Step 5: Staying Safe On The Dark Web
Understanding Getting on the Dark Web
The concept of getting on the dark web can often conjure images of secret dealings, anonymous transactions, and illicit activities. However, while some content on the dark web may be illegal, it also hosts various legitimate forums and resources.
Many need to cross international borders, and customs officials are cracking down on suspicious packages. The dark web news site Deep.Dot.Web teems with stories of buyers who have been arrested or jailed for attempted purchases. The dark web has flourished thanks to bitcoin, the crypto-currency that enables two parties to conduct a trusted transaction without knowing each other’s identity. “Bitcoin has been a major factor in the growth of the dark web, and the dark web has been a big factor in the growth of bitcoin,” says Tiquet.
What is the Dark Web?
While no one knows the exact amount, the total amount of content on the Deep web is believed to be many times as great as that of the Surface web. We’ve often seen estimates that the Deep web is 10 to 20 times as large as the Surface web. This is a free software tool that allows users to access the dark web and browse anonymously. As long as there’s a demand for the ability to privately browse the internet and, more importantly, host websites anonymously, the deep web will exist. Due to its decentralized structure, there is no real way to “shut down” the deep net, just like you can’t really shut down the regular internet. Making sure you’re connected via HTTPS is one solution to this problem, as is using a virtual private network.
Just note that although you’ll be anonymous, you won’t have the speed or convenience of a direct connection, and some sites might block you outright. For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network. You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here. Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. The most commonly known method to explore the dark web is through Tor (The Onion Router), a network that anonymizes user traffic.
- Some hackers offer ransomware as a service (RaaS), where cybercriminals can “rent” a strain of ransomware from its creator in exchange for a fee or a percentage of their ransom payments.
- If you decide to visit Tor’s hidden or anonymous servers, be mindful of the sites you visit.
- While the dark web can be a valuable resource for accessing information and services, it’s important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security.
- Abuse and persecution victims, whistleblowers, and political dissidents have been frequent users of these hidden sites.
How to Access the Dark Web
Website owners hide their sites to protect information not meant for public viewing, like email and banking accounts, private social media pages, and electronic health records. Imagine if someone were able to Google your name and have your email account and/or health records pop up instantly. My advice is to research before entering sites you find through search engines and protect your personal information with a highly secure VPN. As long as you don’t engage in illegal activities, you shouldn’t have any problems. In an attempt to stop criminal organizations operating on the dark web, authorities are setting up fake websites to track possible criminal activity. By doing this, they get access to whoever is visiting the sites — including you if you accidentally end up there.
ProPublica has a clearnet site, but its dark web version won’t see your IP address, so you get better privacy. You can also use its .onion link via the Tor network to access the site in restrictive countries, where it might be unavailable. SOCRadar provides a thorough Dark Web monitoring solution that enables organizations to identify and mitigate threats across the surface, deep and dark web. Socradar searches the Deep Web for private information such as the institution’s email addresses, IP addresses, URL addresses, or source codes. It also monitors hacker chatters to detect any mention of company name and domain in deep web. First of all, you’ll need a VPN – now you know – it provides additional privacy and security online by changing your IP address.
You could easily use Tor in an attempt to pirate copyrighted content from the deep web, share illegal pornography, or engage in cyber terrorism. Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web. The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites.
If you’re considering getting on the dark web, follow these steps to navigate safely:
CyberGhost is a great choice if you’re new to VPNs, as it has user-friendly apps for all major platforms. The apps have an intuitive interface that makes it simple to find and connect to a VPN server to start securely surfing the dark web. Also, all settings and features have helpful explanations, which is great. 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.
Organizations fall victim to cyberattacks as threat actors are keen on breaching corporate accounts and selling their data. Fortunately, the risks that the dark web poses to cybersecurity can be minimized with protection plans. Leverage cybersecurity measures against the dark web by following these steps.
- Download Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download and install the Tor Browser.
- Secure Your Device: Ensure your antivirus software is up to date and consider using a VPN for added security.
- Connect to Tor: Launch the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network; this may take a few moments.
- Explore Hidden Services: Use .onion websites which can only be accessed through the Tor network.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web can be a fascinating experience, it is crucial to practice safety:
- Be Anonymous: Never share personal information or use identifiable usernames.
- Use a VPN: Although Tor provides anonymity, using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection.
- Beware of Scams: The dark web contains many scams, so proceed with caution and skepticism.
- Stay Legal: Avoid engaging in illegal activities to protect yourself from legal repercussions.
Common Myths About the Dark Web
When discussing getting on the dark web, several myths often arise:
- Myth: All content is illegal. Reality: While some areas facilitate illegal activities, there are forums focused on privacy and anonymity.
- Myth: The dark web is only for hackers. Reality: It hosts various communities, including whistleblowers, activists, and privacy advocates.
- Myth: You will be tracked instantly. Reality: While there are risks, using proper security measures can help protect your identity.
FAQs about Getting on 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 found there is against the law.
Q: Can you get caught on the dark web?
A: Yes, there are risks; using Tor and VPNs helps, but staying away from illegal activities is paramount.
Q: What kind of content can I find on the dark web?
A: It varies from forums on privacy, artists’ platforms, to less desirable content involving illegal activities.
In summary, getting on the dark web opens up a complex world of information. While it emphasizes the importance of anonymity and privacy, it equally highlights the necessity for caution and responsibility. Engaging with the dark web can be done safely by respecting legal boundaries and protecting personal information.
