If you do ever find yourself on a questionable website, utilizing a good security app, such as Clario, with a built-in VPN and other useful tools is vital. In more technical terms, the dark web is the part of the web where sites are hosted on so-called darknets — computer networks overlaid on other networks. Like regular “surface” sites, dark web sites use internet protocols, but the darknet networks that are overlaid on normal networks can’t be accessed through regular web browsers. 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. Neither DuckDuckGo’s dark or normal versions keep a log of your web activity.
Introduction
DNS vs. VPN vs. Smart DNS: What’s the difference?
The dark web, a hidden part of the internet, has long piqued the curiosity of individuals seeking anonymity and adventure. Contrary to popular belief, accessing the dark web is not illegal or inherently malicious. However, it is important to understand that it harbors both legal and illegal activities. If you’re interested in delving into the mysterious realm of the dark web, this guide will walk you through the process.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web refers to websites that are not indexed by search engines, making them invisible to conventional browsing methods. These websites use onion routing, a technique that encrypts and reroutes internet traffic through multiple servers, thus ensuring anonymity for users and website owners alike.
The internet most of us use daily — and probably assumed until now is the entirety of the internet — is actually what’s known as the open web or surface web. It is the format of the web we’re all used to, composed of open pages easily accessed by traditional search engines on any browser. Despite being where so many users default to, the surface web only accounts for a small portion of the entire internet. In this alternative, you don’t let the VPN see your IP address since the internet traffic first goes through Tor.
Configure your dark web browser’s security settings
Step 1: Install Tor Browser
To access the dark web, you’ll need to install a specialized browser known as Tor (The Onion Router). Tor allows you to browse anonymously by concealing your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. Simply download and install Tor Browser from the official website.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
As such, bad actors can replicate your data multiple times for profit. Having robust cybersecurity tools, including antivirus software and VPN solutions, are helpful, but they can’t keep your data off dark marketplaces. This is because other entities you engage, like employers, healthcare providers, insurers, retailers, and even government agencies, can fall victim to a security event and leak your data. DuckDuckGo doesn’t log your activity, so your search habits, dark web or not, remain private to you. The only downside to DuckDuckGo is that it might show you fewer dark web search results compared with the other search engines on this list.
Once Tor Browser is installed, launch the application. It will automatically connect to the Tor network, which may take a few moments. When the connection is established, a modified version of the Firefox browser window will open.
Step 3: Navigate the Dark Web
To start exploring the dark web, you can begin with various directories and search engines explicitly designed for this purpose. One such example is the Hidden Wiki, a popular starting point for many users. However, exercise caution as some links may lead to illicit content.
Step 4: Maintain Your Anonymity
While accessing the dark web, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and anonymity. Follow these essential precautions:
Alexa vs. Google Assistant vs. Siri: A comparison
- Never share personal information: Avoid revealing any personal details that could compromise your identity or security.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) in conjunction with Tor to enhance your privacy further.
- Disable browser plugins: Disable all plugins and extensions to minimize potential vulnerabilities.
- Be cautious of malicious links: Exercise extreme caution when clicking on any links, as they may lead to harmful websites or downloads.
Notable exceptions are China, which has banned the use of all anonymous browsing. However, Chinese-language dark sites persist and constantly reopen after being shut down. Each search sends out bots to crawl millions of web pages and find the most relevant information. Some experts report that bots crawl less than 1 percent of online content. The Silk Road existed exclusively on Tor and completed all transactions using cryptocurrency rather than the escrow methods used in today’s black markets.
When you’re done reading about the terrible things people use the dark web for, why not catch up on some real news, too? There are official news outlets with dark web links, such as BBC News and ProPublica, so you can keep up to date with reputable outlets in private. DarkNetLive is a dark web news site devoted to covering, well, news about the dark web. Perhaps unsurprisingly, almost all the news stories are about people being arrested or found guilty for doing illegal things on the dark web.
Conclusion
The dark web can be an intriguing place for those looking to explore the hidden corners of the internet. By following this guide and taking necessary precautions, you can navigate the dark web safely while protecting your anonymity. Remember, knowledge is power, but responsibility is equally important. Use the dark web responsibly and always adhere to the legal boundaries.
