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The number of victims caused by the global MOVEit data breach continues to climb; Welltok has announced more exposures, this time from three more health organizations. Cybersecurity breaches are at epidemic proportions; in the last two years, cybercriminals have stolen over 2.6 billion consumer records from thousands of organizations. Xfinity is the name of Comcast Communications’ internet, TV, and phone service; it is the most significant cabled internet service in the states, with more than 32 million residential customers. LoanCare is a sub-servicing entity that assists mortgage loan providers with finance and data functions; they service over 1.5 million customers across the states and beyond.
She’s passionate about Aura’s mission of creating a safer internet for everyone. In many ways, the risks of the ‘Dark Web’ are the same as those that may be encountered in the ‘Open Web’. Young people in both environments may access pornography, indecent images of children, or sites selling drugs and weapons. Tor is mainly used for people to browse the open web anonymously, a very small percentage of its traffic relates to Hidden Services (below).
These websites will also use .onion top-level domain names, and many of them will be very long, random combinations of letters and numbers. You won’t be able to access .onion addresses using a standard search engine as they aren’t indexed by crawlers. There are many legitimate uses for dark web services and communication. As search engine crawlers do not catalog these pages, you would need to know the exact link to access a website in this area of the internet. This could include government services to access your records, health care services, members-only areas, intranets, or corporate resources. Instead, download Tor, the most secure and user-friendly option for accessing .onion sites.
Understanding the Dark Web
According to the 2021 Dark Web Price Index, these are typical prices, in U.S. dollars, of goods and services sold on the dark web. While the terms dark web and deep web are often used interchangeably, they are two very distinct concepts. The open web is the public counterpoint to the deep and dark web. Getting that hot new movie may be tempting, but it could very easily come with a side of malware.
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. Users often enter this realm for various reasons, including privacy, anonymity, and accessing information that may not be available on the surface web.
A VPN server adds an extra layer of protection to your browsing data by encrypting it and changing your IP address. This prevents your personal details from being leaked when you’re connected to the Tor network. The dark web is a part of the internet that can usually only be accessed using a specialized browser.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Enter Dark Web
- See how to defend your systems and data with our innovative digital risk protection solutions.
- Tor (The Onion Router) is a network that anonymizes web traffic to provide truly private web browsing.
- With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.”
- Combining a high-end VPN service with the Tor network adds another layer of defense that will make using the Tor network safer for you.
Websites and pages in the deep web might include password-protected content, private forums, and personalized resources. Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want. Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites. Dark web browsing is not as simple as regular web surfing, but there are some tools you can use to chart your journey. Dark web search engines and forums like Reddit can help you find reliable dark websites, and you’ll need to use a dark web browser to visit them.
Be careful when using any dark web site URL listed in this article as it may have changed since the article was written. When using the dark web, you should always take precautions such as using a VPN and antivirus program, as well as checking your local laws. Next to a VPN, an antivirus is one of the most important dark web tools. Hence, several dark web pages contain harmful elements, such as child pornography and malware. Another way to access the dark web is using NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN. Getting on the dark web using a mobile device is surprisingly easy.
To safely navigate the dark web, follow these fundamental steps:
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Download Tor Browser:
The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser. This browser uses the Tor network to anonymize your internet traffic.
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Install VPN:
Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to add an extra layer of security. A VPN helps mask your IP address and encrypts your internet connection.
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Access Onion Sites:
Dark web sites usually have URLs ending with “.onion.” You can start by visiting popular onion sites like the Hidden Wiki or the Silk Road to explore various offerings.
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Secure Your Device:
Ensure your device’s security software is up-to-date to protect against potential malware or phishing attempts.
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Maintain Anonymity:
Do not share personal information or engage in transactions that could compromise your identity.
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Safety Precautions
When exploring the dark web, keeping your safety in mind is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Do Not Download Files:
Many files on the dark web can contain malware. Avoid downloading anything unless you trust the source.
- Be Wary of Links:
Don’t click on suspicious links, as they might lead to malicious sites.
- Use Secure Communication:
Consider using encrypted communication apps for messaging when talking with others.
Common Misconceptions about the Dark Web
It’s essential to debunk some myths surrounding the dark web:
- All Dark Web Content is Illegal:
While illegal activities do occur, many dark web sites focus on privacy and open conversation.
- You Will Get Hacked:
Accessing the dark web itself doesn’t automatically put you at risk, especially when you take precautionary measures.
- It’s Only for Criminal Activities:
The dark web serves various communities and purposes, including activists and journalists seeking anonymity.
FAQs About How to Enter the Dark Web
Q: Is entering the dark web illegal?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it is against the law.
Q: Do I need special hardware?
A: No special hardware is required. A regular computer and a secure internet connection will suffice.
Q: Can I use my regular browser?
A: No, you must use the Tor Browser or a similar anonymous browsing tool to access dark web sites.
Q: How do I protect my identity?
A: Using a VPN, not sharing personal data, and staying cautious online can help protect your identity on the dark web.
In summary, knowing how to enter the dark web safely involves understanding its complexities, using the right tools, and practicing good internet hygiene. Always prioritize your security and privacy while navigating this vast digital space.
