What Is The Dark Web? How To Access It And What You’ll Find
Understanding How to Access the Dark Web
Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs. If you can’t get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, verify the URL from multiple different sources. NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for the dark web with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to try this no-log provider’s Onion over VPN servers for yourself.
It’s not wrong to assume that your personal information is on the Dark Web. If your personal details can be found on web search engines, then they’re most likely available on the Dark Web, too. Despite its menacing name, the Dark Web is not illegal per se, nor is it unlawful to access it. However, the undeniable fact is that most of the activities that happen on the Dark Web are related to criminal actions. Those who want to browse and use the Dark Web need to use specialized software, such as the Tor browser.
I also like that ExpressVPN offers split-tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which use your local network. I used ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature to only send dark web traffic through the VPN, which increased my speeds by 5–10%. Legal.Cases lets you pick court decisions from 10+ country categories (including the US, the UK, and Russia). There’s also an International category, where you can find cases from tons of other countries like Austria, Romania, and Portugal. Dark web domains are generated in a cryptographically secure way, so they look like random strings of 16 characters or more (like 3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion, for example).
It’s still important to follow other safety precautions when accessing the dark web, such as using the Tor browser and avoiding suspicious links and downloads. However, using a reliable VPN can significantly increase your online security and privacy while accessing the dark web. Unlike the deep web, you typically don’t need any kind of authentication to access the dark web. However, you need the specific onion links for the dark web sites you want to visit.
If you want to see if any of your information is floating around the dark web, try running a scan of the dark web. Furthermore, there are news portals and marketplaces where you can buy drugs, guns, stolen/forged passports, PayPal accounts, hardware, software, and many other stuff. The websites on this part of the internet range from benign to very malicious. This means that even outside of Tor, a VPN will keep you safe and secure, preventing your ISP, hackers, or snoopers from spying on your activities. However, some websites block Tor connections, and since they’ll see Tor’s exit node, particular sites won’t function.
The dark web is a part of the internet that requires specific software and configurations to access. It is often associated with both legitimate and illicit activities.
You cannot find dark websites by simply searching for them on Google or other conventional search engines. The most popular search engine for the dark web is DuckDuckGo’s “onion service.” It allows users to search the dark web without compromising their anonymity. It is a more guarded subspace of the deep web, hosting encrypted websites for its users.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a subset of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It consists of hidden websites accessible only through special tools, notably the Tor browser. Here are some key points about the dark web:
- Onion services (formerly known as Tor Hidden Services) are the hidden services that you can reach through the Tor network and a compatible web browser.
- The “dark web” refers to websites that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google and Bing.
- This is why the only reason you should be using a VPN to access the dark web is because your dark web browser of choice is blocked either by your country or your local network.
- The anonymity and unregulated nature of the Dark Web create an environment that can be risky if you’re not careful.
- They typically utilize the domain suffix, and onion is reserved for sites wanting to remain anonymous – often created by groups advocating neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology.
- Anonymous Browsing: The dark web allows users to browse anonymously, which can protect their identity.
- Hidden Sites: Many websites on the dark web end with the .onion domain, which is only reachable through Tor.
- Variety of Uses: Services on the dark web range from forums to black markets, and even privacy-focused communication tools.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, follow these steps:
- Download the Tor Browser: This is the most common method to access the dark web. It is available for various operating systems.
- Install the Browser: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
- Connect to the Tor Network: Once installed, open the Tor browser and connect to the network, which may take a moment.
- Browse with Caution: Use .onion links to navigate the dark web safely and securely.
Safety Precautions
When you access the dark web, it is crucial to prioritize safety:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network can add an extra layer of security.
- Avoid Personal Information: Do not share any identifiable information while browsing.
- Be Wary of Downloading: Files from the dark web may contain malware or other harmful software.
Use Cases for the Dark Web
The dark web is often misunderstood. While it is notorious for illegal activities, it also serves beneficial purposes:
- Whistleblowing: Activists and journalists may use the dark web to share information securely.
- Censorship Circumvention: Users in oppressive regimes may access blocked information.
- Privacy-Focused Communication: Services like secure email and chat applications can protect user privacy.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web is not illegal; it is the activities conducted on it that may be unlawful.
Q: Can I be tracked while using Tor?
A: While Tor provides anonymity, it is not foolproof. Combining it with a VPN adds additional security.
Q: Is everything on the dark web illegal?
A: No, while some content is illegal, there are also legal sites focused on privacy and security.
Q: Do I need special knowledge to access the dark web?
A: Basic knowledge of how to use the Tor browser is sufficient for most users to start browsing.
Conclusion
Learning how to access the dark web can open numerous opportunities for privacy and communication, but it is essential to navigate carefully. Understanding the tools and precautions involved will enhance security and ensure responsible browsing. Always remain aware of the potential risks and legal ramifications associated with dark web activities.
