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Someone might not even realize they’ve been hacked, yet their company and employee information could be sold,” Biswas says. However, one of the challenges for law enforcement in taking out these groups is that they rotate their infrastructure. A recent law enforcement crackdown saw a coordinated takedown of many, many servers because if they miss one single server, the whole thing stays running, says Owenson. “So, if all enforcement goes after one server, they’ve got servers all over the world that automatically fill in and replace when those servers are taken down,” he says. Knowing the right people or paying for access is usually the most common way to gain access to invite-only forums, according to Ryan Estes, intrusion analyst at WatchGuard Technologies. “You could also build trust with members of these groups or forums, but that is usually something that law enforcement officials acting undercover do,” he says.
How to Access the Dark Web
These dangers can interrupt business operations, defraud a company and devalue a brand’s integrity. The best way to avoid these dangers is to avoid using the dark web entirely. But if this is not possible, it’s important to employ reliable security measures, including antivirus software, and to access dark web sites only via a VPN.
Accessing the dark web requires a specific approach due to its nature. The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines and can only be accessed through specialized software. Below is a detailed guide on how to access the dark web safely.
And unlike the other layers of the web, the dark web can’t be seen from normal web browsers. Users can only access the dark web using special tools or software. Dark web users are anonymous, and their activity and IP addresses aren’t tracked. You’ll find many onion sites and services on the Tor network, having page addresses ending in .onion. Indexes of website links allow Google and other search engines to return relevant results whenever a user types a keyword into the search bar. Instead, the dark web uses information from individual email or social media accounts, databases, and documents to give users access.
If you choose to pursue exploring any sites on the dark web, you put yourself at risk of being singled out and targeted for hacks and more. Most malware infections can be caught by your endpoint security programs. While the deep web can be accessed using a conventional browser, getting on the darknet requires Tor and a quality VPN like ExpressVPN. Sadly, free providers aren’t considered quality given their annoying limitations that reduce their usability. If you want to know how to get on the dark web, I should explain this method as well.
In practice, it’s impossible to ban the dark web without targeting the Tor network, declaring war on the individual user’s right to encryption. It’s astounding how many websites love to toss around “shocking dark web facts” without citing sources. Any website that is not found by a crawler, or not indexed by the crawlers that find it, becomes part of the deep web. It’s hard to tell how many sites are on the deep web vs the surface web. A commonly cited statistic that the deep web is over 400 times larger than the surface web comes from a white paper from 2001, which might as well be the Stone Age in internet years.
1. Understanding the Dark Web
Daniel provides access to many tools — it has an online chatroom, an .onion link checker, a list of dark web links, and an option to get an encrypted email address. But make sure you’re careful which links you click on — some of them lead to sites that contain illegal content and services. Use the website to understand what kind of dark websites you like visiting—but never without reliable cybersecurity software to protect you from viruses and other threats. You’ll find several message boards and chat rooms on the dark web dedicated to topics that aren’t safe to discuss in other parts of the internet. As the topics of discussion are often dangerous, illegal, or unethical, it’s better to avoid visiting these websites or participating in such discussions. There are multiple search engines on the dark web that can help you find what you’re looking for.
Surfshark has some of the most affordable plans on the market, making it a great pick for anyone who needs a secure VPN to visit dark web sites and is also on a tight budget. That’s because the provider has advanced features like RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy. The VPN also has Smart Rules, which is a feature that lets you personalize your VPN connections. For example, you can configure the CyberGhost VPN app to automatically connect to a desired VPN server and open the Tor browser app on launch.
Before diving into the methods, it is essential to understand what the dark web is:
- The dark web is often associated with illegal activities but is also used for legitimate purposes like privacy protection.
- It operates through encrypted networks and is not accessible through standard web browsers.
2. Required Tools for Access
To access the dark web, you will need:
- TOR Browser: This is the most common tool used to access the dark web. It anonymizes your internet traffic by routing it through various servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a VPN before connecting to the TOR network adds an extra layer of security and privacy.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a secure operating system like Tails, which is designed for privacy. It runs from a USB stick and leaves no digital footprints.
- Browsing the dark web isn’t as straightforward as regular web surfing.
- You often need a specific URL and a password to access pages on the deep web.
- Some people and groups (like law enforcement agencies) consider the Dark Web to be dangerous.
- Our team of experts thoroughly test each service, evaluating it for features, usability, security, value for money and more.
3. Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to access the dark web securely:
- Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service. Install the application and connect to a secure server.
- Download the TOR Browser: Visit the official TOR Project website and download the TOR Browser.
- Install and Launch TOR: Follow installation instructions and then launch the TOR Browser.
- Access .onion Sites: Use the TOR browser to visit .onion websites, which are specific to the dark web.
4. Safety Precautions
When navigating the dark web, it is crucial to take safety precautions to protect your identity and privacy:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid illegal activities which can attract law enforcement.
- Be wary of scams and phishing attempts.
- Use encrypted communication tools for any sensitive discussions.
5. Common Misconceptions
Despite its reputation, there are several misconceptions about the dark web:
- The dark web is not inherently illegal; it provides a platform for privacy and anonymity.
- Not all content on the dark web is malicious; there are forums and resources for vulnerable individuals.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: No, accessing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is.
Q: Can I get caught while on the dark web?
A: While using TOR and a VPN increases privacy, it does not guarantee complete anonymity. Exercise caution.
Q: What can I find on the dark web?
A: The dark web hosts a variety of content including forums, marketplaces, and resources for privacy advocates, among other things.
Q: Is it safe to use the dark web?
A: Using the dark web carries risks; however, following safety precautions can mitigate these risks significantly.
In conclusion, accessing the dark web requires careful preparation and an understanding of the associated risks. By using the right tools and taking appropriate precautions, users can explore this hidden part of the internet safely and responsibly.
