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Understanding How to Access the Dark Web
This will help protect your device from any potential threats you may encounter on the dark web. The Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) gig economy is the main driver of economic growth on the dark web, and is getting bigger every year. Cybercrime specialists typically sell their goods and services on dark web message boards, Discord servers and Telegram channels, and are generally paid in cryptocurrency.
However, in February 2024 we found a majority of links on the site to be outdated and defunct. There’s even links to other useful resources, like the Darknet Bible and a guide on PGP encryption. With Javascript disabled for security, DuckDuckGo.onion can look very plain.
The other 90-95%—the Deep Web—is basically all the content not indexed by search engines. The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate. The anonymity of onion sites is the main draw of the dark web, and most dark web links are hosted on “.onion” domains due to the sensitive nature of the businesses or services they host. Onion sites may offer secure access to cryptocurrency wallets or anonymous email clients. Connecting to the dark web requires a few more things than just a computer and internet access.
The dark web is often shrouded in mystery and stigma. To access the dark web, it is essential to understand what it is and the tools necessary for safe navigation.
Also referred to as “non-indexed” content, it’s any content hidden behind some kind of access control such as a log-in or code word. It contains 7,500 terabytes of information, compared with only 19 terabytes of information in the “surface” web. To look at it in a different way, it makes up between 90% and 95% of the internet. The dark web and the deep web are often used interchangeably, but they’re two distinct concepts.
- It does this by bouncing users’ and sites’ traffic through multiple relays to disguise where they are.
- While most people access the internet through common web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge, there are deeper levels of the internet that aren’t accessible by the average user.
- Tor can be a safe tool for protecting your online privacy and anonymity when used correctly and responsibly.
- It is also checked by customs officials, which may crackdown on suspicious parcels.
These aren’t the type of products you should use to keep you safe while exploring the dark web. PrivateVPN allows torrenting and has dedicated servers in its home country for just that purpose. Torrenters can also make use of port forwarding, which allows connections to more peers in a torrent swarm. The former protects traffic using AES-256-GCM encryption and 4096-bit RSA certificates with SHA512 for server authentication.
What is the Dark Web?
Many things for sale on dark web marketplaces are illegal, like ransomware or other strains of malware, illicit drugs, weapons, and in some cases, even human organs. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security. Accessing the dark web on Tor makes it much more difficult for police to track your online activity. In the last few years, international crime agencies have successfully worked together to shut down dark web marketplaces and arrest criminals. If you access the dark web without a VPN, your ISP is likely to pick up on the Tor activity, and it might mark you out for surveillance. Tor activity picked up by an ISP has been used in the past by law enforcement as incriminating behavior.
Venturing into this area exposes users to malware, hacking, and extreme scams. Users may also confront any number of law enforcement surveillance efforts. Although no one knows your identity when using TOR, some people like to add an additional layer of protection and connect to TOR via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The reason for that is that even though you’re anonymous, you can still be identified as using TOR for “something”.
The dark web forms a part of the deep web, an area of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. It is characterized by anonymity and can host both legal and illegal activities.
Tools Required to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, specific tools are necessary:
- Tor Browser: A special browser designed to surf the dark web anonymously.
- VPN Services: Virtual Private Networks add an extra layer of security and privacy.
- Encrypted Communication Apps: Applications like Signal help protect your communications while on the dark web.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Here is a step-by-step guide to access the dark web safely:
- Download and install a reliable VPN.
- Install the Tor Browser from its official website.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor Browser.
- Open the Tor Browser and wait for it to connect.
- Once connected, you can start visiting .onion websites.
Safety Precautions When Accessing the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web poses risks; hence, follow these safety tips:
- Remain anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information.
- Use strong passwords: Protect your accounts with complex passwords.
- Be cautious: Not everything on the dark web is illegal, but many sites can be dangerous.
- Disable scripts: Adjust browser settings to enhance security.
Common Misconceptions About the Dark Web
There are several myths surrounding the dark web:
- All activity is illegal: While the dark web is home to illegal activities, it also supports privacy advocacy and free speech.
- The dark web is only for hackers: People access it for various reasons, including privacy and information security.
- You will get hacked immediately: While risks exist, exercising caution can help keep users safe.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities is against the law.
Q: Can I access the dark web without a VPN?
A: While it is possible, using a VPN is highly recommended for added security and privacy.
Q: Will my ISP know that I accessed the dark web?
A: Using a VPN can help obscure your internet activity from your ISP.
Q: What can I find on the dark web?
A: The dark web hosts various content, including forums, marketplaces, and information exchanges, both legal and illegal.
Conclusion
In summary, to access the dark web requires the right tools and precautions. While it holds the potential for privacy and free speech, users must navigate its landscapes carefully to avoid legal issues and safety hazards.
