PRIVACY ALERT: Websites You Visit Can See These Details About You:
Understanding the Concept of the Dark Web
To curb the drug trade and other crimes, governments around the world are dedicating more and more resources to tracking down the people behind illegal Dark Web websites and shutting them down. Yet it is difficult to say what this means for the future of the Dark Web. Yet the increased attention on cybercrime has forced criminals to change strategies. Knowing that law enforcement was watching and listening on the Dark Web, specifics are often switched from semi-public spaces on the Dark Web to even more private channels. While the Dark Web has not fundamentally changed, it has gone even darker under the scrutiny of law enforcement.
The dark web represents a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illicit activities, but it also serves various legitimate purposes, including privacy protection.
However, thanks to its potential for anonymity, the dark web also features a lot of sites you won’t find on the surface web. For instance, the dark web is where a lot of journalists exchange information anonymously. Sites like ProPublica and Secure Drop are fundamental to investigative journalism. Like the regular internet, the dark web is home to all types of sites. To access deep web pages, you need the specific link to the page you want to access.
Today, the dark web has expanded and evolved greatly, working with increased sophistication. To access the dark web, you’ll need to use specialized software, such as Tor. Tor is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication.
Make sure that when you download the Tor file, it’s from their official website. The majority of the users on the dark web use the Tor (The Onion Router) browser. A vast number of URLs have domain endings such as “.onion”, which means that the URLs are only accessible by Tor users. The dark web is a very popular platform for journalists, political bloggers and political news publishers, and in particular, those living in countries where censorship shields most of the internet. You can also find email messages, online bank statements, and much more information on the deep web – information that is usually private and inaccessible by the public on the surface web. The majority of the web is called the “deep web” (often referred to as the “invisible” or “hidden” web).
In order to accomplish this, your activity is encrypted and sent through a network of nodes operated by volunteers around the globe. The dark web or hidden web can only be accessed through a special dark web browser. The Onion Router, known as Tor, is the most popular dark web browser. We will briefly discuss what Tor is and how it works before diving into a step-by-step guide on accessing the dark web. That said, it’s worth noting that the Tor browser is not the same as a VPN. It connects you to a network of servers rather than a particular server.
The deep web refers to any web content that is not indexed – or pages that can’t be found with a search engine. Examples of the deep web include any websites that are behind a paywall or require log-in credentials. Most internet users access the deep web several times a day to perform common tasks, such as checking email, accessing a bank account or reviewing health or school records. Items you would not be able to simply access by clicking on a link from a search engine.
How to Access the Dark Web
This operating model is what makes the dark web such a valuable and appealing tool for cybercriminals and other people with questionable intentions. There are a range of tools and services that scan the dark web looking for organizational threats and vulnerabilities but it’s a constantly moving target. “Dark web surveillance is a constantly changing field that requires continual updates and tweaks to stay successful,” Biswas says.
Getting on the dark web requires specific tools and knowledge to navigate safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- It all depends on the specifications you want your VPN to have, but ensure you look at the different features of a VPN provider thoroughly to find the one that will keep you safe.
- Head over to our page on how to safely access the dark web for some top security tip.
- However, if you must buy items from the dark web, set up a secure, encrypted email with CounterMail or ProtonMail.
- Also, even in countries where accessing the dark web is legal, it’s still against the law to use or host sites that promote criminal activities.
- Most URLs on the dark web have unrecognizable names, so it’s easy to fall for this trap — putting your private files, financial data, keystrokes, and other personal information at risk.
Surfshark is also really user-friendly, as its apps are all intuitive and make it very simple to find and connect to servers. Private Internet Access (PIA) has very user-friendly and customizable apps, allows Tor traffic on all servers, and provides great security. On average, I had really good browsing speeds — .onion sites loaded in 2–3 seconds, HD videos loaded in 5 seconds, and there was only minor buffering at the start of the videos. SecureDrop protects your privacy by encrypting your data, which makes it unreadable.
- Download a Secure Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser. This browser anonymizes your traffic by routing it through various servers.
- Install VPN Software: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security. It encrypts your internet connection, keeping your activities private.
- Connect to the Internet: Once the browser and VPN are installed, connect to a secure and reliable internet source.
- Open the Tor Browser: Launch the browser and allow it to connect to the Tor network.
- Access .onion Sites: Sites on the dark web typically end with the .onion domain. Enter these sites directly into the Tor Browser.
Safety Precautions While Exploring the Dark Web
While getting on the dark web can be intriguing, it’s vital to prioritize safety. Here are some precautions:
- Use a VPN to hide your IP address.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Do not download files unless you are confident about their safety.
- Be cautious of scams and phishing attempts.
- Familiarize yourself with the legal implications to prevent involvement in illegal activities.
Common Misconceptions About the Dark Web
Many misconceptions exist regarding the dark web. Here are some clarifications:
- Myth: The dark web is solely for criminals.
- Fact: While it contains illegal activities, many users seek privacy and freedom of expression.
- Myth: All dark web content is dangerous.
- Fact: There are safe sites, including forums, research databases, and support groups.
FAQs: Getting On the Dark Web
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is legal; however, engaging in illegal activities on it is not.
Can I be tracked while on the dark web?
While the dark web offers more anonymity than the surface web, no method is 100% foolproof. Using a VPN alongside Tor enhances privacy.
What kind of content is available on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, from forums discussing politics to marketplaces selling illegal substances. Exercise caution and critical judgment.
How can I exit the dark web safely?
Simply close the Tor Browser and disconnect from your VPN to leave the dark web. Avoid lingering on unauthorized or suspicious sites.
Conclusion
Getting on the dark web can be a complex process filled with risks and rewards. Understanding how to navigate this part of the internet safely is essential for protecting personal information and ensuring a positive experience.
