Getting on the Dark Web: A Beginner’s Guide

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as protecting the privacy and security of users. In this article, we will provide a beginner’s guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.

What is the Dark Web?

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The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. These websites are often referred to as “onion sites” because they use the .onion top-level domain. To access the dark web, you need to use a special web browser called the Tor browser.

Are Sites On The Dark Web Illegal To Use And Visit?

What is the Tor Browser?

The Tor browser is a free and open-source web browser that allows you to access the dark web. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, called “nodes,” which are designed to provide anonymity and privacy. When you use the Tor browser, your internet traffic is encrypted and bounced around the Tor network, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.

• Scammers use this data for malicious activities like identity theft and account takeover.
• Organizations fall victim to cyberattacks as threat actors are keen on breaching corporate accounts and selling their data.
• Even more of a threat, hackers looking to make a lot of money and profit off people and companies around the world have found a way to do it — fast and at scale.
• This part of the internet is not indexed by search engines and it’s the largest part of the entire internet.

How to Download and Install the Tor Browser

Is The Dark Web Safe? Is It Legal?

Downloading and installing the Tor browser is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/download/).

Most people know about the dark web within the context of stolen identity and personal information. Since the dark web is anonymous and unregulated, it has become a marketplace for selling stolen passwords, IDs, and other forms of private information. For all the illegal activity and secrecy that takes place on Tor, you may be surprised to learn its origin story. Tor was developed—and continues to be partially funded by—the US government.

2. Select the operating system that you are using (Windows, MacOS, or Linux).
3. Click the “Download Tor” button.
4. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the prompts to install the Tor browser.

How to Access the Dark Web

Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can access the dark web by following these steps:

In principle, the dark web is just a version of the internet that you can only access using a Tor browser and where it’s almost impossible to identify the users and owners of the websites on there. However, because it’s almost completely anonymous, there are a lot of illegal images, information, products, and services on the dark web. Attempting to even view these can be illegal in many countries and states, so stay well clear of them if you want to keep a clean record and conscience. The Deep Web just refers to web data that isn’t indexed by a search engine like Google. Unlike the Dark Web, which is the hidden corner of the internet often used to conduct illicit or anonymous activity, anyone can get to the Deep Web safely using a regular browser. We’ll show you how to find information on the Deep Web, as well as how to safely dip your toes into the Dark Web.

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1. Open the Tor browser.
2. Type the address of the onion site that you want to visit in the address bar. Remember that onion sites use the .onion top-level domain.
3. Press Enter.

FAQs

Is it legal to access the dark web?

Yes, it is legal to access the dark web. However, some activities on the dark web are illegal, such as buying or selling drugs, weapons, or stolen data. It is important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in illegal activities.

Is it safe to access the dark web?

Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often associated with illegal activities and cybercrime. However, if you take the necessary precautions, such as using a reputable VPN and the Tor browser, you can minimize the risks and access the dark web safely and securely.

Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?

Even more of a threat, hackers looking to make a lot of money and profit off people and companies around the world have found a way to do it — fast and at scale. While no one can pinpoint the origins of the Dark Web, it’s now referenced in mainstream conversations about technology and digital security as the seedy source of many security issues. The Deep Web hosts information that usually requires a username and a password to access, mainly for security and privacy-related reasons.

No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You need to use the Tor browser, which is specifically designed to access the dark web.

What should I do if I encounter illegal content on the dark web?

If you encounter illegal content on the dark web, it is important to report it to the authorities. You can do this by contacting your local law enforcement agency or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov/).

Can I use a VPN with the Tor browser?

Yes, you can use a VPN with the Tor browser. In fact, it is recommended that you use a VPN to provide an additional layer of security and privacy when accessing the dark web.