Secure Your Computer Before Accessing The Dark Web
Understanding the Dark Web
Many dark websites are perfectly legal and safe to use and, in many cases, are better for your privacy than clear websites. Then there’s the less popular VPN over Tor, which is advised against by the official Tor Project. Only two VPN providers that we know of, AirVPN and BolehVPN, offer this service, although neither of these score highly for speeds. Internet traffic first passes through the Tor Network, and then through the VPN. This means the VPN provider doesn’t see your real IP address and the VPN protects you from those bad exit nodes.
Basically, if a Tor IP leak occurs before you connect to the VPN, your real IP address will be exposed. But if you connect to the VPN before connecting to Tor and an IP leak occurs, only the VPN’s IP address will be exposed. The VPN allows Tor traffic on 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, which is great. But I had much faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. ExpressVPN provides high-end security features that are ideal for surfing the dark web.
In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web. The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites. This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the surface web.
In more technical terms, the dark web is the part of the web where sites are hosted on so-called darknets — computer networks overlaid on other networks. Like regular “surface” sites, dark web sites use internet protocols, but the darknet networks that are overlaid on normal networks can’t be accessed through regular web browsers. Deep web sites have to be hosted somewhere, and Impreza Hosting is one of the most secure and anonymous dark web hosting services. A host is basically a website’s house, or where it lives and takes up space. Impreza provides an affordable hidden space for black websites to base their operations. Impreza rents servers, registers domains, and hosts email similar to sites like GoDaddy.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access. It’s often associated with illicit activities but also serves as a safe haven for privacy advocates, journalists, and others who need to communicate under oppressive regimes.
Join our Dark Web Foundation course to learn the basics and gain hands-on experience in navigating and obtaining information from Dark websites. This isn’t just a matter of heading to “darkweb.com” and having a snoop — you’ll need specific software and a dedicated browser. The Tor software (and its dedicated Tor Browser) is probably the most famous of these, though there are others, including I2P and Freenet. If the surface web is the tip of the iceberg and the deep web is what’s below the water, then the dark web is what you’ll find deep in the blackest waters below. The darknet refers to the peer-to-peer network itself, whereas the dark web is the content that is served up on these networks.
This is the part of the internet which is generally hidden from public view. It can’t be access via the usual search engines and is reached in other, less widely-known ways. Adults may be concerned about young people visiting the ‘Dark Web’, especially as press reports often link them with dangerous or illegal online activity. However, there are some positive aspects to them – like everything online, problems do not come from the technology itself, but instead are caused by the ways in which people use it. Not surprisingly, the dark web also sells the technical tools and information to set up another dark web. “There are many dark webs already,” says Douglas Lubhan, VP of threat intelligence at BlackFog.
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want. Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites. Dark web browsing is not as simple as regular web surfing, but there are some tools you can use to chart your journey. Dark web search engines and forums like Reddit can help you find reliable dark websites, and you’ll need to use a dark web browser to visit them. However, the software that popularized the dark web is The Onion Router (Tor), which launched on September 20, 2002.
Thus, if you want to know how to get on the dark web safely, using a premium provider is my recommended choice. That’s because free providers usually sell this information to earn money, not caring about keeping you anonymous online. Not to mention their lackluster performance and limited monthly bandwidth that will, in conjunction with Tor, severely decrease connection speeds. For one, free providers aren’t as secure and they often fail in bringing the highest level of encryption to the table. Many of them are known for storing logs of your personal information, which is pretty dangerous and can infringe on your privacy. Basically, they’ll need to configure this setup on a specific server, which will route your Tor traffic.
Before diving into the dark web, ensure you have the following:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Protects your identity and location.
- Tor Browser: The primary tool for accessing the dark web.
- Security Software: Keep your device safe from malware and other threats.
Steps on How to Go on the Dark Web
To access the dark web safely, follow these steps:
- Download and Install a VPN: Choose a reputable service that does not keep logs.
- Install the Tor Browser: This is the most commonly used browser for navigating the dark web.
- Connect to VPN: Always connect to your VPN before launching Tor to ensure privacy.
- Open the Tor Browser: Launch the Tor Browser after connecting to the VPN.
- Access .onion Sites: Use specific .onion links to navigate the dark web.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety:
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never disclose your real name, address, or any identifiable details.
- Be Wary of Scams: The dark web has many fraudulent schemes; always be skeptical of offers.
- Use Anonymous Payment Methods: If you’re engaging in transactions, consider using cryptocurrencies.
Common Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web serves a variety of purposes, including:
- You can find legitimate products such as basketball shoes, apparel, research papers, and other items on the dark web.
- From the login page of internet service providers to email mailbox or even social media profiles, are a part of the deep web.
- It has been hacked before, and there is evidence that it is being hacked right now.
- The process costs a fee, but unlike other “tumbler” or “mixing” services, there is no risk that Wasabi or any of its users could scam you out of your coins.
- Whistleblowing: Offering platforms for whistleblowers to report misconduct safely.
- Marketplace Activities: Buying and selling illicit goods and services.
- Communication Tools: Encrypted messaging for activists and journalists.
FAQs about the Dark Web
Is using the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted there can be illegal, such as buying drugs or weapons.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the Tor network provides anonymity, it is not foolproof. Using a VPN significantly enhances your privacy.
What are .onion websites?
.onion websites are specially designed web addresses that can only be accessed through the Tor network.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a valuable tool for privacy and communication, but it comes with significant risks. Always prioritize your security and anonymity while navigating this hidden network. Understanding how to go on the dark web responsibly can provide essential access to information while protecting your identity.
