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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 is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
Close Every Open Internet-connected Program You Have Running
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also many legitimate websites on the dark web that are used for privacy, free speech, and whistleblowing.
How to Access the Dark Web
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. The Brave browser is a privacy-oriented Surface web browser that can also connect to the Tor network. To provide more secure access to the Tor network, in 2020 Brave launched its own Tor Onion Service. You can connect to the Tor network using the Tor browser, a custom web browser designed specifically to work with this network.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called Tor. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Step 1: Download and Install Tor
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The first step is to download and install the Tor browser. You can download it from the official Tor website. Once you have downloaded the installer, run it and follow the instructions to install Tor on your computer.
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But if we’re talking about forums, marketplaces, and other “social” websites and platforms, the darknet can quickly turn into an unsafe place. The deep web, on the other hand, can be accessed with a conventional browser such as Firefox or Safari. This part of the internet is not indexed by search engines and it’s the largest part of the entire internet. You need to use a dark web browser — such as the Tor browser — to search and access the dark web. Dark web browsers are specially designed to connect to websites on the Tor network, where most dark web sites are hosted. Though you can search dark web indexes with some clearnet browsers, you won’t be able to access the sites themselves.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
After installing Tor, launch the browser and connect to the Tor network. This may take a few seconds, as Tor needs to establish a secure connection to the network.
What Is A Dark Web Search Engine?
Step 3: Access the Dark Web
Can the government shut down Tor?
While Tor and other proxy servers can anonymize web traffic and bypass censorship, committed repressive governments, such as China and Russia, can IP block the Tor browser by shutting down all entry relays.
Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can access the dark web by typing the address of a dark web website into the Tor browser. Dark web websites use the .onion top-level domain, which is only accessible through Tor. For example, you can access the popular dark web marketplace, Silk Road, by typing silkroad6ownowfk.onion into the Tor browser.
Accessing The Darknet / Dark Web
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often associated with illegal activities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the dark web:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to add an extra layer of security.
- Only visit websites that have a good reputation and are known to be legitimate.
- Avoid downloading any files or software from the dark web, as they may contain malware or viruses.
- Do not share any personal information or engage in any illegal activities.
- Regularly update your Tor browser and VPN software to ensure dark web websites that you have the latest security patches and updates.
This negates the need to download, install, and run the Tor browser separately, and lets you access the Tor network without your ISP knowing. Having robust cybersecurity tools, including antivirus software and VPN solutions, are helpful, but they can’t keep your data off dark marketplaces. This is because other entities you engage, like employers, healthcare providers, insurers, retailers, and even government agencies, can fall victim to a security event and leak your data. It can be found on the Play Store and allows you to access different onion links and explore the Tor network. Luckily, there are a few useful sites and search engines that can improve your dark web browsing experience. Using Tor means your ISP won’t be able to see the sites you visit, but they will be able to see you accessed Tor.
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all the parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires specialized the dark web website software to access. The deep web includes websites that require login credentials, such as online banking or email accounts, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
- You’ll have to visit sites using their onion URLs or search with an onion search engine.
- It’s a network of websites that are intentionally hidden and require special software or configurations to access.
- If you’re looking to use the dark web, it’s as simple as installing a private browser, using a VPN, and making sure your computer remains safe and secure.
- Explore the free world, full of information, and knowledge inaccessible anywhere else.
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing these websites can put you at risk of legal consequences.
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 will need to use a specialized browser, such as Tor, to access the dark web.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
It is difficult to track activity on the dark web, as it uses a series of volunteer-operated servers to route internet connections. However, how to get into dark web it is not impossible to track activity on the dark web, and you should take precautions to protect your privacy and security.
What not to use Tor for?
Don't use Tor for online shopping or banking: While Tor can provide a high degree of anonymity, it's not designed for secure online transactions. Using Tor for online shopping or banking could put your financial information at risk.