What’s The Difference Between Tor Over VPN And VPN Over Tor?
Journalists, activists, and everyday users who know the importance of anonymity while on the dark web or any other platform prefer Tor. While the dark web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others. Private photos, medical records, and financial information have all been stolen and shared on the dark web. The dark web helps people to maintain privacy and freely express their views. Privacy is essential for many innocent people terrorized by stalkers and other criminals.
It includes content locked behind a paywall, private company networks, your Gmail inbox, hidden medical documents, etc, etc. This type of content isn’t indexed by any search engine but on the other hand, it is accessible through browsers like Brave, Chrome, or any other. Basically, it’s an intentionally hidden part of the internet that can only be accessed using Tor. Tor stands for The Onion Router and it’s a browser based on Firefox, specifically made with accessing “.onion” websites in mind. While accessing the dark web isn’t necessarily wrong or illegal, it’s important to know how to navigate this part of the internet safely. Accessing the dark web isn’t like surfing the web everywhere else online.
How to Access the Dark Web
These names could be ever-changing, so if you don’t find anything on this address, you can be sure that its name has been changed. That seems like a normal web browser… but it’s also connected to Tor, which means you can now access deep web websites, as well as have relatively more online privacy than before. What makes the dark web distinct from the broader deep web is the fact that dark web content can only be accessed via a special browser. It’s important to note that just because this type of content isn’t on the surface doesn’t mean it’s nefarious or has ill intent. A lot of the time, this content isn’t indexed because it includes pages that are meant to be hidden to protect consumer privacy, such as those that require login credentials.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It can be used for both legal and illegal activities. Understanding how to access the dark web safely and securely is essential if you intend to explore this hidden part of the internet.
1. Understanding the Dark Web
Before diving into the technicalities, it’s crucial to understand the components of the internet:
- Surface Web: The part of the internet accessible to everyone, such as Google and social media sites.
- Deep Web: Content that is not indexed by search engines but is not illegal; includes databases and private corporate websites.
- Dark Web: A small portion of the deep web where anonymous activities take place, often involving illegal trade.
Remember, there is a chance of getting phishing attacks on the dark web and you must never click on any suspicious links. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory funded a project called The Onion Router (TOR). TOR offered intelligence sources a way to communicate easily and safely, especially in hostile areas where personal safety is key. It is now one of the most common browsers used to access the dark web, using databases to help people make their way around and find the information they need. As with the early internet, the dark web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activities and is frequently implicated in illicit and criminal activity. While the dark web has played a hand in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who may otherwise be persecuted for their identities or political beliefs.
When you read in the news about hackers stealing information from banks, tech companies, and hospitals, often that stolen information eventually ends up on the dark web. Apps are independently audited for security and are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Connection speeds are very fast, and you should be able to stream HD and 4K content without buffering. Surfshark works well with streaming platforms and is able to access geo-restricted content from the likes of Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Disney+. We’ll get into more detail about individual providers later in this article.
If you only want to mask your IP address and don’t need to access the dark web, then going online with a VPN is much easier and faster than using Tor. While no one can ever guarantee a method keeps your browsing completely untraceable, using Tor ensures your traffic is much harder to trace than if you’re using a normal browser. In fact, in most cases where people get caught doing something illicit using Tor, it’s because they’ve allowed themselves to be traced via other avenues.
Therefore, we have to respect how this environment has the potential to be very unsafe. For instance, your Facebook posts are unindexed and won’t be found via a web browser. Your email inbox, online banking and Google Drive folders are undiscoverable via a web browser. It’s the parts of your internet activity that aren’t hidden per se, but can’t be accessed by others online. While the terms, “deep web” and “dark we” are often used interchangeabley, they are not the same. The Dark Web is a fascinating place where you can find all sorts of illegal activity going on.
In 1989, Ian Clarke launched the Freenet project, which aimed to allow anonymous online interactions at a time when internet anonymity was difficult to achieve. Soon after, the Tor network was created as a safe and hidden way for American intelligence operatives to communicate with each other across the globe. 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.
2. Safety Precautions
Before accessing the dark web, follow these safety precautions:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet connection, making it harder to trace your activities.
- Enable Security Features: Use firewalls and antivirus software to protect your device.
- Be Wary of Personal Information: Never disclose personal information while browsing.
3. Downloading a Dark Web Browser
To access the dark web, you need a special browser:
- Download Tor Browser: This is the most popular method to access the dark web. Visit the official Tor Project website to download it.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
- Configure Your Connection: Open the Tor Browser and configure it for better security if prompted.
4. Navigating the Dark Web
Once you have your browser set up, here’s how to start navigating:
- Access .Onion Sites: Sites on the dark web usually have a .onion domain. Use directories like “The Hidden Wiki” or “Dark Web Link List” to find links.
- Use Caution: Many sites can lead to illegal content; be mindful of where you browse.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.
- But we imagine these sites mostly to be blogs and business websites that are too small or undeveloped to see the light of search engines.
- Your request could go from New York to South Africa, from South Africa to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to New Jersey.
- Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications.
- Just remember, if you want to explore the dark web, be very careful.
5. FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Q1: Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Q2: Can my ISP see if I’m using Tor?
While your ISP can see that you’re using Tor, they cannot see which sites you’re visiting. A VPN can add an extra layer of privacy.
Q3: Can I be tracked on the dark web?
Yes, it is possible to be tracked if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Always use a VPN, avoid giving personal information, and be aware of your digital footprint.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can expose you to a variety of information and services that you won’t find on the surface web. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and prioritize your safety and privacy wherever you go. Understanding how to access the dark web is just the beginning; practicing responsible browsing is essential for a secure experience.
