How to Get on the Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide

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 has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. If you’re interested in accessing the dark web, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it safely and securely.

• Exploring these darknet marketplaces can provide a glimpse into the hidden economy of the Dark Web.
• The first thing you need to understand is that you’ll probably find Tor a lot slower than conventional web browsers.
• It’s where criminals sell illegal drugs, launder money and commit other crimes, often with little or no repercussions.

What You’ll Need

Further, if you try to buy something on the dark web — even if it’s not illegal — there’s a chance you’ll be scammed. For example, they may hold money in escrow but then shut down the e-commerce website and take off with the money. Due to the anonymous nature of the dark web, it’s very difficult for law enforcement to find such perpetrators.

To access the dark web, you’ll need the following:

However, there is evidence to show that offenders are more likely to interact with victims on the ‘Open Web’ than on the ‘Dark Web’. The Dark Web is more commonly used by sex offenders to openly discuss ‘tactics’ to exploit young people and share material generated as a result of their offending. It is also harder for law enforcement to investigate online abuse that takes place in the anonymous parts of the internet.

Dark Web 101: Your Guide To The Badlands Of The Internet

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, making it harder for anyone to track your online activity.
• The Tor Browser: The Tor browser is a free software that allows you to browse the dark web anonymously. It works by bouncing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, making it difficult to trace your online activity.

No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable high-speed internet connection a critical element of our daily lives. We pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, find information, and maintain a presence on social media. ZDNET’s recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. Although content on the dark web is not as ‘indexed’ compared to the one on the clear web, you can still use search engines to find stuff.

Downloading And Installing Tor Browser

How to Install the Tor Browser

Here’s how to install the Tor browser:

1. Go to the Tor Project website and download the Tor browser.
2. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Once the installation is complete, launch the Tor browser.

How to Use the Tor Browser

Can I Use Tor To Browse The Surface Web?

Here’s how to use the Tor browser:

1. Launch the Tor browser.
2. Accept the warning message and wait for the browser to connect to the Tor network.
3. Once connected, you can browse the dark web just like you would with a regular web browser.

In any case, it can be used for any dark web activity thanks to various privacy features. The fact that you are using the Tor network is likely enough to pique their interest. The fact that you are using it to visit the Dark web probably makes you even more interesting. According to this old CNet article, the NSA has likely been tracking anyone who checks out Tor or any other privacy/anonymity tools since 2014 or earlier.

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 be cautious and protect your privacy.

Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?

If you’re accessing the dark web for illegal activities, then yes, you can get in trouble with the law. However, if you’re accessing the dark web for legitimate reasons, then you have nothing to worry about.

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 the Tor browser instead.

There are onion sites and services on the Tor network, and page addresses end in .onion. The dark web is a part of the internet that’s difficult to access without special software—and can be difficult to navigate once you gain access. Multiple layers of encryption allow people to browse and post information on the dark web with near anonymity, making it a go-to platform for buying and selling illicit goods and services. Internet safety is more than just protecting your personal information; it’s about maintaining your device’s health and securing your digital footprint from possible cyber threats. The Dark Web, while it has its legitimate uses, can also be rife with malware, hackers, and illegal activities, which necessitates robust safety measures. Although dark web marketplaces have gained notoriety for illegal activities, it is important to note that they are not limited to these activities.

Is it safe to access the dark web?

Accessing the dark web can be risky, as many illegal activities take place on the dark web. However, if you take the necessary precautions, such as using a VPN and the Tor browser, then you can minimize the risks.

Can I get viruses or malware from the dark web?

Some people and groups (like law enforcement agencies) consider the Dark Web to be dangerous. Proponents of the Dark Web disagree, noting the Dark Web is also a safe haven for risky communications. Some major news organizations have Dark Web sites to reach users in countries where Web access is censored or restricted. Sites that  anonymously relay whistleblowing information use the Dark Web to protect their users. The dark web is a complex place where a lot can go wrong when you don’t do proper research on how to access the dark web safely. It is full of scammers, malware, and phishing websites — and these are just a few of the dangers.

Yes, there is a risk of getting viruses or malware from the dark web. It’s important to have up-to-date antivirus software and to be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links.