choose a reputable VPN service.
- Download and install the VPN app from the App Store.
- Follow the setup instructions and connect to a secure server.
This dark web search engine also has an easy-to-use interface and offers free access to onion links and websites. The creator of Dark Search is currently working on a way to let dark web users access restricted dark web forums via onion search engine links. Dark web sites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to so much illegal activity. Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons.
Check the privacy laws of your country or state before downloading or opening any of this material as you might unknowingly violate anti-piracy laws. To stay safe, we recommend not downloading anything at all from the dark web. However, you can still access the Tor network using alternate browsers, like OrNet or Onion Browser.
According to an investigation in 2017, a flaw in the Tor browser allowed real IP addresses to be exposed. The “dark web,” a subset of the deep web, is home to many shady websites and businesses. Accessing the Dark Web isn’t illegal in and of itself, but many activities on the Dark Web can lead to legal trouble.
Step 2: Get a Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is required to access .onion websites, which are a significant part of the darknet.
- Since the Tor Browser is not available on the App Store, you’ll need to use the Onion Browser, which is a legitimate alternative.
- Search for Onion Browser on the App Store and download it.
Steps To Access TOR:
Step 3: Configure Your Settings
Once you have the Onion Browser, configuration is crucial for secure browsing.
- Launch the Onion Browser app.
- Modify the security settings as desired. Higher security may limit your browsing experience but enhances anonymity.
Step 4: Connect to the Darknet
With your VPN active and the Onion Browser configured, you can start browsing the darknet.
- Type in .onion URLs you wish to visit in the Onion Browser.
- Ensure that your VPN remains active during your browsing session.
Precautions to Take
While exploring the darknet, safety should be a top priority.
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
- Be wary of scams and phishing attempts.
FAQs
Is it legal to access the darknet on my iPhone?
Generally, accessing the darknet is legal in many countries. However, engaging in illegal activities is punishable by law.
Will my ISP know if I access the darknet?
While your ISP can see that you are using a VPN, they cannot see what you are doing on the darknet as the traffic is encrypted.
Can I access the darknet without a VPN?
Accessing the darknet without a VPN is not recommended, as it compromises your privacy and security.
Conclusion
Accessing the darknet on your iPhone is manageable if you follow the outlined steps. Prioritize your safety and think critically about the content you engage with in this hidden part of the internet.
