The best dark web search engine is DuckDuckGoOnion – though this only offers surface web results. It’s also my preferred method because it stops your ISP from seeing that you’re using Tor at all and lets you browse .onion sites normally. Many have .onion sites as well, which they’ll mention and provide the correct Onion link to.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines and require special software to access. It is often associated with illicit activities, but it also serves as a space for privacy-conscious individuals and activists.
Aura’s team works with you to create a remediation plan to secure your credit cards, bank accounts, and IDs to prevent identity theft or fraud. There is no reliable method of removing your sensitive data from the Dark Web. That’s why the defense is the best offense, so it’s worthwhile to be leveraging a service that monitors your personal data for you. It’s not wrong to assume that your personal information is on the Dark Web.
Tor (The Onion Router) is FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) that allows you to send messages over the Tor network of onion routing nodes. The Tor project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that maintains the Tor software. While many people trust the Tor network to provide them with anonymity while using the internet, the network is not perfect. It has been hacked, and there are other ways that hostile forces (from hackers to national security agencies) have been able to compromise the security of the Tor network.
Why Connect to the Dark Web?
There are various reasons why individuals might want to connect to the dark web:
- Privacy – Protecting personal information and anonymity.
- Access to Information – Obtaining information that may be censored or restricted in certain regions.
- Activism – Engaging in discussions and activities safely, especially in oppressive regimes.
ProPublica is accessible on the “clearnet” — the regular internet you’re using right now. Accessing it via a Tor browser gives you a layer of anonymity and security and allows you to bypass country blocks. Tor software protects not just the client side, but the server side as well. Using open-source Tor tools, a server owner can hide their real IP address, rendering it impossible to find out the site’s physical location and protecting it from intervention by the authorities. Every time you finish a session on the dark web, run a malware scan of your entire system using a well-reviewed antivirus software. Some antiviruses also include a “sandbox” feature, where you can quarantine files downloaded from Tor until you’re sure they can be opened safely.
Tor activity picked up by an ISP has been used in the past by law enforcement as incriminating behavior. If you are a resident of a country where Tor is blocked, a Tor bridge can be used to access the Tor network. Tor bridges are relay nodes that aren’t publicly available, making it extremely difficult for governments to block the connections. It’s much more likely that you come across links to download illegal videos, either for free or for sale. These might be real videos with disturbing content, or it could be malware or spyware that infects your computer.
For example, Facebook and the New York Times have websites accessible through the Darknet. It seems like a paradox, the Darknet itself is not unlawful, yet it is often used for illegal things. Let’s dig deeper to clarify the Darknet and how it differs from the network we know. Naturally, this makes the dark web a breeding ground for illegal activity. But onion sites can also serve nobler goals, like providing access to information and independent journalism in countries with government censorship. Founded by security researcher Juha Nurmi, Ahmia is essentially a list of “hidden” sites that do want to be found.
How to Connect to the Dark Web
Connecting to the dark web involves a few necessary steps. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to connect to the dark web securely:
Aranza Trevino is the Senior SEO Content Specialist at Keeper Security. She is an experienced cybersecurity trend and data analyst who continues to gain industry knowledge to educate readers through her blog efforts. Aranza’s blogs aim to help the public and businesses better understand the importance of password management, password security and staying protected against cyber threats. Cyber hygiene refers to cybersecurity best practices that everyone who actively uses the internet should be implementing to keep themselves and their data protected from common cyber threats. Deep web databases containing hotel bookings, online purchases and medical records could be compromised for criminal use. However, this site might not likely be hacked for illicit gain directly.
Step 1: Download the Tor Browser
The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor network. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the browser, following the setup instructions.
Step 2: Enhance Security Settings
Before starting to browse, it’s crucial to ensure your privacy is protected. Adjust your security settings:
- Open the Tor Browser and go to Preferences.
- Set the security level to a higher setting for enhanced privacy.
- The remaining sites, including those on the dark web, won’t show up when you search Google — they can be accessed only with a direct URL, IP address, or deep web search application.
- Another factor that sets the Dark Web apart is its reliance on anonymous currencies, primarily cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
- The Tor Browser is the easiest way to access Tor and thus, the Dark Web.
- Law enforcement agencies have tried to track down and prosecute individuals involved in such activities, and there have been several high-profile arrests and convictions in recent years.
- Our clients may from time to time examine the identified evidence themselves.
Step 3: Connect to the Tor Network
Once your settings are adjusted, connect to the Tor network:
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- Click on “Connect” when prompted.
Step 4: Browse the Dark Web
After connecting, you can start browsing. Here are some tips:
- Use .onion websites specifically designed for Tor.
- Avoid sharing personal information or engaging in suspicious activities.
- Stick to reliable directories to find dark web resources.
Safety Precautions
Staying safe while navigating the dark web is paramount:
- Consider using a VPN for an extra layer of security.
- Be aware of potential scams or malware.
- Do not download files from untrusted sources.
Step 2: Install & Set Up Your VPN
FAQs
What is the difference between the surface web and the dark web?
The surface web is the part of the internet accessible through standard search engines like Google. The dark web is a small part of the deep web, requiring specific software to access and providing anonymity.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is legal in most countries; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it is not.
What can I find on the dark web?
While the dark web contains illegal marketplaces, it also hosts forums, whistleblower platforms, and various discussions relevant to privacy and freedom of expression.
How do I ensure I stay anonymous?
Utilize a combination of the Tor Browser, a VPN, and practice safe browsing habits to maintain anonymity while accessing the dark web.
Connecting to the dark web can be a gateway to information and privacy, but it must be approached with caution and awareness of potential risks.
