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. If you’re curious about how to access the dark web, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser
Tor will protect your location by running your internet traffic through several “Tor Relays” (virtual private networks) so Tor runs much slower than a regular browser. As stated, onion.ly links are but one method utilized in accessing the dark web, where clicking the link will automatically redirect you to a dark web site. Accessing the link alone can become a legal problem depending on the country you reside.
Accessing The Dark Web On Your Smartphone Or Tablet
The Tor browser is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. To download the Tor browser, go to the official Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/download/) and select the version that corresponds to your operating system.
What is the dark web app called?
Using a special browser known as The Onion Router (Tor), users can explore these hidden sites and engage in both legal and illicit activities under the cover of an anonymous IP address. Here's a look at how the dark web works and the many ways in which people use it, both legally and illegally.
Step 2: Configure the Tor Browser
Once you have installed the Tor browser, you need to configure it. Launch the browser and click on the gear icon in the upper right corner. Select “Settings” and then “Security”. In the “Security Level” section, select “Safest”. This will ensure that your connection is as secure as possible.
What Is The Dark Web? And Is Your Personal Info There?
Step 3: Connect to the Tor Network
There’s plenty of illegal content, products, and services available on the dark web. Anonymity doesn’t make carrying out illegal acts any more permissible, so be cautious about making purchases or downloading content. Mullvad is one of the few providers that offer the VPN Over Tor configuration to access the dark web. This involves passing internet traffic through the Tor network first, and then through the VPN. It’s a less recommended configuration, though it does offer protection against exit nodes run by those with malicious intent. It allows for the publication of websites and the dissemination of information without revealing the publisher’s identity or location.
How To Search The Dark Web (knowing Your Onions)
To connect to the Tor network, click on the “Connect” button in the Tor browser. It may take a few seconds for the connection to be established. Once you are connected, you will be able to access the dark web.
- See how we’re dedicated to helping protect you, your accounts and your loved ones from financial abuse.
- That’s why the defense is the best offense, so it’s worthwhile to be leveraging a service that monitors your personal data for you.
- The dark web uses overlay networks (darknets), which require specific internet configurations and authorizations to access.
- Freenet is another peer-to-peer network for sharing decentralized data created in 2000.
- The websites on the Dark Web have a special .onion suffix and are not accessible through regular browsers.
Step 4: Use a Search Engine
The dark web does not have a traditional search engine like Google or Bing. Instead, you will need to use a specialized search engine such as Ahmia (https://ahmia.fi/) or Torch (http://xmh57jrzrnw6insl.onion/). These search engines will help you find the websites that you are looking for.
How to install Tor Browser?
- Navigate to the Tor Browser download page.
- Download the Windows .exe file.
- (Recommended) Verify the file's signature.
- When the download is complete, double click the .exe file. Complete the installation wizard process.
Step 5: Be Careful
Tor was developed—and continues to be partially funded by—the US government. As detailed in the prior section, this is where unlisted, anonymous websites exist and can be accessed. With all our technology and connectedness comes a price, vulnerability. Now more than ever before, our credit and identities are at risk from cybercriminals, thieves, and hackers. Six databases that were owned by Friend Finder Networks, Inc. suffered a massive data breach in 2016, which cost 412 million users their accounts.
Why is Tor so slow?
Tor circuits lengthen the connections
So instead of connecting directly to the destination server, a connection is made between each relay of the circuit and this takes more time. Furthermore, Tor tries to build circuits with relays in different countries which make connection travel more and appear slower.
Note: The dark web can be a dangerous place. There are many scams and illegal activities taking place. It is important to be cautious and to only visit websites that you trust. Additionally, be aware that your activities on the dark web may be monitored by law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a fascinating experience, but it is important to do so safely and responsibly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can browse the dark web anonymously and securely.
How much is Tor Browser?
Pros: Tor Browser is entirely free and open source. The software is easy to install and use because it doesn't require any technical knowledge from users. It is just like installing Chrome. Tor is the only way to access onion sites, which are websites that use the Tor network.
