The black web, also known as the dark web or the deep web, is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts legitimate content that is not indexed by search engines. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the black web safely and securely.
What is the Black Web?
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The black web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo. It is hidden behind multiple layers of encryption and requires special software to access. The black web is often used for illegal activities such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also hosts legitimate content such as whistleblowing platforms, political dissent, and privacy-focused services.
How to Access the Black Web
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To access the black web, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. Tor stands for The Onion Router and is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. The Tor network hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser
- While it may sound mysterious, in reality most of the deep web consists of databases and other gated content that is blocked from website visitors – such as file downloads and user directories.
- In general, once you download and install Tor, you’re good to go, though there are some things you should know.
- You may have heard about this mysterious place on the Internet called the ‘Deep Web’.
- The dark web is content that exists on dark nets, which require specialized software (like the Tor Browser), configurations and authorization to access.
- Journalists also turn to the dark web to keep informers anonymous and safe.
- If your information has been compromised, then it’s likely that your phone number is also on the dark web.
To download the Tor browser, go to the official Tor project website (https://www.torproject.org/) and click on the “Download Tor” button. Choose the appropriate operating system and follow the installation instructions.
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Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
If you access the same accounts via the surface web of sites like Facebook, don’t touch them on the dark web. The deep web is anything and everything online that you can’t find using a search engine. This one is specially designed to help users access the free web worldwide, making it especially handy for users in countries where Tor is restricted or banned. NordVPN’s Double VPN routes your traffic through two of its VPN servers, and this adds a second layer of encryption and changes your IP address twice.
Once you have installed the Tor browser, open it and click on the “Connect” button. The Tor browser will connect to the Tor network and assign you a new IP address. This process may take a few seconds or minutes, depending on your internet connection.
Where is the dark web?
The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that's still accessible with the right software, including the dark web.
Step 3: Browse the Black Web
And this is definitely what we all want when we surf on the deep – Anonymity. As you see – the selling point of the data detected on the Deep Web is in the darknet, more specifically, in the black markets. You have definitely heard there is a deep side to the internet where not everyone can access it. While there’s no way to ensure all your information stays protected while browsing the dark web, putting protective measures in place can help.
Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can browse the black web by typing in the URL of the website you want to visit. Note that most black web websites use the .onion top-level domain, which is unique to the Tor network. For example, the popular whistleblowing platform WikiLeaks has a .onion website at wikileaks.onion.
Staying Safe on the Black Web
How do I know if my password has been leaked?
The second, more preferred method, is to use a service like Avast Hack Check, which collects data from all around the internet to identify if your details have been posted online or were subject to any leaks.
A lot of illegal activity occurs on the dark web, and onion websites are popular hangouts for cybercriminals and scammers. But if you use antivirus software, avoid clicking on shady links, and stick to known sites you should be fine. It’s also a good idea to set up a VPN for an extra layer of protection. You can access onion sites only through the Tor browser or special network configurations.
Accessing the black web can be risky, and it is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. Here are some tips to stay safe on the black web:
Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law. Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web. If we continue to visualize the entire web like an iceberg, the open web would be the top portion that’s above the water.
Who owns Tor?
Today TOR is a not-for-profit organisation run by Roger Dingledine, Nick Mathewson and a number of volunteers. TOR volunteers are responsible for hiding the users' IP address by acting as an 'exit node' and using their IP address in the place of the TOR user.
However, one of the challenges for law enforcement in taking out these groups is that they rotate their infrastructure. A recent law enforcement crackdown saw a coordinated takedown of many, many servers because if they miss one single server, the whole thing stays running, says Owenson. “So, if all enforcement goes after one server, they’ve got servers all over the world that automatically fill in and replace when those servers are taken down,” he says. Knowing the right people or paying for access is usually the most common way to gain access to invite-only forums, according to Ryan Estes, intrusion analyst at WatchGuard Technologies. “You could also build trust with members of these groups or forums, but that is usually something that law enforcement officials acting undercover do,” he says. While the dark web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security and privacy by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
- Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for each website you visit on the black web. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.
- Avoid downloading files: Downloading files from the black web can be risky and may contain malware or viruses. Only download files from trusted sources.
- Beware of scams: The black web is full of scams and fraudulent websites. Be cautious of websites that ask for personal information or payment details.
Conclusion
Accessing the black web can be a valuable tool for privacy, free speech, and whistleblowing. However, it is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. By following the steps outlined in this article and staying vigilant, you can access the black web safely and securely.
What if my phone number is on the dark web?
If your phone number is in the wrong hands, your identity and sensitive information could follow. Scammers and hackers could use your number to access your cloud accounts, which might hold private photos and details about you. They could then threaten to reveal your identity or information unless you pay a ransom.
