How To Get On The Dark Web? An Easy Tutorial To Do It SAFELY
The most obvious type of internet activity is the buying and selling of black market goods and services, from illegal drugs to illegal content. Cybercriminals may also run scams when selling such items, for example by taking a person’s money and not delivering the required product. However, many schools also have an intranet — sometimes linked from the main university page — that’s accessible only for students or staff. This is where students might sign up for classes and access their school email, for example. Since this is sensitive information and requires a unique login, it doesn’t need to be made publicly available via search engines. The internet you use to search for more information is referred to as the surface web or open web.
Understanding the Dark Web
That’s because the provider has advanced features like RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy. 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. ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for browsing pages on the dark web in 2024 — it supports Tor traffic, provides excellent security and privacy features, and has very fast speeds. SecureDrop is an open-source submission system that nonprofit organizations (NGOs), journalists, and news organizations can use to share and receive sensitive files securely. It’s used by 50+ news organizations, including ABC, Bloomberg News, CBC, and The New York Times.
Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) serves a population of about 13,000 across two campuses and dispersed locations. BHCC offers over 100 degrees, including arts, sciences, business, health, law, and STEM opportunities. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCC) is a three-location care network that delivers solutions for cancer patients. They are an independent organization that provides experience for the University of Washington’s Medicine programs. Transformative Healthcare was featured early on; their breach happened in February 2023 and may impact over 900k people, including patients and former FAS employees. This week in cybersecurity saw billions of records fall into the hands of criminals.
- The files are automatically encrypted, and the sender’s IP is not logged.
- As an average internet user, you won’t come across the dark web since you need a special browser to access it.
- It is fraught with scams, malware, and malicious actors looking to exploit unsuspecting users.
- Using our ocean and iceberg visual, the dark web would be the bottom tip of the submerged iceberg.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines like Google or Bing. It requires specific software to access and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also serves legitimate purposes, such as providing privacy for whistleblowers and journalists.
How to Go to the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to go to the dark web.
1. Prepare Your System
Intranets, or internal networks used by companies and academic institutions, cannot be accessed by the public. They require access to a specific VPN service and credentials before they can be viewed. Organizations use intranets for internal communication and documentation and for hosting internal online tools.
Before accessing the dark web, it’s essential to ensure your system is secure. Consider the following:
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. In a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of security and privacy.
- Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system and antivirus software are up to date.
- Use a Dedicated Device: If possible, use a separate device for dark web browsing to limit exposure to your primary system.
Reusing passwords can leave you vulnerable to hacking and identity theft. From there, choose “Tor Network Settings.” This will bring up a window where you need to confirm that you want to use Tor as your default browser and enable your Tor Browser security settings. These VPNs are compatible with Windows, Mac, IOS, Android and any other device with an Internet connection.
Also keep in mind that users may need to disable certain scripts and plugins, so you may not be able to run everything you want on Tor. And if you’re thinking about using Tor to download torrents, think again. Torrenting is a file-sharing process that relies on the P2P protocol.
2. Download the Tor Browser
The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Tor Project Website: Go to torproject.org. Download the browser for your operating system.
- Install the Browser: Follow the installation instructions for your specific device.
- Configure Settings: Open the browser and configure your settings as needed for enhanced privacy.
3. Browse Dark Web Sites
Once you have the Tor Browser installed, you can begin browsing the dark web. Keep these in mind:
- Use .onion URLs: Dark web sites typically end in .onion. You may need a directory or recommendations to find these sites.
- Exercise Caution: Many sites may contain adult content, illegal activities, or scams. Stay vigilant.
- Utilize Forums: Communities such as Reddit or specific dark web forums can guide you toward safe and reputable sites.
Safety Tips While on the Dark Web
To enhance your security while navigating the dark web, consider the following safety tips:
- Never Share Personal Information: Always maintain anonymity by avoiding the sharing of any personal details.
- Avoid Downloading Files: Downloading files can be risky as it may contain malware.
- Be Wary of Links: Many links can lead you to dangerous sites. Always double-check the source.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for various purposes, including privacy-focused communication, access to restricted information, and illicit activities such as drug trafficking and illegal pornography.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dangerous web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted there may be against the law. Always ensure that your actions comply with local laws.
Can you get caught on the dark web?
While it is challenging to get caught, engaging in illegal activities can lead to arrest. Law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activities, so exercising caution is crucial.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web requires careful preparation and an understanding of the potential risks. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet more securely. Always prioritize your safety and think critically about the sites you choose to explore.