The deep web also is inaccessible by search engine, but it’s largely composed of sites and content that aren’t public for reasons like paywalls or privacy concerns. You probably access the deep web regularly without even realizing it. For example, if you log on to your medical provider’s website to send messages to your doctor or to check your latest test results, that’s the deep web. Same goes for reading internal memos on your company’s corporate intranet. Not because it’s dark or dangerous, but because it’s not available to see without proper login credentials.
Understanding the Dark Web
After installing it on your phone, fire it up and connect to the server. Your Wi-Fi network is another handy access point that hackers use to infiltrate your computers, steal your identity, and grab your personal details. In 2021, the average American spent over 8 hours on the internet daily.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires special software to access, which makes it a focal point for a variety of activities, both legal and illegal. Knowing how to access the dark web can be crucial for researchers, journalists, and even curious individuals looking for information outside the mainstream.
Rosalyn Page has been writing about technology long enough to remember when the only thing to worry about was Y2K. Since then, the dot-com boom became the dot-com bubble, technology fundamentally altered our lives, and everything has become about security. Her side gig is an arts and culture blog, ‘Some Notes from a Broad’. And when not wrangling bits and bytes into words, Rosalyn enjoys low-fi hobbies like reading books, walking her Whippet Sketch, and having one too many coffees at her favourite café. There are a range of tools and services that scan the dark web looking for organizational threats and vulnerabilities but it’s a constantly moving target.
However, the Dark web is a portion of the deep web that can only be acquired through special tools. Still, primarily, this is used as a benefit for hackers and attackers or other illegal things like drug businesses. To use the dark web, you can search .onion websites on Tor privately. The dark web is not invented for wrong use but to provide privacy and anonymity to whoever needs it for transferring confidential data. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security. Accessing the dark web on Tor makes it much more difficult for police to track your online activity.
Prerequisites for Accessing the Dark Web
Unfortunately, you can’t use a VPN service at the same time as Orbot, so you won’t be able to use an existing VPN subscription for this method. To access the dark web on a mobile device, we recommend using a VPN with the Tor Browser on Android, or using the Onion Browser and Orbot on iOS. Furthermore, exercise caution when interacting with others on the Dark Web.
While there’s no official Tor iOS app, other apps, such as Onion browser, are free. Norton Antivirus is one of the best antivirus solutions on the market. You can browse the dark web without worrying about malware if you have Norton 360 installed. A good antivirus will detect any potential infection and remove it before your device is compromised.
The internet’s favorite alternative to Google made a name for itself by not logging your search activity yet still providing decent results. This focus on privacy makes it the Tor Browser’s default search engine and one of the best onion search engines. Search engines on the dark web are a bit of a contradiction because dark web sites by definition are not indexed by traditional search engines. In this article, learn more about dark web links (also called Tor links or onion sites), then check out some of the best Tor sites.
It is a subsection of the Deep Web, which encompasses all web content not indexed by search engines. While the Deep Web consists of legitimate websites like private databases and password-protected sites, the Dark Web is known for its hidden activities and anonymity. The best browser for accessing the dark web safely is the Tor browser.
Before you explore the dark web, it’s important to understand what you’ll need:
- Tor Browser: This is the primary tool for accessing the dark web, allowing users to navigate .onion websites.
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network helps protect your identity and encrypts your internet traffic.
- Anti-virus Software: Keep your device secure from malware often found on the dark web.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely navigate the dark web:
- Download and Install the Tor Browser
How To Change Your Location: VPNs, Proxies, And Tor
Visit the official Tor Project website and download the browser. Installs it like any other software.
- Set Up a VPN
Choose a reliable VPN service. Connect to it before launching the Tor Browser. - Launch the Tor Browser
Open the browser and connect to the Tor network. This may take a few moments. - Browse Safely
Use only trusted .onion links. Avoid providing personal information.
Safety Tips for Dark Web Exploration
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to maintain your safety:
- Use anonymous usernames and avoid revealing your identity.
- Be cautious about downloading files, as they may contain malware.
- Avoid engaging in illegal activities, as monitoring does exist.
Common Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web hosts a range of content and activities, including:
- Whistleblowing: Platforms for individuals to share information on corruption or criminal activity.
- Privacy-focused Communication: Tools like encrypted messaging for secure conversations.
- Accessing Censored Information: Information and resources often restricted in certain countries.
- You can also search for dark web sites via specific search engines made for the dark web, like Ahmia, Torch, and DuckDuckGo.
- Yes, but you need to be cautious because there are many malicious sites on the dark web.
- Because not all the information you can access online belongs in the public domain.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Q1: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities is punishable by law.
Q2: Can I be tracked on the dark web?
A: While Tor offers anonymity, users can still be tracked through IP leaks or illegal behaviors, so precautions are necessary.
Q3: What are .onion sites?
A: .onion sites are special domain names used within the Tor network, accessible only through the Tor browser.
Q4: Do I need any special skills to navigate the dark web?
A: Basic understanding of internet security and privacy will enhance your experience. Familiarity with the Tor browser is fundamental.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web opens up a world of unique resources and information but comes with inherent risks. By following the steps outlined and keeping safety tips in mind, individuals can responsibly explore this hidden part of the internet.
