LegalCases — Public Court Decisions From Different Countries
Indexes of website links allow Google and other search engines to return relevant results whenever a user types a keyword into the search bar. Instead, the dark web uses information from individual email or social media accounts, databases, and documents to give users access. It’s not illegal to access the Dark Web but—as with the Surface Web—certain activities can be considered illegal.
However, it’s not the same as using a virtual private network (VPN) — the two have different security protocols and encryption methods. If you want to be extra safe, routing your connection through a VPN and then accessing the dark web using the Tor browser provides more security than Tor alone. You can also use the Tails operating system to further protect yourself. If you’re just browsing the dark web out of curiosity, Tor, or a Tor and VPN configuration is safe enough.
Once the data is available on dark web marketplaces, it’s nearly impossible to track down the individuals responsible. To avoid theft of your personal data in the first place, use a data protection tool that helps you keep your data in your own hands. You can buy a wide range of legal goods and services on dark web marketplaces. There are also some illegal things for sale, as detailed in the Dark Web Price Index 2021. When making purchases on the dark web, protect yourself by using anonymized account information and cryptocurrency whenever possible. The dark web was created not long after the first message was sent in 1969 over the original internet, ARPANET.
As an average internet user, you won’t come across the dark web since you need a special browser to access it. It’s certainly not something you need to stress about in your day-to-day browsing, and you shouldn’t let it scare you off the internet. Unless you actively seek it out, you’ll likely never have any contact with the dark web in your lifetime. The specialized browser people use to access the dark web is the Tor browser.
It consists of websites and web pages that are openly available to the public. Examples include news sites, social media platforms, online shopping websites, and any website that can be found through a search engine. The content on the surface web is designed to be easily discovered, making it the most familiar and commonly used layer of the internet. The deep web is generally safe and secure to use; owners of private websites or services are responsible for maintaining their security.
The publishers of these billion websites compete for search engine relevance and the attention of nearly 3.6 billion Internet users. There is another part of the Web, however, where publishers and visitors want to navigate websites and conduct business transactions in secret. This is the Dark Web, a land of hidden services, where leaving no tracks and preserving anonymity are valued over search engine rankings and web experience personalization.
Here is what your VPN will look like with a desktop app running in the background (NordVPN) while you browse the Dark web. Just remember to cover your camera and your speaker when you download these apps. Due to the lack of regulations on the dark web, you are vulnerable to cyber threats any time you visit. These risks can be avoided when you are well-informed and know how to protect yourself against them. As a general rule, you should always use a VPN and only use Tor when you need to. A VPN protects your privacy without making it hard for you to browse the web and use the internet as you normally would.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web consists of a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It can only be accessed using specific software, configurations, or authorization. The primary purpose of the dark web is to preserve user privacy and anonymity.
How to Get the Dark Web
- Although data sent through Tor can’t be tracked or decrypted, your internet service provider and network administrator can still see that you’re using Tor.
- While we’ve spent a lot of time discussing how to access the Dark Web safely, it’s equally important to understand the risks involved.
- There’s no broad consensus on dark web safety, but you at least need to use Tor and VPN together.
- You also get the same level of protection when you connect to a NordVPN server before opening a dark web browser.
If you’re interested in exploring the dark web, here are the steps to do so safely and responsibly:
- Educate Yourself: Gain an understanding of what the dark web is and its implications. Familiarize yourself with terms like Tor, onion sites, and encryption.
- Download Tor Browser:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the correct version for your operating system.
- Install the browser following the provided instructions.
- Use a VPN:
- Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to add an extra layer of security.
- Choose a reputable VPN service with a no-log policy.
- Launch the Tor Browser: Open the Tor Browser after installation. It will automatically connect you to the Tor network.
- Access .onion Sites: You can only visit sites with a .onion domain, which are exclusive to the Tor network.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, it is essential to prioritize your safety. Consider the following:
- Remain Anonymous: Do not share personal information such as your real name or location.
- Avoid Downloads: Do not download files from the dark web as they might contain malware.
- Be Cautious of Links: Many sites can be scams or malicious. Validate sources whenever possible.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, including databases, private corporate sites, and more. The dark web is a subset of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal in itself, but it is essential to be aware that some activities conducted there may be illegal, such as buying illicit drugs or weapons.
Can you be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web is designed to be anonymous, it is not entirely secure, and sophisticated tracking methods can sometimes be used. Utilizing a VPN and following safety protocols can help mitigate risks.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the dark web safely and responsibly while being aware of the potential risks involved.
