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How to Get Into the Dark Web
Tor itself is not the ‘Dark Web’ but instead is a way in which to browse both the Open and Dark Web without anyone being able to identify the user or track their activity. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Countries like Russia, China, and Turkmenistan have blocked the Tor network. These countries also tend to have more far-reaching internet restrictions. Please note that going on the dark web or using the Tor network in these countries could land you in trouble.
The dark web is a part of the internet that requires specific software and configurations to access. While it is often associated with illegal activities, it can also serve as a platform for free expression and privacy. This article provides a guide on how to get into the dark web safely and responsibly.
Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser lets you surf both the clear web and the dark web. All your traffic is automatically routed through the Tor Network. Make sure to download the Tor Browser only from the official website so as not to risk downloading malware, spyware, or some other virus to your device. ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on.
How To Protect Yourself From The Dark Web
This happens when you first connect to your VPN, then start browsing on Tor. This is, so far, the most used option for surfing on the deep web. For this kind of connection, you can use a logless VPN that doesn’t store any traffic logs – things you search on the internet, or session logs – your IP address and similar information. Everyone who has access to the internet uses the Surface web, or as some like to call it – the Clearnet. That content is indexed by different search engines like Google, Bing, Yandex, Duckduckgo, Yahoo, Baidu, etc.
Additionally, Tor exit nodes are often blocked by websites that don’t trust them, and Tor over VPN can’t do anything about that, either. A handful of dark web search engines that do index .onion sites include NotEvil, Ahmia, Candle, and Torch. Dark net websites are called “Tor hidden services”, and they can be distinguished from normal websites by their URLs. So, if you want to know how to access the dark web safely, you need to understand that the vast majority of the dark web, or dark net, is only accessible through the Tor browser. It’s like an iceberg – The visible tip above water, known as the “surface web” represents the familiar, searchable content.
Yes, there are ways to access the dark web on mobile, but generally, it’s not as safe as getting on the dark web with a PC. Because Android is designed to be an open system, it can be more vulnerable to the dangers of the dark web. And, you have less space and capabilities to install protective measures.
That could, for examples, include pages of this site that are still in draft—visible to us here at the Daily Dot but not yet published online. The dark web and its browsing aren’t considered illegal; it’s a place where people communicate anonymously without official government surveillance. I still believe that going into Tor without dark web links at hand is a fool’s errand. But some people insist on search engines, and several Tor engines exist.
Although accessing the dark web is not a crime, engaging in unlawful activities is always a crime, regardless of the medium. Because they have strong encryption, onion sites are safe in terms of privacy protection. When you access the Internet via Tor, your data goes through several stages of encryption, routed through random servers called “nodes”. So, each node decrypts your data one layer at a time and then sends it to its intended Darknet destination. This type of layered encryption means that each node in the chain only knows where your data came from and which server to send it to next, and that’s it. This makes it very difficult to track your Darknet activity from start to finish.
Step 1: Understand the Dark Web
Before diving into the dark web, it is essential to understand what it is and what it is not:
- The dark web is a small part of the deep web, which includes any content not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Not everything on the dark web is illegal; there are forums and websites dedicated to privacy, whistle-blowing, and safe communication.
- Accessing the dark web can expose users to harmful content and illegal activities, so caution is advised.
Step 2: Get the Right Tools
Accessing the dark web requires certain tools, primarily the Tor browser. Here’s how to set it up:
- Download the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website, ensuring you have the most recent version for better security.
- Install the Tor Browser following the prompts appropriate for your operating system.
- For additional security, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) alongside Tor to mask your IP address.
Step 3: Configure Your Security Settings
Enhancing your security settings is crucial when accessing the dark web:
- Disable scripts in your browser settings to avoid malicious content.
- Avoid downloading files from the dark web, as they may contain malware.
- Consider using a dedicated device or virtual machine to access the dark web to isolate it from your primary system.
Step 4: Navigating the Dark Web
Once the Tor Browser is ready, you can begin accessing websites with the “.onion” domain:
- Start with trusted directories to find .onion links, such as “The Hidden Wiki.”
- Exercise caution when clicking on links; the dark web is rife with scams and illegal content.
- Engage in community forums to gain insights and tips from experienced users.
Step 5: Stay Safe and Anonymous
Maintaining your anonymity is vital in the dark web environment:
- Do not share personal information.
- Breach of personal privacy can lead to dangerous outcomes.
- Additionally, avoid using your regular email for any registrations.
FAQs
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
- “So, if all enforcement goes after one server, they’ve got servers all over the world that automatically fill in and replace when those servers are taken down,” he says.
- Tor wraps the sender’s message in layers of encryption – rather like the layers of an onion, which is how the system got its name.
- However, phones are much less secure and private than computers, and we don’t recommend using them to access the dark web if you’re concerned about safety.
- On the Darknet no one knows your identity and no one knows who is behind any website.
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it certainly is.
What can I find on the dark web?
You can find various forums, marketplaces, and resources. Be cautious as a lot of it can be illegal or dangerous.
Can my identity be tracked on the dark web?
While Tor provides a level of anonymity, it is not foolproof. Using additional security measures like VPNs enhances safety.
By following these steps on how to get into the dark web, users can enhance their understanding of this hidden segment of the internet while prioritizing their safety and privacy.
