The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as protecting the identities of whistleblowers and journalists. If you’re interested in accessing the Dark Web, here’s how to do it.
Use a Dark Web Browser
The first step to accessing the Dark Web is to download and install a Dark Web browser. The most popular Dark Web browser is the Tor browser, which you can download from the official Tor Project website. Other options include the I2P and Freenet networks.
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Tor Browser
What is better than Tor?
- Brave. Browse the web faster and block data-grabbing ads and trackers with Brave.
- Chromium. Chromium is an open-source browser designed to allow developers to build safer, faster, and more stable browsers.
- Google Chrome.
- Firefox.
- Opera.
Tor (The Onion Router) is a free software that allows anonymous communication. The Tor network hides your location and online activities from anyone conducting network surveillance or traffic analysis. To access the Dark Web using Tor, follow these steps:
- Download the Tor Browser from the official website.
- Install the Tor Browser on your computer.
- Launch the Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can access the Dark Web by typing in a .onion URL.
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Find Dark Web Sites
Finding Dark Web sites can be challenging since they are not indexed by search engines. However, there are a few ways to find .onion sites:
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- Use a Dark Web directory, such as the Hidden Wiki, to find links to various .onion sites.
- Join Dark Web forums and communities to get links to .onion sites.
- Use a Dark Web search engine, such as Ahmia or notEvil, to search for .onion sites.
The dark web contains a wide variety of services and content to its users, some of which skirts or disregards legality. While the intention and purpose of users on the dark web may vary, the dark web itself is neither good nor bad. If you have a legitimate or viable need to access the dark web, you’ll want to make sure you stay safe if you decide to use it. Some of these are well-known, established threats that circulate in this nook of the web. However, others may be taking advantage of the dark web’s reputation to trick users out of large sums of money. Also, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion.
Stay Safe on the Dark Web
That said, anonymity comes with a dark side since criminals and malicious hackers also prefer to operate in the shadows. For example, cyberattacks and trafficking are activities that the participants know will be incriminating. Venturing further into the deep web does bring a bit more danger to the light.
Accessing the Dark Web can be risky, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself:
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- Use a VPN to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each Dark Web site you visit.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Do not download or install any software or files from the Dark Web unless you are sure they are safe.
- Do not share personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number, on the Dark Web.
They’ve been in our news frequently as the global MOVEit breach continues. Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S. Caesars Entertainment (CE) oversees 58 gaming properties across the continental states. Their locations include world destinations, nightlife activities, a comprehensive concierge, and an industry-leading approach to draw millions of gamblers weekly.
FAQs
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as protecting the identities of whistleblowers and journalists.
Is it illegal to access the Dark Web?
No, it is not illegal to access the Dark Web. However, many activities on the Dark Web are illegal, so it’s important to be cautious and protect yourself.
The average user won’t be able to identify you on the dark web, but the authorities can still track you down with high-level technologies. The danger comes in when you download illegal materials which contain viruses or malware, like trojans, worms, or keyloggers. All sites on the dark web end with “.onion,” as opposed to “.com” or “.org” commonly seen on the surface web. That’s a deliberate ploy so that only browsers with specific proxies are allowed to access those sites. It’s also very difficult to remember the URLs of sites on the dark web, which is another way to maintain their anonymity.
Can I use my regular web browser to access the Dark Web?
- It’s the biggest part of the web, taking up about 96% of the internet.
- The experience is reminiscent of searching the web in the late 1990s.
- If you’re trying to hide from an oppressive government or want to be a whistle-blower for something illegal, take as many steps as you can to be safe.
- These are just a few examples of hacking tools and services available on the dark web.
No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the Dark Web. You need to use a Dark Web browser, such as the Tor browser, to access the Dark Web.
Is it safe to access the Dark Web?
Accessing the Dark Web can be risky, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself, such as using a VPN, using strong passwords, and not sharing personal information.
Is DuckDuckGo a Tor?
DuckDuckGo is the default search engine in Tor Browser. DuckDuckGo does not track its users nor does it store any data about user searches. Learn more about DuckDuckGo privacy policy.