Introduction to the Dark Web
Alternatively, you can check out subReddit r/deepweb, where experienced users share information about safely accessing the dark web. The Dark Web, the deep web, and darknet are spooky-sounding phrases that refer to websites that mask their IP address and can only be accessed using encryption-friendly tools like The Onion Router. TOR is an open source project best known for developing a Firefox-fork web browser pre-loaded with a number of hard-coded security and encryption enhancements. TOR allows users to obfuscate browsing activity by scrambling a user’s IP address through a secure and distributed network. Content that is purposefully kept hidden on the internet is known as the dark web or dark net.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software to access and is often associated with illegal activities. However, there are also legitimate uses, such as privacy protection and whistleblowing. This article will outline how to get into the dark web, focusing on necessary precautions and tools.
Dark Web Links That You Can Paste Into Your Tor Browser
It has a lot of sites and tools that can’t be found on the surface web. As such, we understand that several users will want to explore it firsthand. However, it’s imperative that users take proper safety measures when visiting dark web websites. With the introduction of Freenet, the first version of the modern dark web emerged. Freenet was a decentralized network that allowed for the exchange of encrypted data, giving users more anonymity. A few years later, the Tor browser was developed to provide users with a secure way to access the dark web.
Once you have those, there are several ways to tunnel through the dark web. Tor relays are servers run by volunteers, designed to keep your activities private and untraceable. Navigating the dark web requires extra layers of privacy, not just because of its content but due to legal scrutiny. The US Supreme Court has indicated that even casual browsing could lead to legal consequences. There are also many tools that can be use to monitor the dark web and scan for personally identifiable information and even respond to attacks. Most e-commerce providers offer some kind of escrow service that keeps customer funds on hold until the product has been delivered.
Silk Road became one of the most famous online black markets on the dark web for illegally selling drugs. For example, the deep web is often a platform used by political activists who own a blog. But it also contains other news and religious sites, private discussion forums, and medical records. Typically, any reference to the visible web will be to common websites with a familiar internet domain extension. Google considers the majority of the content on the entire web highly irrelevant and useless to its users.
Understanding What the Dark Web Is
Now that we’ve looked at how to enter the dark web and have gone over some of the gravest risks of doing so, we’ll give you some tips on how to access the dark web safely. Unfortunately, this part of the web is also home to many illegal activities. Dark web marketplaces sell all kinds of illegal items, ranging from firearms to narcotics and stolen credit card data. We highly recommend a top VPN like NordVPN if you are considering accessing the dark web. NordVPN offers a number of dark web-specific features, such as Onion over VPN servers and robust AES 256-bit encryption.
The dark web is typically accessed through specific software, most commonly the Tor browser. This section provides insight into the areas you may explore:
We also recommend opening them only with an active connection to a VPN server. Revealing personal information on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to being scammed or hacked. Just like the surface web, the dark web sees tons of phishing attempts to steal personal data. We recommend our number 1 virus scanner, Norton 360, as the best dark web antivirus. Norton regularly blocks 100% of threats during tests by cybersecurity giants like AV-Test and SeaLabs. It has also received near-perfect marks for security from AV-Test since 2018.
- To ensure you stay within legal and ethical boundaries, we recommend doing thorough research before accessing the dark web.
- Some people use the terms ‘dark web’ and ‘deep web’ interchangeably; however, significant portions of the deep web are completely legal and safe to use.
- It’s the parts of your internet activity that aren’t hidden per se, but can’t be accessed by others online.
- The site offers downloads for macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android.
- You would, of course, assume that using a VPN to access the dark web would be a no-brainer, but it’s not quite as simple as that.
- Anonymous Forums: These platforms allow free communication on various topics.
- Illegal Marketplaces: Often selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Whistleblower Platforms: Sites that enable the sharing of sensitive information safely.
This connection methodology enables users to interact with the dark web with minimal risk of their activity being tracked or otherwise exposed. Many websites on the deep web avoid showing up in search engine results by blocking the bots that ‘crawl’ the internet to collect information for search engine indexes. Theoretically speaking, it should be impossible to locate dark web servers and track visitors. However, in practice, security flaws in Tor and incorrect server configurations can expose this information to those interested in accessing it. The former includes privately protected file collections that one cannot access without the correct credentials.
Essential Precautions
Before diving into the dark web, it’s crucial to take security measures to protect your identity and data:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network masks your IP address, adding an extra layer of security.
- Install Antivirus Software: Protect your device from malware that can be prevalent on dark web sites.
- Never Share Personal Information: Maintain anonymity by avoiding the use of your real name, email, or any identifiable details.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: If you plan to purchase anything, consider cryptocurrencies that offer more anonymity.
How to Access the Dark Web
To get started with how to get into the dark web, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download Tor Browser
The first step is to obtain the Tor browser. This special browser allows you to access .onion websites:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download and install the browser for your operating system.
Step 2: Connect to a VPN
Before opening the Tor browser, activate your VPN to ensure maximum anonymity and security.
Step 3: Open Tor Browser
Launch the Tor browser. You may experience slower speeds due to the encryption and routing process.
Step 4: Find .onion Links
Accessing the dark web requires links to .onion sites. Here are some ways to find them:
- Search in forums dedicated to discussing the dark web.
- Utilize specific directories that list .onion sites.
- Be wary of illegal or harmful sites—always prioritize safety.
FAQs about the Dark Web
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
2. Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web enhances anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked if you do not take proper precautions. Always use a VPN and secure your device.
3. What should I avoid on the dark web?
Steer clear of:
- Illegal marketplaces
- Scams and phishing attempts
- Sites promoting harmful content
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be both intriguing and risky. By following the steps outlined and maintaining a proactive stance on security, you can navigate this hidden portion of the internet safely. Always operate with caution and remember that while there are legitimate uses for the dark web, illegal activities abound, and ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Knowledge and preparedness are your best tools for a secure experience.
