Cybersecurity breaches are at epidemic proportions; in the last two years, cybercriminals have stolen over 2.6 billion consumer records from thousands of organizations. Across the US, cybercriminals stole the information of 58.4 million consumers, patients, and students. 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.
The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. While it is known for being a hub for illicit activities, it also has legitimate uses such as protecting privacy and anonymity. If you are curious about exploring the dark web, here is a guide on how to access it safely.
1. Get the Right Tools
What does the Tor browser do?
Dark web sites are so well-hidden they can’t be accessed with normal browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari. The dark web can only be accessed using a special browser called Tor. To reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attempts and malware, it’s important to only access websites that are known to be safe or reputable. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrustworthy sources. Another way to stay anonymous and secure on the dark web is by using a VPN service in conjunction with the Tor Browser. A VPN will encrypt your data and anonymize your traffic, adding another layer of security to your browsing.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called Tor. Tor allows you to browse anonymously by routing your connection through multiple servers around the world.
How to Access the Dark Web Safely in 2024: An Easy Guide
2. Install Tor Browser
Accessing the dark web on your smartphone or tablet
You can download the Tor Browser from the official website and install it on your computer or mobile device. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
3. Connect to the Tor Network
Once you have installed the Tor Browser, open it and connect to the Tor network. This will encrypt your internet traffic and allow you to access .onion websites on the dark web.
- This means that any malware or viruses you encounter on the dark web won’t infect your main system.
- Also, its no-logs policy has been proven true in court many times, and all of its apps are open source.
- There’s a fascinating thread on Reddit (not remotely safe for work) where dark web users share their stories.
- “In some cases, users will sell access information to organizations in what are called IABs (initial access brokers).
4. Explore Safely
When browsing the dark web, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of the risks involved. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
Unless you have permission, accessing someone else’s email or social media accounts is illegal. It’s also virtually impossible unless you steal their password or find a security vulnerability within the site. Companies hire white hat hackers to access deep web pages and test for weaknesses, so black hat hackers don’t exploit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Access The Deep Web and What Will You Find There
- Is it illegal to access the dark web?
- No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
- Can I be traced while using Tor?
- Tor provides a high level of anonymity, but it is not foolproof. It is still possible for your internet activity to be traced back to you, especially if you reveal personal information.
- What should I do if I encounter illegal content on the dark web?
- If you come across illegal content on the dark web, report it to the appropriate authorities and exit the website immediately.
The surface web — or clean web — is the part of the internet you can access anytime using mainstream browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). It includes any page that you can find with a simple Google search. However, your access is limited to the information that the website’s administrator permits you to see. A message of this size entered the network at time X from a computer with this IP address.
By following these steps and staying informed about the risks involved, you can explore the dark web safely and responsibly. Remember to use caution and common sense when browsing this hidden corner of the internet.
