Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. This hidden section of the web offers anonymity and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also serves as a platform for political activists, journalists, and others seeking privacy.
How to Get on the Dark Web
If you’re interested in exploring the dark web, follow these steps carefully to ensure your safety and security.
Then there’s the dark web, which is the part of the deep web that hides your identity and location. As with the other parts of the internet, the dark web doesn’t refer to a specific site or page. If you set up a private and secure network with a group of friends, that could be an example of a darknet.
Step 1: Prepare Your Device
Before you access the dark web, it’s crucial to prepare your computer or device:
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- Update your operating system and software to the latest versions.
- Install a reputable antivirus program to protect against malware.
- Consider using a virtual machine to add an extra layer of security.
Using & Navigating The Dark Web Safely
A dark web site is a website that has a .onion extension in its URL. These are only accessible through the Tor browser, and they offer enhanced anonymity to their users. Having read the previous section, you may wonder if accessing the dark web is illegal. Using the Tor browser for dark web access is legal in most countries.
Don’t forget that it supports ALL systems, so you can install it wherever you like. But since Tor only works on Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac, I suggest choosing one of these platforms. However, the good thing is that it offers a large 49% discount and 3 months free for its annual plan, making it very affordable. Additionally, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee with no conditions, meaning that you can request a refund if you don’t need it anymore. The first step is to get a quality VPN and for this case, I recommend ExpressVPN.
The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English. The standard dark web browser is Tor Browser, which directs your browser traffic through the Tor network so you can reach the darknet. As your traffic passes through Tor, it’s encrypted and bounced between at least three relay points, known as nodes. This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address). But as a result, Tor Browser will feel much slower than a normal web browser.
Step 2: Download Tor Browser
In fact, only about 5-10% of the information on the internet is available through common browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, known as the ‘surface web’. It is extremely easy to access the dark web and even easier to be detected on it if you don’t take precautions. Because of the built-in anonymizing features and encryption, the Dark Net is also host of many criminal websites, marketplaces and networks.
The Tor Browser is essential for accessing the dark web. Follow these steps to download and install it:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the browser, following the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Configure Your Security Settings
Prior to browsing the dark web, adjust the security settings in the Tor Browser:
- Open the browser and click on the shield icon.
- Set the security level to “Safest” for maximum protection.
Step 4: Connect to the Tor Network
Once your Tor Browser is set up, you can connect to the network:
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- Click “Connect” to join the Tor network.
Step 5: Browse the Dark Web
With everything set, you can now browse the dark web. Keep the following in mind:
- Use “.onion” links to access websites specifically hosted on the dark web.
- Be cautious about the sites you visit. Stick to known and reputable links.
- Never share personal information or engage in illegal activities.
Safety Tips for Browsing the Dark Web
To enhance your safety while on the dark web, consider these tips:
- Utilize a VPN for added anonymity.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
- Do not enable scripts in the Tor Browser.
- Use encrypted messaging services for communication.
FAQs about the Dark Web
What is the purpose of the dark web?
- While there’s no official Tor browser app for the iPhone, the Tor Project, which manages the Tor network used to access the dark web, recommends the Onion Browser.
- However, it’s important to note that these links are always changing and might become defunct or compromised at any time.
- Often, dark web visitors use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to engage in such e-commerce transactions anonymously with reduced risk of being caught.
- ProtonMail’s end-to-end encryption makes it one of the best onion sites for easy-to-use, secure, anonymous email.
- However, as long as you don’t specifically search for and access criminal content, there is still plenty to do on the dark web legitimately.
- The deep web refers to any part of the internet that is not openly indexed and made available via a web search.
The dark web serves multiple purposes, including anonymity for political activists, privacy for individuals, and a marketplace for illegal goods.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many of the activities and contents found there may be illegal.
What precautions should I take on the dark web?
Always prioritize safety by using a VPN, avoiding sharing personal information, and being cautious about the websites you visit.
Can I access the dark web on my smartphone?
Yes, there are mobile versions of the Tor Browser available for both Android and iOS, but they should be used with caution and proper security measures.
Conclusion
While discovering how to get on the dark web can be intriguing, it is essential to proceed with caution. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet more securely.
