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The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also .onion link has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. In this article, we’ll explore how you can access the dark web safely and securely.
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What You’ll Need
To access the dark web, you’ll need the following:
- The dark web is a hub for threat actors’ activity; users can endanger themselves when they engage with malicious actors or fail to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
- The volume of dark web domains has remained stagnant, even though the overall traffic has increased recently,” Estes says.
- However, new technology like encryption and the anonymization browser software, Tor, now makes it possible for anyone to dive dark if they’re interested.
- Nira has also attained its International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) certification.
- Dark Web domains frequently employ non-memorable, hashed URLs with the .onion top level domain.
“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. To find out if your information is leaked on the Dark Web — you can rely on Aura’s identity theft protection service. Starting from your email address, a persistent malicious hacker or scammer can scrape numerous details that can be used for financial fraud, identity theft, and many more types of cyber attacks. Despite its menacing name, the Dark Web is not illegal per se, nor is it unlawful to access it. However, the undeniable fact is that most of the activities that happen on the Dark Web are related to criminal actions.
- A dark web browser, such as Tor or I2P.
- A virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy.
- A secure email address that is not linked to your real identity.
- A strong, unique password for each dark web service you use.
Using a Dark Web Browser
Service Providers
The most popular dark web browser is Tor, which stands for “The Onion Router.” Tor encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a series of volunteer-run what darknet markets are still open servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. To use Tor, download and install the browser from the official Tor Project website.
Configuring Tor
When you first launch Tor, you’ll be asked if you want to connect directly to the Tor network or through a bridge. If you’re in a country where Tor is blocked, choose the bridge option. You can also configure Tor to use a specific bridge relay or obfuscated bridges for added security.
These high levels of anonymity increase the opportunity for the “bad guys” to sell drugs, stolen IDs, credit cards, weapons, and many more compromised products or information. Opennet connections are easier to use, but darknet connections provide more security against attackers on the network. But remember, it’s essential to take all the necessary and important security steps before entering such sites on the dark web. As mentioned before, your ISP and government institutions are not able to see what sites you visit on the Tor network, but they can probably see that you use Tor. Since you’ve now installed the Tor browser, you can safely browse dark web websites and other (previously) hidden websites.
Using a VPN
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. This hides your real IP address and makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. It’s important to use a reputable VPN service that doesn’t keep logs of your internet activity.
Choosing a VPN Service
When choosing a VPN service, look for the following features:
Change, Risk & Benefits
- A strict no-logs policy.
- Strong encryption.
- A large network of servers in various locations.
- A user-friendly app.
- Good customer support.
There are different versions available, from the most well-known, such as The Onion Router (most commonly known as Tor), to the lesser used, such as Freenet. Many users of the dark web access it to remain anonymous, but there may be some fallacy in that assumption of anonymity. Many people, including researchers, are surprised to learn that what they consider the internet is actually just the tip of the iceberg and only accounts for a percentage of all the data online. Many also conflate the deep and dark web, which are entirely different in structure. The internet’s searchable and unsearchable areas can be divided into three main buckets.
It’s designed as an environment to elude detection, where site owners and visitors hide their identities. And while the dark web isn’t synonymous with illicit activities, it’s undeniably the breeding ground for the internet’s black markets, hacker forums, malware vendors, and other illegal activity. Learn more about our various degree and certification programs today by requesting more information. Originally used by the United States Department of Defense to communicate anonymously, the dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world.
Creating a Secure Email Address
What is the dark side of the deep web?
The Dark Web Is a Hidden Section of the Deep Web
There is a portion of the deep web known as the "dark web." The dark web is purposefully concealed, and it can only be accessed with sophisticated tools. Tor, which stands for The Onion Router, is the most well-known of them.
To create a secure email address, use a service that doesn’t require any personal information, such as ProtonMail or Tutanota. These services use end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and recipient can read the email. Avoid using your real name or any other personal information in your email address.
Creating Strong, Unique Passwords
It’s important to use strong, unique passwords for each dark web service you use. A password manager, such as LastPass or 1Password, can help you generate and store strong passwords. Avoid using the same password for multiple services, as this increases the risk of your accounts being compromised.
It safeguards the user’s online activities and identity by encrypting internet traffic and directing it through a series of TOR servers. While the TOR browser is frequently employed to access the dark web, it can also be used to browse the regular web more securely and privately. TOR (The Onion Router) is a software that makes it possible for users to communicate and browse the internet anonymously. This is achieved by directing internet traffic through a global network of servers, which conceals the user’s identity and location. The main purpose of TOR is to provide access to the dark web and bypass censorship and surveillance in countries with restricted internet access.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, it’s not illegal to access the dark web. However, many illegal activities take place on the dark web, so it’s important to use it responsibly and protect your privacy.
Is my email on the dark web?
Check If Your Email Is on the Dark Web
Check to see if your accounts are at risk using Identity Guard's Dark Web scanner. A Dark Web scanner searches the Dark Web for your email address and personal information. If it finds any activity related to you, you are alerted immediately.
Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You’ll need to use a dark web browser, such as Tor or I2P.
Is it safe to use the dark web?
Using the dark web can be risky, as it’s often associated with illegal activities. However, if you take the necessary precautions, such as using a VPN and a dark web browser, you can use the dark web safely and securely.
Can I get viruses or malware from the dark web?
Yes, there is a risk of downloading viruses or malware from the dark web. It’s important to use antivirus software and keep it up to date to protect your computer.
How did my name get on the dark web?
If any of your personal information, whether that's your full name or your email address, is spotted on the dark web, it likely means you're a victim of a data breach.
