Download Tor Browser
Connecting to the Tor network might raise eyebrows depending on who and where you are. Although data sent through Tor can’t be tracked or decrypted, your internet service provider and network administrator can still see that you’re using Tor. The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor.
How to Access Dark Web via Mobile
Internet traffic first passes through the Tor Network, and then through the VPN. This means the VPN provider doesn’t see your real IP address and the VPN protects you from those bad exit nodes. You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app. Install a mobile dark web browsing app — like Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iPhone — and enter a [dot] onion URL to start browsing.
Sometimes, users are nervous that their sensitive private info will be harvested by the government or law enforcement, so they opt to use the Tor Network to protect this information. Despite all of these very dangerous uses for the Dark Web, there are also some fewer criminal uses for accessing this network. Some users opt to navigate the Dark Web to bypass network surveillance, avoid Internet blocks in heavily censored countries, or for fighting for freedom against totalitarian regimes. Nowadays many people are anxious about their private information being collected and stored by the government. Not everyone is comfortable with that so they decide to use encrypted networks like Tor.
Accessing the dark web can be a complex process, especially on mobile devices. However, with the right tools and precautions, it is possible to navigate this part of the internet securely. Below are steps and tips on how to access dark web via mobile.
Developed in the mid-1990s to keep U.S. intelligence communications from prying eyes, the Tor Project is the preferred method to access Dark Web content. 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. Still, this is not the same as the Dark Web, a term you’ve likely seen around. The Dark Web is yet another fraction of the internet that’s not equivalent to the Deep Web.
There are many reasons why a search engine would not index a page—perhaps it is an old page with no identifiable keywords, or it is part of an organization’s members-only site. The deep web could also be used to house private information and information that needs to remain secret, such as legal or scientific documents, medical records, or competitor information. The world wide web is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is online. Beyond all the websites indexed by Google and other common search engines is the deep web—and buried within that is the dark web.
1. Understand the Dark Web
The mobile app uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine and is supported by the Orbit framework to provide secure access to the Tor network. As search engine crawlers do not catalog these pages, you would need to know the exact link to access a website in this area of the internet. This could include government services to access your records, health care services, members-only areas, intranets, or corporate resources. So, download your chosen VPN app on your phone, install it, and make sure it’s connected before you even think about accessing the dark web. It can be found on the Play Store and allows you to access different onion links and explore the Tor network.
The dark web gets a bad reputation as a haven for illegal activity, but there are in fact benefits of the Dark Web that are often overlooked. All kinds of illegal goods may be for sale on dark web marketplaces. It is crucial to check the status of the antivirus before ushering into the deep web.
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what the dark web is:
- Dark Web: A part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Requires specific software, configurations, or authorizations to access.
- Can host both legal and illegal activities, making security paramount.
- While NordVPN is undoubtedly a great service, it’s not without fault.
- Some things are so horrible that even illicit dark web marketplaces refuse to participate, so interested dark web users would need to go to the darkest places of the dark web to encounter them.
- The best way to prevent your browsing activity from alerting authorities is to avoid sites with illegal activity altogether — another reason to only visit sites you’ve researched and trust.
- The company operates a strict no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using AES-256-GCM encryption together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.
2. Download a Secure Browser
To browse the dark web on mobile, you need to use a secure browser. The most popular option is:
- Tor Browser: This browser allows you to access .onion sites and provides anonymity.
Follow these steps to install:
- Go to the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for Android or iOS, if available.
- Install the app on your mobile device.
3. Configure the Browser Settings
After installation, it is crucial to configure the settings for enhanced security.
- Enable the privacy settings within the Tor Browser.
- Clear cookies and browsing data regularly.
- Disable scripts to enhance anonymity.
4. Use a VPN for Additional Security
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide an extra layer of security. Here’s how:
- Choose a reputable VPN service.
- Install the VPN app on your mobile device.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor Browser.
5. Dos and Don’ts
To maintain security while accessing the dark web, follow these tips:
Dos:
- Do use strong, unique passwords.
- Do keep your apps and operating system updated.
- Do stay anonymous by not sharing personal information.
Don’ts:
- Don’t download unknown files or apps.
- Don’t engage in illegal activities.
- Don’t access the dark web without adequate security measures.
6. FAQs
Q: Is it legal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web is legal, but some activities on the dark web may not be.
Q: Can I get hacked while using the dark web?
A: Yes, there are risks of hacking. Always use security tools like TOR and a VPN.
Q: What are .onion sites?
A: .onion sites are specific to the Tor network and are not accessible through regular web browsers.
Q: Is using the dark web safe?
A: It can be safe if proper precautions are taken, such as using Tor and a VPN.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web via mobile can be achieved by following specific steps and maintaining a strong focus on security. By downloading the Tor Browser, using a VPN, and adhering to safety practices, users can navigate the dark web securely and responsibly.
