How To Access The Dark Web Using Tor Browser
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires special tools and knowledge. It often serves purposes ranging from anonymous communication to illicit activities.
What You Need
To learn how to access the dark web, you need the following:
- The Tor Project is designed as an open-source software project that aims to provide anonymity and privacy to you while online.
- The Silk Road was a marketplace on the dark web that launched in 2011, where you could purchase all sorts of illegal goods.
- From this example, you can see that the “deep web” doesn’t have to be scary, illicit, or illegal.
- Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there.
- Illegal cyber activity cannot necessarily be stumbled upon easily but tends to be much more extreme and threatening if you do seek it out.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Protects your identity and encrypts your internet connection.
- Tor Browser: The most common way to access the dark web.
- Secure Device: A dedicated or secure device is recommended to minimize risks.
Other sites require additional security measures and only allow specific users to enter. Remember, this is a whole different universe that you know nothing about, and the whole experience is kind of like traveling back in time. Since sometimes websites are hosted on personal computers, it’s totally possible that you won’t be able to access a site since the computer is just shut down. This is not a request, it’s a prerequisite, and this is done through a special web browser called, surprisingly enough, TOR. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security.
All this to say, Tor is the most trusted browser for accessing websites on the dark web. Stay aware of scams or other dangerous activities like phishing attempts or frauds. Don’t click on links that belong to unreliable sites, avoid clickbait, and never share your financial details with anyone, like your card number, security number, or other sensitive information. If you are dealing with others on dark web marketplaces, use pseudonyms or other accounts to protect your identity. Also, you should regularly look for updates for your Tor and VPN software to experience secure browsing. Mostly, whistleblowers who want to expose a crime but keep their identity hidden use the dark web.
The deep web is simply any web page or site that’s not indexed by standard search engines like Google. That could, for examples, include pages of this site that are still in draft—visible to us here at the Daily Dot but not yet published online. This is the part of the internet which is generally hidden from public view.
The Dark web is the part of the World Wide Web that you need special tools to visit. It is a much less civilized place than the Surface web where most of us spend our time. While there are some innocuous sites and services on the Dark web, there are also many places that offer illegal goods and services. Regardless of why you may need to get on the dark web, protect your data and your connection as securely as possible. AVG Secure VPN will help you conceal your IP address, while encrypting your connection to keep all your activity private.
Not because it’s dark or dangerous, but because it’s not available to see without proper login credentials. Deep web content makes up most of the internet — by some estimates, 96 percent or more, says CSO Daily. The dark web is a part of the internet hidden from search engines. It allows you to access and browse websites anonymously, using masked IP addresses. You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access the dark web:
It makes visiting the dark web easy, with dedicated Onion Over VPN servers that connect you to the Tor network via the VPN. This negates the need to download, install, and run the Tor browser separately, and lets you access the Tor network without your ISP knowing. The dark web can be a valuable resource for journalists, researchers, and other users seeking anonymity or access to restricted information. It is important to understand the potential risks and take appropriate security measures to protect yourself and your personal information.
- Download a VPN: Choose a reliable VPN service. Install it on your device and connect.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor website and download the Tor Browser.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.
- Open the Tor Browser: Once installed, launch the Tor Browser.
- Connect to Tor: Click “Connect” when prompted by the browser.
- Access .onion sites: Use search engines designed for the dark web or known .onion links to explore.
Both rely on a peer-to-peer routing structure combined with layered encryption to make browsing private and anonymous. Tor over VPN requires you to place some trust in your VPN provider but not your ISP, and is best if you want to access .onion websites. VPN over Tor requires you to place trust in your ISP but not your VPN and is best if you want to avoid bad Tor exit nodes. 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.
Safety Precautions
When exploring the dark web, prioritize safety with these tips:
- Do not share personal information: Keep your identity hidden.
- Avoid illegal content: Engage only with legal sites and communities.
- Use strong passwords: Protect your accounts with complex passwords.
- Regularly update software: Ensure that your VPN and Tor are up-to-date to fix vulnerabilities.
- Be cautious of links: Don’t click on suspicious links or download unknown files.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small part that requires specific technologies to access.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal in itself. However, engaging in illegal activities on it is against the law.
Can I be tracked while on the dark web?
While the Tor network provides anonymity, it’s still possible to be tracked through poor security practices. Always use a VPN and practice safe browsing.
Are there legitimate uses for the dark web?
Yes, the dark web can be used for legal activities, such as protecting privacy for journalists, activists, and whistleblowers in oppressive regimes.
Understanding how to access the dark web is essential for those seeking legitimate anonymity tools as well as those curious about this hidden part of the internet.
