You can also find email messages, online bank statements, and much more information on the deep web – information that is usually private and inaccessible by the public on the surface web. So, sites that contain a domain extension like .com, .org, .net, .biz, .info, etc. can be found on the surface web. In addition, the content on the pages don’t need any special or custom configuration to access.
Understanding the Dark Web
Still, this is enough to make them suspicious of your activities on the dark web, as Tor is used mainly for this purpose. You will install Tails, and Tails only, directly on your storage device. Regardless of being a business, parent, or any other user of the web, you’ll want to take precautions to keep your information and private life off the dark web. While Tor by itself is a robust and secure privacy tool, combining it with a VPN is an ironclad way to ensure that your privacy isn’t compromised.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific tools and knowledge to navigate safely. If you’re curious about how to go on the dark web, it’s crucial to understand the associated risks and responsibilities.
While the intention and purpose of users on the dark web may vary, the dark web itself is neither good nor bad. People may have many reasons for protecting their online identity. In some cases, this is because they would be in danger if their identity became known – for example in countries where the government forbids a free press or where there is political censorship. Tor provides anonymising software which can be accessed via a search engine and then downloaded free of charge. Rosalyn Page has been writing about technology long enough to remember when the only thing to worry about was Y2K. Since then, the dot-com boom became the dot-com bubble, technology fundamentally altered our lives, and everything has become about security.
This service has servers in nearly 100 countries and offers great speeds, making it one of the top choices for going on the dark web. Aside from that, it has a no-logging policy audited by Deloitte, 256-bit encryption, an ad blocker, and even IP/DNS leak protection. Furthermore, there are news portals and marketplaces where you can buy drugs, guns, stolen/forged passports, PayPal accounts, hardware, software, and many other stuff. The websites on this part of the internet range from benign to very malicious.
It has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited and verified and it uses RAM-only servers, meaning every server reset wipes all data. Perfect forward secrecy (PFS) is also available, which changes your encryption key for each VPN connection to prevent hackers from compromising past or future encryption keys to spy on your traffic. Its free plan comes with up to 1 GB of storage, 150 messages per day, and 1 email address. The Mail Plus plan adds up to 15 GB of storage, unlimited messages, and 10 email addresses. The Proton Unlimited plan adds up to 500 GB of storage, 15 email addresses, more Proton Calendar and Proton Drive features, and access to a paid Proton VPN and Proton Pass account. Ahmia is a search engine for .onion sites — you search for a keyword and Ahmia retrieves relevant results.
The Hidden Wiki & Co
The world wide web is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is online. Beyond all the websites indexed by Google and other common search engines is the deep web—and buried within that is the dark web. The dark web is a relatively new concept, at least when you consider the history of the internet as a whole. You can use it to remain anonymous without fear of repercussion if you want to express yourself freely.
In addition to traditionally forbidden trade, the dark web became a hub for the sale of stolen information. Credit card and social security numbers are routinely purchased, as are passwords for e-mail accounts—sometimes en masse. In July 2016, passwords for roughly 200 million Yahoo! accounts appeared for sale. Users should note that while Tor Browser is pre-configured to work correctly, users on networks with firewalls or other security systems may experience difficulties.
Prerequisites to Access the Dark Web
Before diving into the dark web, ensure you understand the following:
- Safety Risks: The dark web can expose you to illegal activities, scams, and cyber threats.
- Legal Implications: Accessing certain content can lead to legal consequences.
- Privacy Tools: You will need specific software to access the dark web safely.
Steps on How to Go on the Dark Web
To safely browse the dark web, follow these steps:
- Download and Install the Tor Browser:
To access the dark web, you’ll primarily use the Tor network. Download the Tor Browser from the official website to avoid malicious versions.
- Connect to the Tor Network:
Once installed, open the Tor Browser and click ‘Connect’. This will securely connect your device to the Tor network.
- Adjust Security Settings:
Make sure to adjust your security settings within the Tor Browser. It is highly recommended to set the security level to ‘Safer’ or ‘Safest’ for enhanced protection.
- Utilize a VPN:
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can provide an additional layer of anonymity. Choose a reputable VPN service before connecting to Tor.
- Navigate to Dark Web Sites:
Dark web addresses typically end with .onion. Use reliable directories to find these sites, and be cautious about unverified links.
Essential Safety Tips
When exploring the dark web, it is important to follow these safety tips:
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Always keep your identity private. Avoid using your real name, email, or any identifiable information.
- Be Wary of Scams: Many websites on the dark web are scams intended to steal your money or personal information.
- Avoid Downloading Files: Downloading files from the dark web can lead to malware infections.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure you use strong passwords and consider a password manager for an added layer of security.
FAQs about the Dark Web
1. Is the dark web illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities on it are. Accessing or engaging in illegal activities can lead to severe legal consequences.
2. Can anyone access the dark web?
Yes, anyone can access the dark web with the right tools. However, navigating safely requires knowledge and caution.
3. Are there safe parts of the dark web?
There are some safe and legitimate resources available on the dark web, such as forums that discuss privacy, cybersecurity, and technology, but they require careful exploration.
4. How can I protect my identity on the dark web?
Use a strong VPN, the Tor Browser, and never share personal information. The key is to maintain your privacy and anonymity at all times.
- The dark web has numerous legitimate uses but is still home to various criminal activities.
- And again, it’s just another reminder that backing up all of yourdata, keeping an off site backup of your stuff is highly important because of this particularscenario.
- A logless VPN, which doesn’t store any traffic logs nor session logs is highly preferable.
- The majority of the deep web consists of regular websites that require users to create an account before they can be accessed.
Conclusion
Learning how to go on the dark web involves following specific steps and understanding the inherent risks. By taking the necessary precautions and remaining informed, you can navigate the dark web cautiously and safely. Always prioritize your security and legality while exploring this hidden part of the internet.
