The dark web, a hidden part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, has garnered a reputation for being a mysterious and potentially dangerous place. While it is true that the dark web can be home to illicit activities, it also offers a wealth of information and resources that can be accessed safely and ethically. If you are curious about exploring the dark web, here are some tips on how to get started:
- Tor is a network browser designed to protect anonymity by routing data through encrypted servers to avoid tracking and surveillance.
- The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate.
- ExpressVPN provides high-end security features that are ideal for surfing the dark web.
- CyberGhost VPN allows Tor traffic on all of its servers (11,528 servers in 100 countries).
- When we said above “the remainder of the internet” is the deep web, it gives you the idea that there are only two parts of the internet, the surface, and the deep web.
Understanding the Dark Web
Know how dark web websites work
For those who have endured harm at the hands of others, they may not want their attackers to discover their conversations about the event. If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. The use of the dark web usually means that you are attempting to engage in activity that you could not otherwise carry out in the public eye. Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today.
Google or Bing won’t help you find anything on the dark web – you will need a dark web search engine like DuckDuckGo. It’s one of the few search engines that index .onion websites – the domain of all Tor sites. Most dark web users feel anonymous and engage in illegal activities without fear of being identified or held accountable.
What are onion sites?
Before delving into the dark web, it is important to understand what it is and how it differs from the surface web. The dark web is a part of the internet that requires special software, such as the Tor browser, to access. It is often used for anonymity and privacy, making it attractive to whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals seeking to evade censorship.
Hacking tools and services
Getting Started
Enter absolutely no personal information in the surfer account and particularly in the VM. It provides a necessary layer of protection in the event your Tor Browser is compromised. 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. Choose Tor when you need to stay anonymous or want to get to the dark web.
Some consider VPN over Tor more secure because it maintains anonymity throughout the entire process (assuming you pay for your VPN anonymously). Although the official Tor Project advises against VPN over Tor, both methods are superior to not using a VPN at all. Tor over VPN also doesn’t protect users from malicious Tor exit nodes.
To access the dark web, you will need to download and install the Tor browser. This free software allows you to browse the internet anonymously by routing your connection through a network of servers around the world. Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can start exploring the dark web by entering .onion websites into the address bar.
Fraudulent sites
Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites. The dark internet is designed to provide anonymity by keeping communication private through encryption and routing online content through multiple web servers. While the dark web is often depicted as an anarchic forum for criminal activity, that’s not necessarily true. The darknet is simply an anonymous space on the web that can be abused or appreciated in turn. Furthermore, when you access the Dark Web, your IP address is encrypted, and so is that of the website you are accessing.
Staying Safe
While exploring the dark web can be an intriguing experience, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files, as they may contain malware or lead to illegal content. Additionally, consider using a VPN to further enhance your anonymity and security while browsing the dark web.
By following these tips, you can safely explore the dark web and discover the diverse range of content it has to offer. Just remember to use caution and discretion when navigating this hidden corner of the internet.
