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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. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
How Can I Differentiate Legitimate Services From Scams On The Dark Web?
The browser is built on top of the Firefox browser open source code, so it’s pretty intuitive. Once you download and launch it, it will connect you to the TOR network and you’re good to go. Because of the protection offered by the Darknet and its hidden services, activists in oppressive regimes are free to exchange ideas and organize themselves.
What is illegal to view on the internet?
Anything that is illegal offline is also illegal on the internet, including fraud, theft, gambling, drug trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography.
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also many legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, activism, and secure communication.
How To Access The Deep Web
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser
Use A VPN (Virtual Private Network)
The first step is to download and install the Tor browser. You can download it from the official Tor Project website. Once you have downloaded the software, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
There’s even links to other useful resources, like the Darknet Bible and a guide on PGP encryption. With Javascript disabled for security, DuckDuckGo.onion can look very plain. When navigating the dark web, we suggest using a trusted search engine like DuckDuckGo.onion. The less you change, the more you blend in with other users’ traffic. However, there are some non-negotiable settings we suggest you enable.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
After installing the Tor browser, launch it and click on the “Connect” button. The browser will automatically connect to the Tor network. This process may take a few seconds or minutes, depending on your internet connection.
The surface web consists of web pages you can reach through a search engine. Even if you take the strongest precautions, only accessing HTTPS pages and always using a VPN, trouble can slip through the net. Tor Browser is the easiest — and often the only — way for almost everyone to reach the dark web.
Step 3: Browse the Dark Web
Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can start browsing the dark web. You can use the Tor browser’s built-in search engine to find websites, or you can enter the URL of a specific website. Keep in mind that many websites on the dark web are illegal, so be cautious about the sites you visit.
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as there are many scams and illegal activities taking place. To stay safe, follow these tips:
Sites on the Dark Web are safely accessed by using dedicated software. The TOR Browser uses complex algorithms to anonymize a site’s IP address. It is imperative to download the browser from the TOR Projects dedicated site and no other.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to add an extra layer of security.
- Never share your personal information or login credentials with anyone.
- Be cautious about the websites you visit and the files you download.
- Use antivirus software to protect your computer from malware.
- Regularly update your operating system and software to patch any security vulnerabilities.
- It also offers a dedicated dark web monitor that alerts you if your stolen data is found in a dark web data leak.
- Although you will find mostly illegal and criminal sites, some of them are surely something we would not want to miss.
- You won’t find any “hidden” stories here—it’s the same content as the normal web edition—but users in countries with government censorship will appreciate having a secure way to access it.
- It is also harder for law enforcement to investigate online abuse that takes place in the anonymous parts of the internet.
- The total number of users visiting the dark web increased in mid-April of 2023 to 2.7 million.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a useful tool for activism, secure communication, and whistleblowing. However, it is important to take precautions to stay safe and secure. By using the Tor browser and following the tips outlined in this article, you can access the dark web safely and securely.
How much of the internet is the dark web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
