- The server does not need to provide the IP address, and the user does not need it, instead using an onion address, a 56-character code that clients enter in place of a traditional URL.
- The company operates a strict no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using AES-256-GCM encryption together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.
- Another term for the internet we all know and use daily is the “regular” internet.
- While the dark web has played a hand in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who may otherwise be persecuted for their identities or political beliefs.
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 use the dark web safely and responsibly.
What is the Dark Web?
Law Enforcement And Government Monitoring
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 legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, journalism, and activism.
There are a variety of private and encrypted email services, instructions for installing an anonymous operating system and advanced tips for the privacy-conscious. Dark web search engines exist, but even the best are challenged to keep up with the constantly shifting landscape. The experience is reminiscent of searching the web in the late 1990s. Even one of the best search engines, called Grams, returns results that are repetitive and often irrelevant to the query. Link lists like The Hidden Wiki are another option, but even indices also return a frustrating number of timed-out connections and 404 errors.
Secure Your Computer Before Accessing The Dark Web
How to Access the Dark Web
What is the difference between WWW and dark web?
The dark web is only a small fraction (0.01%) of the deep web, which contains Internet content that is not searchable by your standard search engines. In other words, if Google can't find what you're looking for, it's probably still out there in the World Wide Web; it's just in the harder-to-access deep web.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called Tor. Tor 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-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
One Dark Web search engine called the Uncensored Hidden Wiki offers some guidance to content on the Dark Web, but it may include illegal websites. Tor stands for “The Onion Router,” with the onion serving as a reference for the different layers of the internet. It’s available for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, as well as Android and Apple mobile devices. In general, once you download and install Tor, you’re good to go, though there are some things you should know.
To download and install Tor, follow these steps:
- Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/).
- Download the appropriate version of Tor for your operating system.
- Install Tor by following the on-screen instructions.
- Launch Tor and wait for it to connect to the network.
Once your personal information is stolen and leaked through data breaches, it becomes scattered across the web, becoming impossible to delete that information from the internet. However, you can get alerts when unauthorized activity surfaces on your credit report, or whenever your details appear on Dark Web sites, data brokers’ lists, or even in public records. Cybercriminals and other malicious actors rely heavily on the capabilities of the Dark Web in various unlawful ways. The hotspots for illegal activity on the Dark Web are marketplaces and forums where bad actors transact illegal products and services. That groundwork was the basis for the Tor Project, which was released in 2002 and launched a browser in 2008.
Encountering Disturbing Content
How to Use the Dark Web
Once you have installed Tor, you can start browsing the dark web. However, it is important to note that the dark web can be a dangerous place, and you should always take precautions to protect your privacy and security.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity or steal your personal information. We recommend using a reputable VPN service, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, when accessing the dark web.
Use a Secure Email Service
What are the dangers of the dark web?
Other illicit marketplaces on the Dark Web
Besides personal information yielded from data breaches and various other types of cyber attacks and online scams, these black markets also offer illegal drugs, access to emerging cyber threats and viruses, and even hitmen for hire [*].
When using the dark web, it is important to use a secure email service that encrypts your emails and protects your privacy. We recommend using a service like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which offer end-to-end encryption and are widely used in the dark web community.
Be Careful What You Click
The dark web is full of scams and malicious websites. It is important to be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files. Always make sure that the website you are visiting is legitimate and that the file you are downloading is safe.
There have already been cases in the past of, say, NSA looking into Tor users. The Dark Web is designed to provide anonymity, so tracking individual users is challenging. However, it’s not impossible for a skilled and determined party, such as law enforcement, to track activity on the Dark Web.
Use a Password Manager
When accessing the dark web, it is important to use strong, unique passwords for each website. A password manager can help you generate and store these passwords securely.
Although, you’ll need special clearance to access it, such as the ability to log into your email account, pay for certain content, or be a part of a company network – you get the point. The Tor browser is free and legal to use in most parts of the world. However, some countries like China, Russia, and Belarus have banned it. From our experience, these servers aren’t as fast as regular VPN servers or double VPN servers. If you want to stay safe online, get NordVPN now at a 67% discount.
Conclusion
The dark web can be a dangerous place, but it also has legitimate uses. If you decide to use the dark web, it is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. By using a VPN, a secure email service, being careful what you click, and using a password manager, you can browse the dark web safely and responsibly.
Can Google take you to the dark web?
How can you access the dark web? To access the dark web, you can't use Google Search or browsers, such as Chrome or Safari. Instead, you need to use software designed specifically for this purpose, such as Tor or I2P.
