Use The Best VPN For The Dark Web
With this setup, your messages are encrypted before they enter the Tor network, and decrypted after they leave the network. To function securely, the Tor network nodes need to be running the official Tor software. An attacker can add subverted nodes to the volunteer-run Tor network and cause various kinds of problems. Tor protects your privacy by passing your messages through three nodes in the worldwide Tor network. Thanks to the onion routing used in this network, no node can know both the origin and destination of a message.
He’s tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more. Be careful when using any dark web site URL listed in this article as it may have changed since the article was written. When using the dark web, you should always take precautions such as using a VPN and antivirus program, as well as checking your local laws. Next to a VPN, an antivirus is one of the most important dark web tools. Hence, several dark web pages contain harmful elements, such as child pornography and malware. Another way to access the dark web is using NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN.
Understanding the Dark Web
A corrupt node will expose your IP address and let hackers and snoopers steal your data. Besides, there are lots of them on the dark web, so this is something to keep in mind. The silver lining is that a VPN can remedy this issue when it’s used before connecting to Tor. This, of course, isn’t entirely true, as you can find some educational and useful – above all LEGAL – sites that you can’t find on the surface web. Having that in mind, I’ll explain how to get to the dark web and to it safely, which is pretty important for the reasons explained below. The average person doesn’t share their private life with just anyone; they let specific people know it when the information is needed.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. It operates in an encrypted environment, ensuring a level of anonymity for its users, making it distinct from the surface web and the deep web.
Why Enter the Dark Web?
While many dark marketplaces have been shut down by authorities, new ones soon appear in their place. Social networks, such as Facebook, have created dark web versions of their sites to address privacy problems related to their surface web versions. ExpressVPN had created a .onion version of its website to allow greater privacy and anonymity for Tor browser users.
That’s the desktop edition, but there’s a version for Android and an unsupported onion browsing app for iOS. DefCon, ProPublica, the CIA, various libraries, and open-source software providers also feature in this area of the internet. A VPN and Tor should be used together and it is advisable to connect via a VPN to Tor, rather than vice versa, for the best protection possible. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
Once connected, you’ll have access to dark net websites called “Tor hidden services”. Instead of “.com” or “.org”, Dark Web addresses trail with a “.onion“. A Hidden Service (also known as an ‘onion service’) is one where not only the user, but also the website itself, have their anonymity protected by Tor. This means that the IP address of the site cannot be identified, meaning that information about its host, location or content is hidden. Hidden Services are sometimes called “onion addresses” because the website name often ends .onion. The ‘Dark Web’ uses complex systems that anonymise a user’s true IP address, making it very difficult to work out which websites a device has visited.
You will need to install GnuPG on your Linux OS, if it isn’t there already, in order to be able to verify the hash of the browser package. Because Tor Browser has software vulnerabilities, the same as every other browser. It’s also based on Firefox, so it inherits some of its vulnerabilities from there as well. Accessing the Tor browser and getting acquainted with the world of the darknet is not as difficult as you think.
There are various legitimate and illegitimate reasons users might seek to enter the dark web, including:
- Privacy protection.
- Whistleblowing.
- Accessing restricted information.
- Forum discussions on sensitive topics.
How to Enter the Dark Web Safely
Entering the dark web can expose users to various risks, including illegal activities and cyber threats. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enter the dark web securely:
1. Prepare Your Device
Before diving into the dark web, ensure your device is secure:
- Install antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Keep your operating system and software updated.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address.
2. Download the Tor Browser
The most common method to access the dark web is through the Tor network:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download and install the Tor Browser.
- Ensure you only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.
3. Configure Browser Settings
Once the Tor Browser is installed:
- Adjust security settings according to your needs.
- Use the “Safest” security level for heightened protection.
4. Access Dark Web Sites
Sites on the dark web often have a .onion domain:
- For example, cyberattacks and trafficking are activities that the participants know will be incriminating.
- Also known as the darknet, the dark web constitutes a large part of illegal activity on the internet.
- This information comes from infected devices, like smartphones and laptops, that allow access remotely to obtain user passwords or other personal data.
- This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address).
- TOR allows users to obfuscate browsing activity by scrambling a user’s IP address through a secure and distributed network.
- When there’s been a data breach, there’s a chance the accessed information — from Social Security numbers to bank card numbers — will end up for sale on the dark web.
- To find dark web links, use directories or forums in the Tor network.
- Avoid sharing personal information on these sites.
5. Practice Safe Browsing
While browsing the dark web, adhere to security guidelines:
- Avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
- Do not click on suspicious links or advertisements.
Important Considerations
When venturing into the dark web, keep these points in mind:
- Not everything on the dark web is illegal; some content may be legal yet sensitive.
- Legal implications vary by country; familiarize yourself with local laws.
- Always be cautious of scams and phishing attempts.
FAQs about Entering the Dark Web
Q1: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A1: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities on it is.
Q2: Can I be tracked on the dark web?
A2: While the dark web offers anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked. Using a VPN can help mitigate this risk.
Q3: What are some recommended resources for navigating the dark web?
A3: There are forums and directories specifically for the dark web, but use caution and ensure they are trustworthy.
Q4: How can I exit the dark web safely?
A4: Simply close the Tor Browser. It’s also wise to clear your browsing history and cache after use.
Entering the dark web carries inherent risks but can be done safely with the right precautions. Understanding what to expect and how to protect yourself is crucial for a secure experience.
