Other Illicit Marketplaces On The Dark Web
Accessing the Dark Web without the TOR Browser can bring down any personal device for unwitting users, even those looking for help or support. Getting on the Dark Web safely is easy; staying that way is next to impossible. You are safe to use the dark web until you access or participate in any illegal activity. So, there are plenty of reasons to log on to the deep web, but are there legitimate reasons to seek out the dark web?
Understanding the Dark Web
This is just like any other browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, except it can also access special website addresses which ends in .onion instead of .com and such. The Dark Web(also called The Dark Net) is a network within the Internet which is only accessible using certain software and protocols. As you might expect, Bitcoin is the top cryptocurrency being used on the Dark Web. Chainalysis says that $790 million worth of cryptocurrencies were used to shop in darknet markets during 2019. While some studies have claimed that illegal Bitcoin activity is as high as 44%.
DuckDuckGo has a simple interface, with a search box in the middle of the page, and its list of search results is also formatted like Google’s. And it’s not just a deep web search engine — DuckDuckGo works for surface websites, too. Search engines are integral to the web browsing experience, but only about 10% of all websites are indexed on a typical search engine. The remaining sites, including those on the dark web, won’t show up when you search Google — they can be accessed only with a direct URL, IP address, or deep web search application.
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for privacy-focused communication and information sharing. Knowing how to access the dark web is essential for those seeking to explore this hidden corner of the internet safely.
Also, since illegal and disturbing content abounds, and it is still illegal to access illegal content even if it’s harder for the authorities to track you down, click and surf with extreme caution. While this is somewhat true, there are a lot of useful websites on the dark web, too. These include websites that facilitate anonymous file sharing and top-secret journalism. A common query among netizens is how to access the dark web on a phone.
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
While connected through NordVPN, your internet traffic is protected using AES 256-bit encryption. NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which has been twice verified by independent auditors. This allows you to use public WiFi privately and without fear of hacking. There’s no chance of your real IP address leaking, while it benefits from some of the fastest speeds on the market. NordVPN has a huge worldwide network of RAM-only servers and high standards of both privacy and security.
Password managers are apps or browser plug-ins that encrypt—or scramble—and store all your passwords. Some may also create unique passwords automatically, which you can use when creating a new account. This can make it easier to keep track of your passwords—and make it more difficult for hackers to access your information. A monitoring tool can help you stay on top of your personal information. CreditWise is a free service that gives you the ability to detect suspicious activity.
Before diving into the dark web, you will need:
The dark web uses overlay networks (darknets), which require specific internet configurations and authorizations to access. Due to the layered encryption the dark web uses, traffic remains private and anonymous. The dark web consists of both smaller P2P (peer-to-peer) networks and larger networks, like Tor. In 2008, the Tor Project launched the official Tor Browser, which is now the most popular way to access the dark web. Though visiting the dark web is generally safe, you can still encounter threats. Browsing the dark web is riskier than browsing the surface web, because it’s usually difficult to assess website safety.
- Tor Browser – A special web browser that allows anonymous browsing.
- VPN – Virtual Private Network to enhance security.
- Understanding of security practices to protect your identity.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service to hide your IP address.
- Download Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download and install the browser.
- Configure Security Settings: Adjust the Tor settings for maximum security.
- Open Tor Browser: Launch the browser to connect to the Tor network.
- Navigate the Dark Web: Use .onion links, which are specific to the dark web.
Important Security Practices
When accessing the dark web, keeping your information secure is crucial. Follow these tips:
- Never share personal information.
- Disable scripts in the Tor browser.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sites.
- Use strong, unique passwords for accounts.
Common FAQs About the Dark Web
What is the difference between the surface web and the dark web?
The surface web refers to all the internet content indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires specific software to access.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted there may be against the law. It’s important to be aware of the laws in your country.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
- In some cases, this is because they would be in danger if their identity became known – for example in countries where the government forbids a free press or where there is political censorship.
- There are specific tools and methods needed to access it, which we’ll dive into later in this guide.
- Many companies have turned to dark web monitoring services to protect themselves from the risks posed by dark web credential exposure.
- Ratings are easily manipulated, and even sellers with long track records have been known to suddenly disappear with their customers’ crypto-coins, only to set up shop later under a different alias.
While the dark web offers anonymity, it is not completely foolproof. Using a VPN and following security practices can help minimize the risk of being tracked.
What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web contains a variety of content including forums, marketplaces, and information resources. However, it also hosts illegal items and harmful content.
Conclusion
Understanding how to access the dark web is crucial for those looking to explore this hidden part of the internet. By following the necessary steps and maintaining security practices, users can navigate the dark web more safely.
