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The dark web, a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and often associated with illicit activities, has gained a reputation for being a mysterious and dangerous place. While it is true that there are risks involved in accessing the dark web, it is possible to do so safely and anonymously with the right precautions.
And without experience deciphering trustworthy dark web sites, it’s easy to fall prey to dangerous cybercriminals. Depending on where you are, accessing the dark web might be illegal. But unless you engage in illegal activity on the dark web, you shouldn’t have to worry — at least in the US.
Navigating Through the Darknet / Dark Web
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a hidden network of websites that require special software, such as Tor, to access. It is not easily accessible to the average internet user and is often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for whistleblowers to share information anonymously.
- Alexander Klink, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
- Dark websites can host a wide range of content, including legal and illegal information, forums, marketplaces, and more.
- Electrostim Medical Services Inc. (EMSI) is a healthcare servicer in Tampa, Florida.
- A VPN also helps protect your privacy by preventing your ISP from monitoring your connection.
- It’s important to remember that Tor isn’t illegal software, just as torrenting software doesn’t do anything illegal until you use it for sharing pirated movies.
How to Get Onto the Dark Web
What Types of Services Can Cybercriminals Access on the Dark Web?
To access the dark web, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install Tor Browser
What Is a Hardware Security Module and Why Is It Important?
Tor Browser is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. You can download it from the official Tor Project website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
Once you have installed Tor Browser, open the application and connect to the Tor network. This will route your internet traffic through a series of encrypted nodes, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Step 3: Access .onion Websites
Our guide on how to get on the dark web safely provides users with effective and simple steps to explore the dark net without compromising their security. You can find black markets where people advertise drugs, guns, stolen IDs, and more. There is also an abundance of disturbing content like explicitly violent videos or illegal pornography. If you don’t venture far, you’ll find everyday sites like forums, chat rooms, or torrent websites.
Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can start exploring the dark web by visiting .onion websites. These websites have a different domain extension than regular websites and can only be accessed through Tor Browser.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
While accessing the dark web can be intriguing, it is important to remember that it is not without risks. To stay safe while browsing the dark web, consider the following tips:
Proton VPN
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Use a VPN in addition to Tor Browser for an extra layer of security.
- Avoid sharing personal information or engaging in illegal activities.
- Regularly update your security software to protect against malware and other threats.
Not only will your data be protected, but you’ll also get faster download and upload speeds in parts of the web you wouldn’t normally. We can understand the temptation to explore the Dark Web to see what you’re missing out on — but tread cautiously. If a website is trying to conceal itself from mainstream search engines, ISPs and governments, it probably has a very good reason for doing so.
Most of what is contained in the deep web is information such as your social media, email account, bank account contents, etc. Now that we know what the deep web is, let us explore the dark web. The dark web, or black web, on the other hand, is the “unsavory” part of the deep web. Access to the dark web is only possible with specific browsers, such as Tor, because most platforms establish an anonymous connection and mask IP addresses. In 2001, they estimated the deep web to be around 400 to 550 times as big as the surface web which contains 4.5 billion sites.
It’s also a safe haven for free speech advocates and privacy-minded individuals. If you want to be 100% sure you won’t install any malware on your PC while on the dark web, you can access it from a virtual machine (VM). In short, a virtual machine is an emulation of an actual PC using your existing computer or the cloud. So we do not recommend you do this if you just want to visit the dark web once or twice.
By following these guidelines and using caution while exploring the dark web, you can stay safe and protect your privacy online.
