How to Get to the Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It is 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 will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.

Criminal Activity

What is the Dark Web?

When starting up a Tor session, you’ll be asked to either ‘connect’ or ‘configure’. If a connection isn’t made then that means you’ll need to configure the software to circumvent the blockade. There are numerous techniques and tools known as ‘pluggable transports’ that exist to disguise Tor traffic and at least one of these transports should work. Using the Tor network makes your identity difficult to be tracked, but not impossible. Therefore, it is safer to use dedicated VPN service provider tools. Moreover, the completion of a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive.

The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also many legitimate websites on the dark web, such as privacy-focused email services and forums for discussing political issues.

Accessing The Dark Web On IPhone:

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. VPNs are also used for accessing geo-locked content hosted by streaming services. The best VPN options are paid-for and subscription-based, as many free options will either throttle your speed or collect your data. No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable high-speed internet connection a critical element of our daily lives. We pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, find information, and maintain a presence on social media. The dark web limits online tracking, and there are many legitimate reasons people like journalists and activists use the dark web to remain private.

How to Access the Dark Web

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VPN over Tor requires you to place trust in your ISP but not your VPN and is best if you want to avoid bad Tor exit nodes. Some consider VPN over Tor more secure because it maintains anonymity throughout the entire process (assuming you pay for your VPN anonymously). Although the official Tor Project advises against VPN over Tor, both methods are superior to not using a VPN at all. Again, we can’t emphasize enough that security and anonymity are paramount to those on dark websites. Your ISP and the government might not be able to view your activity when on the Tor Network, but they do know you are on the Tor Network, and that alone is enough to raise eyebrows. In fact, a recent judgment by the US Supreme Court denoted that simply using Tor was sufficient probable cause for law enforcement to search and seize any computer around the world.

To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called the Tor browser. Tor is a free, open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.

The Onion (Tor)

Step 1: Download and install the Tor browser from the official website. Be sure to download it from the official website to avoid any malware or viruses.

Step 2: Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network. This may take a few minutes.

Most of the web is actually the deep web, and whenever we enter login credentials and passwords to view web content, we’re accessing a part of the deep web. Surface web, also known as visible web, refers to the indexable parts of the internet. In other words, content in this portion of the World Wide Web is readily accessible and searchable with search engines. The surface web accounts for roughly 5% of information on the internet.

Step 3: Once connected, you can start browsing the dark web by typing in the URL of a dark web website. These URLs will typically start with “http://” or “https://”, followed by a string of random characters.

Staying Safe on the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often used for illegal activities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, making it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
• Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number, on the dark web. This information can be used to steal your identity or commit other crimes.
• Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. This will help prevent hackers from gaining access to your accounts.
• Be cautious: Be cautious of any websites or individuals that ask for money or personal information. These could be scams or phishing attempts.

Many mainstream companies also maintain ‘onion’ versions of their websites to protect user privacy. Check out our full list of dark web sites worth visiting for more dark web links for Android, iPhones, and other devices. You could also use dark web search engines like Torch or DuckDuckGo to find interesting sites. When you activate Onion Over VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a NordVPN server and then via the Tor network. As a result, you don’t need to use the Tor browser or any specialized browser to access dark web websites.

You can access most of the Deep Web using the same browser you use for the Surface Web. Additional steps depend on what type of Deep Web content you’re looking for. To help you make educated choices about cybersecurity to keep you (and your data) safe and secure, by providing honest, accurate, and practical information based on thorough testing. On the other hand, if you use the VPN over Tor method, your ISP can see that you’re using Tor, but they cannot see what you’re doing on the Dark Web. While your activities on the Dark Web are encrypted and hidden, your ISP can still detect that you’re using Tor.

• And around the world, users may want to use Tor or the dark web to evade government censorship and surveillance.
• Items you would not be able to simply access by clicking on a link from a search engine.
• After connecting to the Tor network, the Brave browser in the bottom left corner, “If your personal security depends on staying anonymous, use Tor Browser instead.” gives a warning.
• This is a Dark Web search engine which can be accessed on the regular Internet too.

Conclusion

Accessing the dark web can be a valuable tool for protecting your privacy and freedom of speech. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. By using the Tor browser, a VPN, and strong passwords, and by being cautious of any suspicious websites or individuals, you can safely and securely access the dark web.