Understanding the Dark Web
It features links to marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, forums, and other directories (like Tor.Taxi). The Tor Browser’s default privacy and security settings are optimized to preserve your anonymity online. The absolute best VPN for the dark web is Private Internet Access, because its zero-logs policy has been proven multiple times by subpoenas and real-world cases. Each time, PIA has been unable to hand over any user data to the authorities. To access the dark web using a VPN, we recommend using the Onion over VPN method, which involves connecting to a VPN server before connecting to the Tor Browser.
But keep in mind that surfing the dark web can be as risky as it is exciting, and Tor’s protection isn’t always enough. Using a VPN with Tor can’t guarantee a 100% secure experience, but it definitely makes it a lot safer. 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.
These are only accessible through the Tor browser, and they offer enhanced anonymity to their users. Having read the previous section, you may wonder if accessing the dark web is illegal. Using the Tor browser for dark web access is legal in most countries. You can change Tor’s level of security to “Safer” or “Safest.” Naturally, the highest setting is the safest. However, this setting significantly slows down your internet connection and causes some pages and dark web websites to load incorrectly.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access. Here, users can communicate anonymously, and while there are legitimate uses, it is often associated with illegal activities.
You could try to visit a major site like Facebook’s onion site to check if your browser is working at all. This would verify if it’s a browser issue or just an issue with the site. Onion sites are only accessible via the Tor Browser or similar services.
- The first step is to get a quality VPN and for this case, I recommend ExpressVPN.
- While it is true that illicit activities do take place on the Dark Web, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data, there are also legitimate uses for this hidden network.
- That effort was never fully realized, but the US military published the code under a free license in 2004.
- This involves passing internet traffic through the Tor network first, and then through the VPN.
- If you want to get on the dark web on your iPhone, know that Tor isn’t available for this platform.
- The Dark Web on the other hand merely represents a smaller portion of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers.
Aside from revealing just how widely unused Tor is (data suggests barely more than 1.5 million daily users), you can also see the scope of the network. When using such websites, especially if you plan on asking some personal questions yourself, an extra layer of security is always welcome. If you use a VPN, your data gets encrypted before it even reaches the Tor Network. Check out the video below to find out exactly how and why you should use a VPN with Tor. Once you access the site, you’ll soon notice that the questions touch on various topics.
Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access. When you access the dark web, you’re not surfing the interconnected servers you regularly interact with. Instead, everything stays internal on the Tor network, which provides security and privacy to everyone equally.
How to Get on Dark Web
Still, even indices also return high numbers of timed-out connections and also provide 404 errors. Some useful darknet search engines that indicate .onion sites include NotEvil, Candle, Ahmia, and Torch. The surface web, also known as the visible web or indexed web, refers to the part of the internet that is easily accessible and indexed by traditional search engines. It consists of websites and web pages that are openly available to the public.
While there are some innocuous sites and services on the Dark web, there are also many places that offer illegal goods and services. Perhaps surprisingly, we don’t know of anywhere that using the Tor network is illegal. While you might think that Tor would be banned all over the place, many different types of people rely on it, including governments and law enforcement agencies. Accessing the dark web requires a specialized browser called Tor, which enables access to sites.
Gaining access to the dark web can be accomplished through several steps. Here’s a guide on how to get on dark web safely and securely:
Step 1: Prepare Your Device
- Ensure you have a reliable antivirus software installed to protect against malware.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address while browsing.
- Consider using a dedicated device solely for dark web access to minimize risk.
Step 2: Download Tor Browser
The most common method for accessing the dark web is through the Tor Browser. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Tor Project website at torproject.org.
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the browser by following the on-screen instructions.
Use A VPN
Step 3: Configure Your Settings
When you launch the Tor Browser, take the following steps to ensure privacy:
- Choose the “Connect” option to link to the Tor network.
- Adjust privacy settings by navigating to the settings menu for enhanced anonymity.
Step 4: Start Browsing the Dark Web
After connecting to the network, you can now access .onion sites that are exclusive to the dark web. Here are some tips:
- Use directories or forums to find .onion sites, as they are not reached via traditional search engines.
- Bookmark trusted sources to streamline your future visits.
Step 5: Practicing Safe Browsing
While it may be tempting to explore everything the dark web has to offer, safety should be a priority. Keep these points in mind:
- Avoid downloading files or clicking on suspicious links.
- Never share personal information.
- Be cautious of scams and illegal activities.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for a variety of activities ranging from privacy-focused communications to illegal trading of goods and services.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web offers more anonymity than the surface web, it is still possible to be tracked by law enforcement agencies. Using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor Browser can help enhance your privacy.
What are .onion sites?
.onion sites are specific to the dark web and require the Tor Browser for access. They are not indexed by traditional browsers.
How do I know if a dark web site is safe?
Researching sites through forums and utilizing trusted directories can help determine the legitimacy of a dark web site. Be vigilant and trust your instincts to avoid scams.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get on dark web safely is crucial for anyone considering exploring this hidden part of the internet. Always prioritize your safety and privacy while navigating the complexities of the dark web.
