What Are Onion Services?
Understanding the Darknet
Scammers use this data for malicious activities like identity theft and account takeover. When we think of the Dark Web, our first thoughts often turn to illegal marketplaces and extortion scams. Researchers and journalists also find great use in using it for their investigations.
The dark web has some legitimate uses, such as people using it to protect their anonymity in countries with heavy censorship or reading news unaffiliated with political parties or agendas. Unlike typical web browsers, Tor Browser uses onion routing, which encrypts and routes traffic through multiple servers around the world to hide your IP address and provide private browsing. In addition, all domains on the Tor network end with the top-level domain .onion (instead of .com). The many layers of an onion represent the multiple layers of encryption in the Tor network.
Or, they can use opennet mode to be randomly assigned to other peers on the network. Besides Tor, there are other browsers you can use to access the dark web, but they offer different levels of accessibility and security and have smaller node networks. 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. Although no one knows your identity when using TOR, some people like to add an additional layer of protection and connect to TOR via a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
You could also use NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN and visit the dark web on any browser, like Safari. The dark web is a section of the deep web that can be accessed only through the Tor network. Unlike the surface and deep web, the dark web uses “.onion” links, which do not appear on Google or Bing. Furthermore, no entity has authority over the dark web or can impose regulations. This is precisely why the dark web is often linked with unlawful activities. While the deep and dark web are somewhat similar (i.e., they don’t usually appear on search engines), they’re also very different.
- Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations.
- The criminal groups that developed the malware gets a cut of the affiliates’ earnings, typically between 20% and 30%.
- 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.
- On this site, anyone can pay hitmen to kill a person or a group of people.
- Apart from this, Tor allows users to access URLs ending with .onion through its ‘hidden services’ functionality.
To do this, simply open the server list and select the server location you want. ExpressVPN offers 3,000+ of them in 160 locations, so to maximize the performance, you should choose the one closest to you. With the app in place, open it up and sign in with the credentials you provided when subscribing. Usually, it’s your email and password, but on some platforms, ExpressVPN allows you to use the activation code which you can see on the download page. Don’t forget that it supports ALL systems, so you can install it wherever you like.
The darknet refers to a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. It is a network that requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Knowing how do you access the darknet is crucial for users who wish to explore this hidden side of the internet.
Why Access the Darknet?
It was largely the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009 that transformed the dark web into a sanctuary for criminals. Bitcoin also contributed to the emergence in 2011 of the Silk Road, a black market for buying and selling illegal drugs. An effective dark web monitoring system should provide broad visibility into the dark web without having to enter it. “This keeps admin users from placing themselves in danger or being exposed to provocative content.
Users might want to access the darknet for several reasons:
- Privacy and anonymity
- Access to restricted information
- Communication in oppressive regimes
- Exploring niche communities
- Buying or selling in unregulated markets
How Do You Access the Darknet?
Accessing the darknet involves several steps. Follow these guidelines carefully:
- Download Tor Browser: The most common method to access the darknet is through the Tor network. Download the Tor Browser from the official website.
- Install the Software: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Ensure that you use the Tor Browser exclusively for accessing the darknet.
- Configure Security Settings: Before browsing, adjust the security settings in your Tor Browser to enhance privacy and security. Select the safest option to limit scripts and other potential vulnerabilities.
- Use VPN for Extra Security: Consider using a VPN service alongside Tor for an additional layer of anonymity. This can help mask your IP address from both your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the Tor network.
- Start Browsing: Use .onion links to access darknet sites. These links are not accessible through standard web browsers. Always be cautious and ensure the legitimacy of the sites you visit.
Important Safety Tips
When exploring the darknet, safety should be your top priority. Keep these tips in mind:
- **Remain anonymous**: Do not share personal information.
- **Avoid illegal activities**: Engaging in illegal practices can lead to severe consequences.
- **Be cautious with downloads**: Files from the darknet can contain malware.
- **Use HTTPS websites**: Whenever possible, favor encrypted sites to enhance security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the deep web and the darknet?
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, including private databases and password-protected sites. The darknet is a small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires specific software to access.
Is accessing the darknet illegal?
Accessing the darknet itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities on the darknet can lead to legal repercussions.
What tools are available for darknet access besides Tor?
Other tools include I2P (Invisible Internet Project) and Freenet. Both provide anonymity but differ in their methods and user interfaces.
Can I access the darknet on mobile devices?
Yes, there are specific applications available for Android and iOS that allow access to the darknet, such as Orbot and the respective browsers.
The darknet can be a fascinating place to explore, but always prioritize your safety and legality. Understanding how do you access the darknet responsibly can lead to a safer and more informed experience.
