Content
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines, providing a degree of anonymity to its users. Accessing this hidden layer requires specific tools and knowledge.
The deep web is the part of the internet that’s behind closed doors, consisting of databases and pages that are only meant for a specific group of people within an organization. This part of the internet rests below the surface and, like the bulk of an iceberg unseen underwater, actually accounts for 90% of all websites. OK, yes, almost half of them aren’t criminals is not the most resounding defense. If my attorney stood up in court and said “four out of 10 things Sam does every day are legal,” I would fire them. But we can’t ignore that criminal activity also occurs on the surface web, and nobody talks about the surface web as though it’s wholly evil.
Tools Needed to Access the Dark Web
To learn how to enter the dark web, you will need special software designed to navigate this anonymous network.
ProtonMail: Anonymous Email Generator
Many mainstream media organizations monitor whistleblower sites looking for news. These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through “affiliates”. The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
Since unlicensed third-party downloads may come packed with malware, download Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website. For some organizations, there is also a lot of practical benefits. Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground for stolen data from recent cyber breaches that could lead to the perpetrators on the dark web. Many mainstream news agencies keep an eye on whistleblower websites for breaking stories. The launch of the Tor web browser’s alpha version in 2002 marked a watershed moment for the dark web. This browser, often known as The Onion Router, is a free and open-source program that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.
It should be noted that Tor can be used to access illegal content on the dark web, and Digital Trends does not condone or encourage this behavior. There are plenty of reasons companies and individuals may want to access the Dark Web. SMBs and enterprise companies in particular may want to monitor Dark Web portals for stolen corporate account information. Individuals may want to monitor sites for evidence of identity theft.
- Tor Browser: The most common way to access the dark web, the Tor Browser allows users to surf the internet without leaving a trace.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a VPN can help provide an additional layer of security by encrypting user data.
- Secure Operating Systems: Consider using a secure operating system like Tails or Whonix for heightened privacy.
The increasing tendency of potential employers to track posts on social media can also make it difficult to engage in honest discussions publicly. The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals. That’s because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for people who buy and sell on the dark web. The dark web first officially appeared in the early 2000s along with the creation of Freenet, which was developed by Ian Clarke to secure users against government intervention and cyber attacks. The system, which is still available today, allows users to express themselves freely without being tracked online. Explore the free world, full of information, and knowledge inaccessible anywhere else.
The peer-to-peer routing structure is more advanced, and it does not rely on a trusted directory to get route information. I2P uses one-way tunnels, so an eavesdropper can only capture outbound or inbound traffic, not both. Due to all the nodes that your traffic passes through, Tor by itself significantly limits bandwidth. Adding a VPN to it, even a fast one like IPVanish will make it even slower, so please be patient. Reddit is also a valuable resource for finding the dark net or deep website you’re looking for.
A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser. This is good practice generally, but particularly important in countries where the Tor browser is blocked, such as China, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. Learn more about our various degree and certification programs today by requesting more information.
It runs automatically in your web browser when you open it, so I recommend using a different browser than you normally do to ensure privacy. You don’t need a server to upload content to Freenet, as long as your content is popular, it will remain. But, like I2P, Freenet won’t give you access to.onion links — only content uploaded to Freenet. The deep web refers to all the web content not indexed by search engines.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to understand how to enter the dark web safely:
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow installation instructions. Ensure your antivirus and firewall settings do not block the Tor process.
- Use a VPN: Before launching the Tor Browser, connect to a reliable VPN to add an extra layer of security.
- Launch the Tor Browser: Once installed, open the Tor Browser. It will automatically connect to the Tor network.
- Browse responsibly: Navigate only to .onion sites and use search engines designed for the dark web.
Safety Precautions
Prior to diving into the dark web, it’s crucial to take certain precautions:
- Stay anonymous: Avoid providing personal information. Use pseudonyms and never share identifiable data.
- Be cautious of downloads: Files on the dark web can contain malware. Avoid downloading anything unless completely necessary and trusted.
- Learn about scamming: Be wary of scams and fraudulent sites. Many dark web markets are traps for unwary users.
Common FAQs About Entering the Dark Web
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is often used for anonymous communication, sharing information safely, and engaging in various activities that may not comply with regulations in the regular internet.
- Wiki’sThe Hidden Wiki is a collection of .onion-URLs categorised by topic.
- Namely, you can first connect to a VPN and then connect to Tor – or vice versa.
- Knowing how to get on the dark web is one thing, but how do you search the dark web?
- Click the button in the upper right and press the “New private window with Tor” in the open window.
- When you log in to internet banking, you’ve navigated to a specific location online, but one that’s not served up in Google results.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is legal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is not. Always be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web provides enhanced anonymity, it is not foolproof. Being careless or using identifiable information can lead to tracking.
What are .onion sites?
.onion domains are special URLs used on the dark web that can only be accessed through Tor. These sites host various content from forums to marketplaces.
Conclusion
Learning how to enter the dark web involves understanding the tools and risks associated with it. With the right preparation and cautious browsing habits, users can navigate this hidden part of the internet securely.
