- It’s become popular with journalists and activists and even regular citizens who value privacy and freedom of expression.
- That is why white hackers also surf these contents and try to keep companies up-to-date.
- If you download Tor from anywhere but the Tor website, it is possible that you could become infected.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. In this article, we’ll show you how to access the dark web safely and securely.
Best VPNs For Browsing The Dark Web Safely In 2024
What You’ll Need
To access the dark web, you’ll need the following:
- A VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
- The Tor browser: The Tor browser is a special browser that allows you to access the dark web. It routes your internet connection through several servers around the world, making it nearly impossible to trace your online activity.
It’s from this process of ‘peeling’ off the individual layers of encryption, like the layers of an onion, where ‘the onion router’ gets its name. Many sites on the dark web are filled with malware and other malicious content. If you click on something that looks suspicious, you could end up infecting your computer with a virus or giving someone access to your personal information. Many of the websites hosted on the Dark Web are created by scammers and criminals intending to steal your personal information or extort money from you. Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research.
ProPublica — Investigative Journalism News Site
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to get on the dark web:
- Sign up for a VPN service. There are many VPN providers to choose from, but some of the most popular ones include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
- Download and install the Tor browser. You can download it from the official Tor Project website.
- Connect to your VPN. Make sure to choose a server location that is not in your country of residence.
- Open the Tor browser. You’ll notice that it looks and works similar to other web browsers, but with some key differences.
- Start exploring the dark web. You can use the Tor browser’s built-in search engine or visit some of the popular dark web sites, such as The Hidden Wiki or DuckDuckGo.
The Dark Web is like the hidden part of the internet, not accessible through your regular search engines or browsers. It’s intentionally kept secret and requires special software to enter. Because of its anonymity, the dark web is filled with illegal services and is used by numerous criminal groups, including ransomware gangs.
Accessing The Dark Web On IPhone:
Signup for PureVPN to get complete online security and privacy with a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic. There are search engines on the dark web, but most of them have a hard time keeping up with the rapidly changing landscape. In fact, even the best dark web search engines like Grams often show results that are repetitive and usually unrelated to the query. It offers all the same services, contacts, and information that you’ll come across on the CIA’s normal site. The .onion site is aimed at individuals that want to share information anonymously with the spy agency but are at the risk of being tracked. It was created by the U.S Navy with the purpose of helping informants in foreign nations to communicate safely over the Internet.
FAQs
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, it’s legal to access the dark web. However, some activities on the dark web are illegal, so it’s important to use it responsibly.
Is it safe to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it’s often associated with illegal activities. However, if you take the necessary precautions, such as using a VPN and the Tor browser, you can minimize the risks.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
If you access the dark web for illegal activities, you can get in trouble with the law. However, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal.
How To Access The Dark Web Safely?
What kind of content can I find on the dark web?
The dark web is home to a wide range of content, both legal and illegal. You can find forums for free speech, whistleblowing platforms, and marketplaces for illegal goods and services. It’s important to exercise caution and use your best judgment when exploring the dark web.
Am I on the dark web?
How Do You Know if Your Information Is on the Dark Web? If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It's a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number.
Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
I will write about the dangers of compromised exit nodes in the TOR Network in a future. Despite its many benefits, it’s important to protect yourself when you visit the dark web. You should always research sites before entering them to be sure they’re not illegal or dangerous. In addition, using a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN helps keep you anonymous and protects your personal information. Free VPNs don’t offer the same security and reliability as premium ones.
No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You’ll need to use the Tor browser, which is specifically designed to access the dark web.
What is the most valuable data on the dark web?
Patient data is the most valuable, making it targeted by bad actors. Reports show the value of a health record can be worth as much as $1,000, whereas on the dark web, a credit card number is worth $5 and Social Security numbers are worth $1.
Do I need to use a VPN to access the dark web?
While it’s not required, using a VPN is highly recommended when accessing the dark web. A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Can the FBI track a VPN?
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies cannot track encrypted VPN traffic, even if they have a court order. However, they may force your internet service provider (ISP) to disclose your connection and usage logs, which will show that you use a VPN.
Can I use a free VPN to access the dark web?
While there are many free VPN services available, we recommend using a paid VPN service when accessing the dark web. Free VPN services often have limited features and may not provide the same level of security and privacy as paid VPN services.
Is Tor legal in the US?
Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.