How Do You Get to the Dark Web?

• Anonymity is powerful with Tor and the framework of the dark web, but it is not infallible.
• I also like that the security guides are very easy to read — the format is easy to scan, complicated terms are explained very well, and there are videos and screenshots.
• If your data is actively being bought and sold online, there are some signs that will alert you to identify theft.
• This technology was later released to the public, again to support secure, anonymous communication.
• We have prepared this blog post to clear some misconceptions and guide you on how to safely browse the Deep Web.
• As a result, you’ll need to rely on other browsers that let you connect to the Tor network.

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. So, how do you get to the dark web?

Step 2: Switch To A Dark Web Search Engine

The dark web is a section of the deep web that can be accessed only through the Tor network. Unlike the surface and deep web, the dark web uses “.onion” links, which do not appear on Google or Bing. Furthermore, no entity has authority over the dark web or can impose regulations. This is precisely why the dark web is often linked with unlawful activities. It’s also important to note that browsing the dark web on a mobile device can be more dangerous than on a desktop or PC.

Using a Dark Web Browser

To access the dark web, you need to use a specialized browser that can handle the unique security and privacy challenges of the dark web. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which is a modified version of the Firefox browser. The Tor browser routes your internet connection through a series of volunteer-run servers, called nodes, which helps to mask your online activity and location.

Download Tor From Its Official Website

Installing the Tor Browser

To install the Tor browser, follow these steps:

Navigating Through The Darknet / Dark Web

1. Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/) and download the Tor browser.
2. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the prompts to install the Tor browser.
3. Launch the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
4. You are now ready to browse the dark web.

Without visible links, these pages are more hidden for various reasons. Carrying on with the analogy, big search engines could be considered like fishing boats that can only “catch” websites close to the surface. Everything else, from academic journals to private databases and more illicit content, is out of reach.

Haystak: Your Darknet Search Engine

Finding Dark Web Sites

When the dark web is talked about online, it’s usually in connection with illegal markets and arrests made by police. Other sites require additional security measures and only allow specific users to enter. Remember, this is a whole different universe that you know nothing about, and the whole experience is kind of like traveling back in time. Since sometimes websites are hosted on personal computers, it’s totally possible that you won’t be able to access a site since the computer is just shut down. Since keeping your connection anonymous requires bouncing around the connection, you’ll notice that surfing on TOR is extremely slow in comparison to normal browsing.

The dark web is not indexed by search engines, so you cannot use Google or Bing to find dark web sites. Instead, you need to use special directories, called hidden wikis, to find links to dark web sites. Some popular hidden wikis include the Hidden Wiki and the Onion URL Repository.

Accessing Hidden Wikis

To access hidden wikis, follow these steps:

Most casual surfing of the Web takes place on a small piece (5-10%) of the total World Wide Web; this is sometimes called the Surface Web. The other 90-95%—the Deep Web—is basically all the content not indexed by search engines. The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate.

1. Launch the Tor browser.
2. Enter the URL of the hidden wiki in the address bar.
3. Browse the hidden wiki to find links to dark web sites.

It is important to note that not all hidden wikis are trustworthy, and some may contain malicious links. Always exercise caution when browsing the dark web and avoid clicking on links that seem suspicious.

Staying Safe on the Dark Web

The dark web can be a dangerous place, and it is important to take steps to protect yourself when browsing. Here are some tips for staying safe on the dark web:

Millions of regular internet users access private databases such as email inboxes and credit card accounts daily. These pages are not indexed by search engines and are protected behind security walls, authentication forms, and passwords on the deep web. Dark nets are special networks that use the internet but require specific software or authorisation to access. In 2011, an online marketplace known as the Silk Road began operating anonymously on the dark net. This was notorious for buying and selling illegal drugs using digital currencies and was shut down by law enforcement in 2013.

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.

The company may not have a large server network and access to much in the way of geo-restricted streaming content, but it does have plenty going for it in terms of privacy. You can sign up for the service completely anonymously, use a cryptographically signed installer, and double up on encryption using MultiHop servers. Surfshark is a low-cost provider that ticks all the boxes for use with the dark web. It has a large network of secure servers, the ability to keep connections private, and apps that are rich in security features. Using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor (The Onion Router) browser is the best way to access the dark web safely. A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser.

• Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
• Avoid sharing personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number.
• Do not download or install any software unless you are sure it is safe.
• Be cautious of phishing scams and other forms of social engineering.

Conclusion

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that can be accessed using a specialized browser, such as the Tor browser. To find dark web sites, you need to use hidden wikis, which are directories of links to dark web sites. It is important to exercise caution when browsing the dark web and to take steps to protect yourself, such as using a VPN and strong passwords.