Protect Your Device With Antivirus
Understanding the Black Web
The dark web is a little challenging to access if you don’t know anything about it. However, it hosts tons of communities and marketplaces and has a thriving economy driven by the sale of illicit goods and information. To protect yourself on the dark web, be sure to use a secure connection and exercise caution when interacting with anyone on the platform. When you get on the Dark Web, you can expect to find a lot of things that are not found on the regular Internet. This includes things like illegal drugs, weapons, and pornography. Android users can also access the Dark Web directly from their devices.
The term black web often refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It’s essential to differentiate it from the deep web, which includes legal content not accessible through standard search engines. The black web is associated with illegal activities and requires caution when navigating.
You can simply enter normal URLs and enjoy surfing the web with privacy. Better yet, go to the dark web hidden wiki (link opens only on TOR), with an indexing of dark web websites. This is the furthest I’m taking you, and from here on, you can go wherever you want. You can simply click URLs on the hidden wiki like you’d do on a regular browser, and the website would open. Regardless of what happens behind the scenes, the user experience from here on is what it’s like in the clear web (albeit a lot slower). There’s a lot of mystery surrounding this part of the internet as well.
Knowing what types of exploits are being performed on one’s organization allows leaders to plan damage control before something happens. For example, a company can search the dark web to see if any of its internal IP addresses, usernames, and passwords have been posted. If a data breach happens, it is better to be aware of it and be proactive before it goes public. Government agencies and contractors can employ services like Peraton’s TORNADO to frequently check the dark web to understand if people are talking about them and what they are saying. TORNADO automatically and anonymously combs through the entire dark web every 30 days based on specific keywords that help identify information that may pose potential harm. Exploiting open source intelligence provides situational awareness.
Why Access the Black Web?
Individuals may seek access to the black web for various reasons:
- Knowing what types of exploits are being performed on one’s organization allows leaders to plan damage control before something happens.
- The dark net has also been used for sharing illegal pornography and purchasing hacked accounts or software that can be used to break into someone’s bank account.
- For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network.
- Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here.
Your personal information, such as banking, social media, and email accounts, along with your Social Security number, may be up for sale on the dark web. If you want to see if any of your information is floating around the dark web, try running a scan of the dark web. When you use the Tor network, your traffic is layered in encryption and routed via a random relay, where it’s wrapped in another layer of encryption. This means that the identities and locations of darknet users are hidden from public view and remain anonymous, even when interacting with other users or engaging in any online activity. You won’t be able to search the dark web with a regular browser (such as Chrome or Firefox). Besides, your online activity on such browsers is visible to your ISP unless you connect to a VPN service.
- Privacy and anonymity
- Research purposes
- Accessing restricted information
It is generally accessed using dedicated software, the best known is called Tor (The Onion Router). The dark web and deep web are not the same — all sites on the dark web are technically part of the deep web, but much of the deep web is not part of the dark web. The deep web is simply the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, such as email inboxes, banking portals, or any site that requires authentication or a password. No country has jurisdiction over the internet, so simply having a website on the internet, whether it’s on the surface or dark web, is not illegal.
URLs of darknet websites are known as “Tor Hidden Services” and can be identified from regular websites. To access the Dark Net, users must download the TOR network, a decentralized network of servers that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. The dark web and its browsing aren’t considered illegal; it’s a place where people communicate anonymously without official government surveillance. Aside from being isolated from the everyday internet, most of the Tor network isn’t indexed, rendering it invisible to search engines.
How to Get on the Black Web
This enables a high degree of anonymity and makes it difficult for authorities to shut down – which, unfortunately, makes the Dark Web a hotbed for many illegal or immoral activities. The deep web, or second layer, is any website that does not appear as a search engine result when users browse content. There are many reasons why a search engine would not index a page—perhaps it is an old page with no identifiable keywords, or it is part of an organization’s members-only site. The deep web could also be used to house private information and information that needs to remain secret, such as legal or scientific documents, medical records, or competitor information. Since dark web marketplaces or forums are often monitored by law enforcement, it can be difficult to distinguish between criminal actors and good faith investigators.
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. Given the dangers that lurk on the dark web, it’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t disclose any personal information like your name, email address, phone number, or financial details. If an email is required, use a burner mail account or an anonymous, secure email provider. 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.
Before attempting to access the black web, it’s crucial to take safety precautions.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Download and Install Tor Browser:
The Tor Browser allows users to access .onion websites that are part of the black web. Visit the official Tor Project website to download it.
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Use a VPN:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an additional layer of security and anonymity. Choose a reputable VPN service to help mask your IP address.
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Adjust Browser Settings:
Make sure to configure the Tor Browser settings for maximum privacy. Disable scripts and use security settings to enhance safety.
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Access .onion Sites:
Once you have the Tor Browser running, you can input .onion addresses directly into the browser to access specific sites on the black web.
Safety Measures to Consider
Accessing the black web carries risks, so consider these safety measures:
- Never reveal personal information.
- Be cautious about downloading files from unknown sources.
- Be aware of scams and fraudulent sites.
- Use pseudonyms: Maintain anonymity by not using your real name.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the black web?
Accessing the black web itself is not illegal, but some activities or content found there may be illegal.
What can I find on the black web?
The black web can host a variety of content, including illegal goods, forums for illicit activities, but also privacy-focused communities and information.
How can I stay safe while exploring the black web?
Use Tor Browser, employ a reliable VPN, avoid sharing personal data, and be mindful of the sites you explore.
In summary, understanding how to get on the black web requires proper tools, precautions, and awareness of the potential dangers involved. Engaging with the black web should be approached with caution and responsibility.
