How to Access the Dark Web Using Tor
In addition, these other search engines haven’t been endorsed by the Tor Project or Tails, like DuckDuckGo has been. Once you’ve got access to the dark web, there are several tools and strategies you’ll need to follow to stay safe while browsing it. While Tor gives you access to sites on the .onion ecosystem, you can also use Tor to browse the surface web, taking advantage of its encryption to enjoy additional security and privacy. However, be warned, this will not be an enjoyable user experience. There are a lot of VPNs in the market, but not all VPNs were created equal.
Less nefarious is the information that skims the surface of the Dark Web, in a zone called the Deep Web. That belongs to large corporates or governments and is never exposed to the public, such as medical records, government reports, financial records, and such. These are kept away from search engines and behind powerful firewalls to protect them. The dark web has numerous legitimate uses but is still home to various criminal activities.
The Tor browser conflicts with some international laws on censorship, so not everyone can use it today. The dark web was first used by the U.S. military in 1995 to share sensitive information without fear of surveillance or interception. The technology was later made available to civilians through Tor, which allows users to browse anonymously while avoiding censorship. A slower but more widely used and well-audited way to route communications over Tor is SecureDrop. Taking a cue from WikiLeaks and originally coded by the late internet activist Aaron Swartz, SecureDrop allows anyone to host an anonymous dropbox for sensitive information.
- The dark web presents both opportunities and risks for those who dare to explore its depths.
- It is also used by whistle-blowers, journalists, and other individuals who are not involved in illegal activity but need to protect their communications and identities.
- ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more.
- This is because the dark web is placed on darknets, an overlay network that exists ‘on top of” the regular internet.
You cannot find dark websites by simply searching for them on Google or other conventional search engines. The most popular search engine for the dark web is DuckDuckGo’s “onion service.” It allows users to search the dark web without compromising their anonymity. If I wanted to reach a mail server through Tor, my request would travel encrypted along with a random path through the Tor network, rather than directly through my ISP. The dark web is a haven for scams, illegal products and stores, and information and media that would otherwise be blocked by search engines, web browsers, and social networks. The dark web is an online underground market, where people can buy and sell illegal products and services, remain hidden from their government, and contact people anonymously. More specifically, in the 1990s, they invented onion routing, a protocol that makes anonymous communication in a network possible.
The Tor Browser hides your IP address and browsing activity by redirecting web traffic through a series of different routers known as nodes. Because Tor hides browsing activity and blocks tracking, it’s used by whistleblowers, journalists, and others who want to protect their privacy online. Specifically, Tor is a communication protocol that uses a network of relays to stop others from tracking you. The “onion” metaphor is used to indicate the layers upon layers of encryption applied, rendering it difficult to determine who you are and track your online activities. It can even be infuriating to see that information brokers’ activities aren’t even illegal because they claim to be using information that already exists in the public domain. The Tor Browser is currently available only for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux.
Our team of experts thoroughly test each service, evaluating it for features, usability, security, value for money and more. The purpose of creating it is to provide a platform for intelligent agents and whistleblowers to report wrongdoings or expose crimes surrounding them while staying anonymous. Some secure services even use escrow services to gain trust and keep the doubts of scams away. If you are dealing with others on dark web marketplaces, use pseudonyms or other accounts to protect your identity. Mostly, whistleblowers who want to expose a crime but keep their identity hidden use the dark web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it less accessible and often associated with illicit activities. However, it also hosts various forums, marketplaces, and communities that prioritize privacy and anonymity. If you’re curious about how to access the dark web using Tor, follow these steps:
What is Tor?
Tor (The Onion Router) is a free software designed to enable anonymous communication over the internet. It directs internet traffic through a free, worldwide volunteer overlay network consisting of more than seven thousand relays to conceal a user’s location and usage.
Steps to Access the Dark Web Using Tor
To access the dark web securely, follow these detailed steps:
- Download the Tor Browser:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android).
- Download and install the Tor Browser as per the instructions provided.
How To Enter The Dark Web Safely: A Step-by-step Guide
- Use a VPN for Extra Security:
- A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security by masking your actual IP address before connecting to the Tor network.
- Select a reputable VPN service and connect before launching the Tor Browser.
- Launch the Tor Browser:
- Open the Tor Browser that you have just installed.
- Click on “Connect” to establish a connection to the Tor network.
- Adjust Security Settings:
- Once connected, it’s advisable to set your security to the highest level.
- Click on the shield icon next to the URL bar and select “Strong” or “Safer” for enhanced protection.
- Visit .onion Websites:
- Use search engines designed for the dark web, like DuckDuckGo, to find .onion sites.
- These sites usually end in “.onion” and can only be accessed through the Tor Browser.
Safety Precautions While Browsing
While access to the dark web can be intriguing, safety should be your priority. Here are some precautions:
- Do not share personal information: Avoid disclosing any identifiable information.
- Be cautious with downloads: Downloading files from unknown sources can compromise your security.
- Use cryptocurrencies: If you engage in any transactions, consider using cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity.
- Stay informed: Understand the nature of the sites you are visiting and their associated risks.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web Using Tor
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, accessing the dark web is legal in most places, but engaging in illegal activities while on it is not.
Can I use regular browsers to access the dark web?
No, traditional browsers are not capable of connecting to .onion sites, which require the use of Tor.
Will my ISP know I’m using Tor?
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will notice that you are using Tor, but they will not be able to see what you are accessing through it.
How can I find .onion sites?
Use search engines like Ahmia or The Hidden Wiki to locate available .onion websites.
Accessing the dark web using Tor requires careful steps and awareness of privacy concerns.
By following these guidelines and implementing the recommended safety measures, you can explore this restricted part of the internet securely.
