Learn More About The Dark Web And Identity Theft
How to Go to the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be a complex process, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can navigate this clandestine part of the internet safely. Below is a detailed guide on how to go to the dark web.
“The Tor network is another network which sits on top of the TCP/IP internet, stitching the participating computers together into a wholly new network ‘space’, not IPv4, not IPv6, but ‘Onion Space’.” Moreover, using the Tor browser – the primary tool for accessing the dark web – can be restricted or illegal in some countries. For example, China, Iran, and Russia block access to the Tor network. To access a dark web resource, you will need to know its web address to the letter.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access. The dark web hosts a variety of content, some of which is legal and some illegal.
Necessary Tools
Before accessing the dark web, ensure you have the following tools:
Serving is the final step of the process for search engines like Google. This is when it takes a search query from the user, finds the most relevant results in the index, and then serves the resulting web pages back to the user. The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are commonly used interchangeably. Although this is accurate in terms of the underlying technology, there is a slight difference. The deep web refers to non-indexed webpages as a whole, while dark web refers more specifically to the parts of the deep web where you can engage in illicit activities.
- Buy login credentials to a $50,000 Bank of America account, counterfeit $20 bills, prepaid debit cards, or a “lifetime” Netflix premium account.
- Dark websites end with “.onion” instead of the typical “.com,” “.edu,” “.org” or whatnot.
- What happens, in this case, is that the Virtual Private Network encrypts your connection which prevents your ISP from seeing that you’re using Tor.
- Some popular examples of Dark Web sites include The Silk Road (a marketplace for illegal drugs), The Pirate Bay (a site for pirated content), and Hidden Wiki (a directory of onion sites).
- Christine is passionate about digital freedom and believes VPNs are an essential tool everyone should have access to.
It is full of scammers, malware, and phishing websites — and these are just a few of the dangers. The main risks of visiting the dark web can be found in the table below. You can access the dark web from any computer; you just need to download Tor Browser or Brave. Then, there are plenty of legal sites to visit, from dark web search engines to Bitcoin wallets, privacy tools, and news sites. The dark web is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser.
- Tor Browser: This is the most common method for accessing the dark web. It allows users to surf anonymously.
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network helps protect your identity and location while using the internet.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using an operating system designed for privacy, such as Tails.
Naturally, these lawless segments of the deep web are rife with malware and other cyber threats. The dark web was originally a domain exclusively used by cybercriminals and governments. Today, this is no longer true–advanced encryption technologies have made the anonymization of web surfing a hassle-free affair for regular users. When you activate Onion Over VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a NordVPN server and then via the Tor network.
When both buyers and sellers are anonymous, the credibility of any ratings system is dubious. Ratings are easily manipulated, and even sellers with long track records have been known to suddenly disappear with their customers’ crypto-coins, only to set up shop later under a different alias. We focused on the travel industry but could have easily written an article about other verticals. The point is that fraudsters are everywhere, and they are multiplying. Freedom and low cost of information mean those who want to launch their cybercriminal careers have plenty of resources at their disposal. These vendors show you when the credentials were stolen, and the low price lets you know some of them might not work.
But if you connect to the VPN before connecting to Tor and an IP leak occurs, only the VPN’s IP address will be exposed. The VPN allows Tor traffic on 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, which is great. But I had much faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
These include VPNs, proxy servers, and anonymizing networks such as Tor, which are used to hide a user’s online activity and location. One of the earliest and most well-known dark web marketplaces was the Silk Road, launched in 2011 by Ross Ulbricht. The site allowed users to buy and sell drugs, weapons, and other illegal goods using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The Silk Road was shut down by law enforcement in 2013, but other dark web marketplaces have since emerged to take its place. Threat intelligence gathered from the Deep and Dark Web is likely to help future threat hunting teams when analyzing telemetry from beyond their own networks, such as the Deep and Dark Web.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
There are darknet websites for news sources like the BBC or New York Times, email services like ProtonMail, and torrent sites like The Pirate Bay. Most of the time, these dark web sites are for people who can’t get to the open web version of the site, usually because their countries have strict internet laws. The darknet version of DuckDuckGo is not a search engine for the dark web, but a private browsing tool for the dark web. DuckDuckGo’s regular site can take you to the dark web, as it brings up onion sites and dark web links when searched.
Follow these steps to safely enter the dark web:
- Download and Install Tor: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the browser. Ensure you receive it from a reliable source to prevent malicious software.
- Set Up a VPN: Before launching Tor, activate your VPN to add an extra layer of security. Choose a trustworthy provider that doesn’t keep logs.
- Launch Tor: Once both the VPN and the Tor Browser are running, you can open the Tor Browser.
- Connect to the Tor Network: The Tor Browser will automatically connect you to the Tor network, providing anonymity while navigating the web.
- Access .onion Sites: To explore the dark web, you must use .onion websites. These sites are only accessible through the Tor Browser.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Never reveal personal information.
- Avoid downloading files as they could be harmful.
- Be cautious of clicking on unknown links.
- Use end-to-end encryption for messaging services.
- Stay within the boundaries of the law; illegal activities can have serious consequences.
FAQs about the Dark Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web refers specifically to anonymous networks that are intentionally hidden.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, accessing the dark web is legal, but many activities conducted there may not be. Always be aware of the legal implications of your actions.
What types of content can I find on the dark web?
The dark web can contain a mix of content including:
- Whistleblower platforms
- Forums for privacy advocates
- Illegal marketplaces
- Hacked databases
- Political activism
Conclusion
Understanding how to go to the dark web requires careful preparation and a commitment to safety. By using the right tools and following best practices, you can explore this hidden part of the internet while minimizing risks. Always remember to stay informed and cautious as you navigate the complexities of the dark web.
