Methodology For Choosing The Best VPN For Safely Accessing The Dark Web
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines.
It offers a platform for anonymous communication and is often associated with illegal activities.
Depending on what you find, you might need a strong stomach, a brave demeanor and a willingness to ignore blatant violations of the law. The best way to think of the shape of the internet is an iceberg — what you see on the surface is only a small fraction of the actual web. Below the surface of the water lies the deep web, with the Dark Web occupying a chunk of this gargantuan mass of data. You can follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook for daily Cybersecurity updates also you can take the Best Cybersecurity courses online to keep yourself self-updated. Hackers and governments have ways of getting into your computer and turning on the video and cameras. The FEDS have programs that can match identities on random things such as matching time online and other things with the browser window size, I shit you not.
However, there are legitimate reasons to explore this space, such as seeking privacy, freedom of speech, or research.
You never know when you’ll stumble upon someone unscrupulous, or when one of Tor’s nodes has been compromised (more on that later). Basically, it’s a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. As an average internet user, you won’t come across the dark web since you need a special browser to access it. It’s certainly not something you need to stress about in your day-to-day browsing, and you shouldn’t let it scare you off the internet. Unless you actively seek it out, you’ll likely never have any contact with the dark web in your lifetime. The surface web, also known as the visible web or indexed web, refers to the part of the internet that is easily accessible and indexed by traditional search engines.
But when you’re accessing a website through TOR it’s like asking another user to ask another user to ask another user to fetch the webpage information for you. It’s a place where illegal activities are not uncommon, and there are ill-intentioned individuals who are ready to exploit unsuspecting users. So, download your chosen VPN app on your phone, install it, and make sure it’s connected before you even think about accessing the dark web. The dark web refers to a subset of the internet not indexed by search engines.
The dark web continues to be a valuable tool and exchange network for many groups around the world. It is considered an outright necessity by some in order to encourage free speech, maintain a free press and support the work of law enforcement and government agencies. 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.
While the deep web is a truly interesting digital subculture to enter, it can also get frightening. Many people turn to it to sell illegal substances and services, or even post very disturbing imagery. Computer viruses are not just illegal software that can affect the performance of your device; they could pose serious risks… Some of this information can be extremely valuable on darknet forums.
These sites cannot be accessed through traditional browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Instead, they are accessed using specific software that provides anonymity and encryption. The dark web, the most clandestine layer of the internet, constitutes a small portion of the deep web.
It’s available for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, as well as Android and Apple mobile devices. In general, once you download and install Tor, you’re good to go, though there are some things you should know. First, using Tor is slow, like the early days of dial-up internet, simply because it takes time to route your search requests through all those anonymizers. Second, accessing specific websites directly is a little different.
- However, using a mobile device can potentially expose you to additional security risks, so it’s important to take additional precautions.
- It’s much more effective to catch early signs of fraud when you find out about new inquiries on your credit file, like new credit cards or bank loans, in near-real time.
- Well, VPN over Tor is basically its opposite – instead of going through the VPN first, the signal passes through the Tor network, before going through the VPN.
- Also called the darknet, the dark web is much like the broader web was in its early days during the late 20th century.
In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web. The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites. This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the surface web. In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any one time. All jokes aside, you can see pretty much the same stuff as on the surface web, with a few spicy additions that you can’t find otherwise. The dark web houses websites about conspiracy theories, whistleblowing sites, forums, and even social media sites like BlackBook.
How to Access the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires specific tools and precautions to ensure safety and anonymity.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Download and Install Tor Browser
The most common method of accessing the dark web is through the Tor network.
Visit the official Tor Project website to download the Tor Browser.
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Ensure Security Measures
Before accessing the dark web, consider the following:
- Use a reliable VPN to mask your IP address.
- Keep your antivirus software up-to-date.
- Disable scripts and enable security settings in the Tor Browser.
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Connect to Tor
Open the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network.
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Navigate the Dark Web
Utilize specific .onion sites that can only be accessed through the Tor network.
Examples of .onion sites include:
- Forums and communities
- Whistleblowing sites
- Marketplaces (exercise caution here)
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Practice Caution
Be aware of potential risks:
- Steer clear of illegal activities.
- Do not share personal information.
- Be cautious of links or downloads.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on it is against the law.
Can my internet provider track my activity on the dark web?
While the Tor network is designed to enhance privacy, your internet provider can still see that you are using Tor. Using a VPN can help obfuscate your online activity.
What safety measures should I take on the dark web?
Always use a VPN, never disclose personal information, and refrain from engaging in any illegal activities.
Are there legitimate uses for the dark web?
Yes, the dark web can be used for privacy protection, whistleblowing, and communicating in oppressive regimes where traditional channels are monitored.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a valuable tool for privacy and information, but it is essential to approach it with caution and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
By following the outlined steps and prioritizing your safety, you can explore this hidden part of the internet responsibly.
