Getting to the dark web is actually a lot easier than you might think—navigating it is a different story. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to safely access the dark web and tips on how to use it. But you can face criminal charges if you use the dark web to sell or purchase illegal firearms, drugs, pornography, stolen passwords, hacked credit card account numbers, or other items. 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. One dark web monitoring tool that works alongside Keeper Password Manager is BreachWatch®. BreachWatch monitors for suspicious activity on the dark web and alerts you as soon as any dark web activity matches the credentials stored in your Keeper Vault.
It depends on who you are, what you’re doing, and how tech savvy you are. While Tor will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, your ISP can still see that you are connecting to the Tor network. Your ISP may get suspicious and decide to throttle your bandwidth. The project soon evolved to become Freenet — a platform for free speech online. Users could discuss, share, and publish information anonymously and free of government censorship. While the dark web can be accessed by various browsers, Tor (The Onion Router) is the most popular and well-known.
Understanding the Deep Web
The onion.ly domain is a proxy server domain address provided by Tor2Web. Tor2Web is a service that allows users access to Onion services from a regular browser. The websites which are indexed by the search engines is called the clear web, and it is only 4% of internet rest is filled by deep web and dark web. The dark web uses overlay networks (darknets), which require specific internet configurations and authorizations to access. Due to the layered encryption the dark web uses, traffic remains private and anonymous. The dark web consists of both smaller P2P (peer-to-peer) networks and larger networks, like Tor.
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines like Google or Bing. This includes databases, private corporate sites, and various other platforms. To effectively explore this vast space, knowing how to get into deep web is essential.
Key Points to Consider
The platform is dedicated to keeping the community well-informed and up-to-date with the constantly evolving Cyber World. The authors and will not be held responsible in the event any criminal charges be brought against any individuals misusing the information in this website to break the law. The other benefit of using a VPN is to prevent hackers from stealing your identity and or personal files and photos from your computer. Dark Web or DarkNet is a subset of the Deep Web where there are sites that sell drugs, hacking software, counterfeit money, and more. We explain this further down the article if you are not up to speed.
Before diving into the deep web, it’s crucial to comprehend the risks and responsibilities involved:
Tor Browser is a web browser, based on Firefox that was created for the purpose of accessing the Tor network, securely and privately. This article is an excerpt taken from the book, Hands-On Dark Web Analysis written by Sion Retzkin. In this book, you will learn how to install operating systems and Tor Browser for privacy, security, and anonymity while accessing them.
Many mainstream companies also maintain ‘onion’ versions of their websites to protect user privacy. One of the first lines of defense is using a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. A VPN hides your actual IP address by redirecting your internet connection through a separate server. Essentially, it adds an extra layer of anonymity and security, making it harder for malicious actors to track your activities.
- Privacy: Protecting your identity is vital as some deep web sites may engage in illegal activities.
- Security: Using appropriate security measures will help prevent malware and hacking attempts.
- Legality: While the deep web hosts legal content, it also has illegal aspects. Staying within legal boundaries is important.
- It is important to use strong, unique credentials for every account.
- In this blog, we will extend one part of the previous – the anonymity of a web browser.
- The default browser that ships with Ubuntu is Firefox, which is what we’ll use.
How to Get Into Deep Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get into deep web safely:
1. Download and Install Tor Browser
The most popular way to access the deep web is through the Tor Network. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Tor Project official website.
- Download the Tor Browser compatible with your operating system.
- Install the browser by following the on-screen instructions.
2. Enhance Security and Privacy Settings
Settings adjustments are necessary to increase your safety:
- Disable JavaScript to avoid tracking.
- Use a reputable VPN to hide your IP address.
- Change the default settings to enhance anonymity.
3. Understand .onion Domains
Many sites on the deep web use the .onion domain:
- These sites can only be accessed through the Tor Browser.
- Tread carefully when visiting unknown .onion sites.
4. Find Reliable Directories
Locating trustworthy resources is crucial:
- Use directories like The Hidden Wiki.
- Join forums that focus on deep web discussions.
- Be cautious of links; not all are safe.
5. Stay Safe and Informed
How To Protect Yourself On The Dark Web
Maintaining safety while exploring the deep web should be a priority:
- Never share personal information.
- Stay away from illegal activities.
- Regularly update your Tor Browser to the latest version.
FAQs about Getting into the Deep Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web encompasses all unindexed web content, while the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that hosts illicit activities and requires specific software like Tor to access.
Is accessing the deep web illegal?
Accessing the deep web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities found there is against the law.
Are there safe ways to explore the deep web?
Yes, using the Tor Browser, employing a VPN, and adhering to safety practices can help you explore the deep web safely.
Can I use regular search engines to find deep web content?
No, regular search engines cannot index deep web content. You must use direct links or directories to access these sites.
Conclusion
Learning how to get into deep web opens up a unique and expansive area of the internet. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety, maintain privacy, and understand the legal considerations as you explore this intriguing digital landscape.
