What Is The Dark Web And How To Access It?
Understanding the Dark Web
However, your report can still be accessed for other reasons, such as if your current creditor wants to review your report or if you want to check your credit. If you’ve heard of the dark web, you might be worried that criminals can use it to steal your identity and access accounts. The dark web was first used by the U.S. military in 1995 to share sensitive information without fear of surveillance or interception. The technology was later made available to civilians through Tor, which allows users to browse anonymously while avoiding censorship.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It offers anonymity and privacy, making it a haven for various activities, both legal and illegal. If you are curious about how to access this hidden part of the internet, here’s a comprehensive guide on how do I get to the dark web.
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools to ensure a safe and effective journey into the dark web:
I’ll only look at the dark web links in this article, so if you also want to know how to use Tor safely, check out our guide. Printers may appear to be low-maintenance and relatively safe devices. However, printers are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals to gain… This approach will stop anyone else from opening new accounts in your name. This is because lenders won’t be able to access your frozen credit report to make lending decisions.
Most sites are created by amateurs, and many are self hosted by people running the site on their own computer. Flash, which, among other things, is used to play videos on YouTube is a glaring example. Also, accessing websites using Tor takes longer than on other browsers, and accessing sites hosted on Tor is even slower. The famous criminal marketplace Silk Road was recently taken down by a major police operation which made it into the international press. Last night it took me five minutes to find links to Silk Road 2.0, as well as other similar marketplaces. The most commonly traded illegal items appeared to be hacked PayPal accounts, drugs, fake passports, and other IDs.
- Secure Internet Connection: Always use a reliable and secure internet connection.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): This adds an extra layer of security and privacy while browsing.
- Tor Browser: This is the primary tool used to access the dark web.
You can connect to the Tor network using the Tor browser, a custom web browser designed specifically to work with this network. A popular Surface web browser called Brave browser now also has the ability to connect to the Tor network, so we’ll look at that too. Install AVG Secure VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy wherever you go on the web. Download AVG Secure VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy wherever you go on the web. Threats are scattered all over the dark web, but there’s plenty you can do to protect yourself.
So essentially, you’re looking for onion websites (links ending with .onion), and I’ll hook you up. Although all these steps may seem excessive, always remember that once your information is on the dark web, it’s almost impossible to remove it altogether. Websites on the darknet don’t last long and are reincarnated often under a different name. As such, bad actors can replicate your data multiple times for profit.
If used properly, the Tor browser allows surfers to stay anonymous and go to “members only” forums where they can use untraceable cryptocurrencies for their purchases. Most corporate and public sites work hard to make sure that these web crawlers can easily find them. This makes perfect sense as the entire purpose of creating a website is so that people can access your content and/or buy your products. Most sites do this by deliberately placing “meta tags” in their website code to make it easier for crawlers to catalog them properly. Using the Tor network as the anonymous marketplace and Bitcoin as the medium of exchange, the Silk Road became a one-stop shop for just about every mind-altering substance that exists.
If someone traced your IP address, they’d see it as the proxy server’s IP address instead of your home address. Some of the more famous Tor websites are about exploring tunnels in American universities. Riseup supports the causes of “human liberation, the ethical treatment of animals, and ecological sustainability.” Riseup also provides organizational tools, mailing lists, and more. 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 criminals have some of your information and need more, they will target you with various scams to try and get more information.
The U.S. State Department helps fund the Tor project, and according to the United Nations, encryption is a fundamental human right. Facebook operates a widely used secure Dark Web portal to the social network. It is fraught with scams, malware, and malicious actors looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Therefore, navigating the dark web comes with inherent risks, and caution should be exercised at all times. Unlike the surface web, there aren’t great search engines for the dark web.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get to the Dark Web
Follow these steps to navigate safely into the dark web:
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download the Tor Browser. Make sure you only download from the official site to avoid malware.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions. It’s straightforward and similar to installing any other browser.
- Use a VPN: Before launching the Tor Browser, connect to a reliable VPN service to mask your IP address.
- Launch the Tor Browser: Open the Tor Browser. It will take a few moments to connect to the Tor network.
- Browse the Dark Web: You can access websites ending in .onion, which are specific to the dark web.
- This means the VPN provider doesn’t see your real IP address and the VPN protects you from those bad exit nodes.
- Since all activity on the dark web is anonymous by default, it is definitely where the murkiest transactions on the internet take place.
- While NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN feature allows you to access the dark web on any browser (including Google Chrome), we recommend using a pro-privacy browser like DuckDuckGo.
- The onion.ly domain is a proxy server domain address provided by Tor2Web.
Safety Tips
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to take certain precautions:
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information at all costs.
- Use Strong Passwords: If you create accounts on dark web platforms, ensure you use unique and strong passwords.
- Avoid Downloads: Files can be infected with malware; only access trustworthy sources.
- Be Aware of Scams: Many dark web sites can be fraudulent; exercise caution and verify information.
Common FAQs About the Dark Web
What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts various forums, marketplaces, and content that ranges from the benign to the illegal, including privacy-focused forums, whistleblower platforms, and black market sites.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
While accessing the dark web itself is legal, many activities conducted within it can be illegal. Always ensure you comply with applicable laws.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
Though the Tor network provides anonymity, users can still be traced through poor security practices or illegal activities that attract attention.
Is the dark web dangerous?
The dark web can pose risks, particularly due to scams, exposure to illegal content, and potential malware. Caution is essential.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web involves a series of steps that prioritize privacy and safety. By following the outlined guidelines and adhering to best practices, you can explore this hidden part of the internet with caution. Remember, knowledge and vigilance are your best tools when navigating the depths of the dark web.
