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How To Access The Dark Web Safely In 2024: An Easy Guide
The black web, also known as 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 hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the black web safely and securely.
How much of the internet is the dark web?
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.
What is the Black Web?
The black web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through special software. These websites are often used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons trading, and child pornography. However, there are also legitimate reasons to access the black web, such as protecting one’s privacy, accessing censored content, or conducting research.
Looking For A VPN?
How to Access the Black Web
To access the black web, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of servers around the world, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
How To Access The Dark Web Using Tor Browser
To download the Tor browser, go to the official Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/) and follow the instructions. Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can access the black web by typing in the .onion URL of the website you want to visit.
Safety Tips for Accessing the Black Web
Incognito VPN Browser With TOR
As a bonus, ProPublica is one of the most polished web experiences you’ll have on the dark web. You can also use Tor to read The New York Times and other news sites or use their SecureDrop integration for whistleblowing purposes. If you want to disable scripts for everyday use in a different browser, it’s best to do so through an extension. The Tor browser is essential for entering the dark web, and installing Tails on a flash drive saves you the trouble of installing Tor on your PC or laptop.
Accessing the black web can be risky, and it is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
How many passwords are on the dark web?
The study finds there are more than 24 billion usernames and password combinations in circulation in cybercriminal marketplaces, many on the dark web — the equivalent of nearly four for every person on the planet.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection. This can make it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
- Use strong passwords: Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Avoid downloading files: Downloading files from the black web can be risky, as they may contain malware or viruses. Only download files from trusted sources.
- Beware of phishing scams: The black web is full of phishing scams, so be careful when clicking on links or providing personal information. Make sure to verify the authenticity of any website or email before providing any sensitive information.
The volume of dark web domains has remained stagnant, even though the overall traffic has increased recently,” Estes says. Data is the most common commodity sold on the dark web, according to Nirmit Biswas, senior research analyst at Market Research Future. “Account credentials, credit card information, addresses and social security numbers have all been hacked. Someone might not even realize they’ve been hacked, yet their company and employee information could be sold,” Biswas says.
The internet you use to search for more information is referred to as the surface web or open web. This is the readily visible part of the internet anyone can access with an internet connection and a normal web browser like Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome. Other terms for the surface web include the visible web, lightnet, or indexed web. Regardless of why you may need to get on the dark web, protect your data and your connection as securely as possible. AVG Secure VPN will help you conceal your IP address, while encrypting your connection to keep all your activity private. If you ever need to download and use Tor, a VPN will help prevent your ISP or anyone else from knowing about it.
- In 2020, around 115 million debit and credit cards were stolen from the US.
- The dark web’s anonymity has also led to cybersecurity threats and various data breaches over the last few decades.
- Just because you can’t get there by popular search engine, doesn’t automatically make it nefarious.
- However, it is estimated that the dark web makes up only a small fraction of the overall internet, likely less than 0.01% of the total content.
Various Stanford Health groups had information taken in the MOVEit event, up to 1.6 million patient records. Robeson Health Care Corporation (RHCC) is a healthcare network serving North Carolina residents. They offer behavioral, dental, general, and outreach services in nine locations across six counties. Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S. Caesars Entertainment (CE) oversees 58 gaming properties across the continental states.
Conclusion
Accessing the black web can be a useful tool for protecting your privacy, accessing censored content, or conducting research. However, it is important to take precautions to protect your safety and security. By using the Tor browser, a VPN, strong passwords, and being cautious of phishing scams, you can safely and securely access the black web.
Do I need a VPN with Tor?
Generally speaking, we don't recommend using a VPN with Tor unless you're an advanced user who knows how to configure both in a way that doesn't compromise your privacy.
