Understanding the Dark Web
A VPN will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, making it impossible for anyone to track you online. Yes, it is safe to access the dark web on your iPhone if you use a VPN and access it for good things. Like the regular internet, the dark web is home to all types of sites. It includes your email inbox, company databases, member-only areas, and anything you won’t find through Google. Depending on the VM solution you use, you can still harm your network, which can pose risks to your other devices as well.
Generally speaking, most websites are legal and they’re safe to use. But if we’re talking about forums, marketplaces, and other “social” websites and platforms, the darknet can quickly turn into an unsafe place. The deep web, on the other hand, can be accessed with a conventional browser such as Firefox or Safari. This part of the internet is not indexed by search engines and it’s the largest part of the entire internet. You need to use a dark web browser — such as the Tor browser — to search and access the dark web. Dark web browsers are specially designed to connect to websites on the Tor network, where most dark web sites are hosted.
A part of the Internet that isn’t accessible through search engines at all, and also much more. On the Darknet no one knows your identity and no one knows who is behind any website. The deep web is presumably 100 times larger than what is known as the “surface web” which is what you and I surf through search engines like Google, Yahoo! and Bing. Most of the deep web isn’t evil in any way, it’s just content blocked from search engines for security reasons.
The dark web might be hidden to most web browsers, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to reach. You just have to download a browser built to access this part of the web, most likely the Tor browser. Some mainstream sites are only accessible via the deep web because of how they customize each page to the user. Streaming platforms are a great example of this, requiring you to enter your login credentials immediately before you can continue to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
Also, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion. Illegal drug marketplaces like the Silk Road have been hijacked for police surveillance in the past. By utilizing custom software to infiltrate and analyze activity, this has allowed law officials to discover user identities of patrons and bystanders alike. Even if you never make a purchase, you could be watched and incriminate yourself for other activities later in life. Malicious software — i.e. malware — is fully alive all across the dark web. It is often offered in some portals to give threat actors the tools for cyberattacks.
“This keeps admin users from placing themselves in danger or being exposed to provocative content. Keywords relevant to your organization should be highlighted by the solutions. You may then watch the threat as it evolves in order to respond accordingly,” he says. Estes agrees that there are legitimate purposes for using anonymizing tools like Tor. In some cases, some organizations create both a clear web and a dark web domain. “The most obvious reason for this is to allow users who don’t use Tor to access their website,” says Estes, citing FBI and X (formerly Twitter) as two examples.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it can also provide a platform for privacy, anonymity, and free speech. Learning how to get onto the dark web requires careful steps to ensure safety and security.
Why Access the Dark Web?
I’ll only look at the dark web links in this article, so if you also want to know how to use Tor safely, check out our guide. As we can see in the list below, plenty of actual ransomware websites use onion.ly links. Provided below are actual ransomware links found in ransomware distribution files and a how-to guide to paying the ransom they demand. On this site, anyone can pay hitmen to kill a person or a group of people.
Method 1: Use A VPN & The Tor Browser
People might want to access the dark web for several reasons, including:
- Accessing restricted content.
- Maintaining anonymity.
- Engaging in whistleblowing or activism.
- Exploring forums and communities that are not available on the surface web.
How to Get onto the Dark Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely access the dark web:
1. Ensure Your Safety Measures
Before accessing the dark web, it’s crucial to implement the following protections:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Use a reputable VPN to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic.
- Anti-virus Software: Install and update anti-virus software to protect your device from malware.
- Use a Dedicated Device: If possible, use a separate device that doesn’t contain personal information.
2. Download the Tor Browser
The primary way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download and install the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Follow the installation instructions.
3. Configure the Tor Browser
Once installed, open the Tor Browser and make sure to:
- Connect to the Tor network.
- Adjust security settings to your preference.
- Avoid sharing personal information, use strong passwords, and be cautious of anything that seems too good to be true.
- Thus, sites on the Dark Web can be visited by anyone, but it is very difficult to work out who is behind the sites.
- In attempting to access the Dark Web, there’s an invisible line that a person acknowledges they’re crossing – or maybe they don’t.
- While the dark web’s purpose is to provide some anonymity, there are still risks of malicious content or attribution when accessing.
- Here are some surveillance and privacy tools you can implement to ensure your online activity remains private.
- The safest way to browse the dark web is to use Tails and the Tor Browser to completely separate your main everyday computer from dark web activities.
4. Start Exploring
To visit dark web sites, you’ll need specific URLs that often end with .onion. Here are some tips:
- Use verified directories or forums to find safe .onion links.
- Be cautious with unfamiliar sites to avoid scams or malware.
- Stay aware of potential dangers and illegal content.
Best Practices While on the Dark Web
When navigating the dark web, adhere to the following best practices:
- Don’t share personal information.
- Don’t download files unless you trust the source.
- Be wary of engaging in any illegal activity.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, many activities conducted on it can be illegal.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, standard browsers cannot access .onion sites, which require the Tor Browser.
What are the dangers of the dark web?
The dark web can expose users to scams, illegal content, and potential legal consequences. It’s essential to navigate with caution and awareness.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the Tor Browser provides anonymity, it’s not foolproof. Using a VPN and adhering to safety practices is crucial for maintaining privacy.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be done safely with the right tools and precautions. Always prioritize your safety and be conscious of the content and activities you engage in while exploring this hidden part of the internet.
