Is The Dark Web Actually Anonymous?
Sites like ProPublica and Secure Drop are fundamental to investigative journalism. Like the regular internet, the dark web is home to all types of sites. To access deep web pages, you need the specific link to the page you want to access. Often, you also need to provide some kind of authentication, such as a password.
The dark web, the most clandestine layer of the internet, constitutes a small portion of the deep web. Unlike the surface web and the majority of the deep web, the dark web is intentionally concealed and requires specialized software to access. Accessing the dark web involves using anonymity tools such as the Tor network. The dark web primarily hosts websites with “.onion” domain extensions and is renowned for harboring illicit activities, including illegal marketplaces, cybercrime forums, and other hidden services.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is often misunderstood, largely due to its association with illegal activities. However, it’s essential to understand what it is and how to navigate it safely. The dark web is a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google.
Officially, the Tor Browser is only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Many experts advise against using third-party mobile browsers that utilize the Tor Network. There are no standard web browsers that can be used to access dark web content. The easiest way to access Tor is through a special browser, known as the Tor Browser. You might want to hide your Tor Browser download using a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode. The dark web, or dark net, is a small part of the deep web that is kept hidden on purpose.
What Is The Dark Web?
For example, you might notice unusual activity in your bank statements and email accounts. Any suspicious activity, no matter how small, must be taken seriously. Accessing the dark web on Tor makes it much more difficult for police to track your online activity. In the last few years, international crime agencies have successfully worked together to shut down dark web marketplaces and arrest criminals. If you access the dark web without a VPN, your ISP is likely to pick up on the Tor activity, and it might mark you out for surveillance.
The dark web is a part of the deep web, which includes any web content that isn’t indexed by standard search engines. While the deep web contains plenty of benign information like medical records and private databases, the dark web is infamous for hosting illicit activities.
When people go on about the so-called dark web, they’re usually talking about onion sites, which aren’t searchable via Google or accessible via standard browsers. On the regular web, domains such as are translated into their actual IP addresses via the domain name system (DNS). At its core, much of the activity on the dark web focuses on discussion forums, chat rooms, and news aggregators accessed only via Tor and thus hidden from traditional Internet search engines. They typically utilize the domain suffix, and onion is reserved for sites wanting to remain anonymous – often created by groups advocating neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology.
Reasons People Access the Dark Web
The surface web accounts for roughly 5% of information on the internet. Plenty of other illegal goods and services are available on the dark web. Firearms, counterfeit currencies, illegal pornography, human trafficking – you name it. Some things are so horrible that even illicit dark web marketplaces refuse to participate, so interested dark web users would need to go to the darkest places of the dark web to encounter them.
The use of the dark web usually means that you are attempting to engage in activity that you could not otherwise carry out in the public eye. However, you can still take illegal actions within Tor that could incriminate you regardless of the browser’s legality. You could easily use Tor in an attempt to pirate copyrighted content from the deep web, share illegal pornography, or engage in cyber terrorism. 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.
- Anonymity: Users seek privacy and security.
- Information: Access to restricted data and forums.
- Whistleblowing: Platforms for safe information sharing.
- Access to Blocked Content: Bypassing censorship in certain locations.
How to Get on the Dark Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the dark web.
Step 1: Download a Secure Browser
- The dark web, by contrast, is configured on darknets, which are online networks that can be accessed only with special software and techniques.
- All your device’s internet traffic first goes to the VPN server, then it bounces through the Tor Network before ending up at its final destination.
- Aleksandar Kochovski is an expert in cybersecurity with a pronounced emphasis on secure cloud storage, a key component of modern cloud computing.
- While personal information may seem invaluable to you, cybercriminals trade personal information for a mere few dollars on the black markets that exist on the Dark Web.
- Also, if you are installing TOR on your main PC and use that to access the dark web (which I do NOT recommend), the usual precautions apply.
The first tool you need is the Tor Browser. It allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing the requests through a network of relays.
- Visit the official Tor Project website to download the browser.
- Install the browser following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Configure Security Settings
Before diving in, adjust the Tor Browser settings for maximum security.
- Open the browser.
- Go to Tor’s security settings and increase your security level.
Step 3: Understand URLs
Dark web sites typically use the .onion domain extension. You won’t find these in standard search engines.
Examples of accessing dark web sites:
- Use known directories that list .onion sites.
- Share links from forums and communities that discuss the dark web.
Step 4: Use a VPN
For added security, consider using a VPN service alongside the Tor Browser.
- A VPN masks your IP address.
- This adds an additional layer of privacy while accessing the dark web.
Step 5: Stay Safe and Secure
Protect yourself and your data by following safe browsing practices:
- Avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
- Never share personal information.
- Be cautious about the sites you visit.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while there can lead to serious legal consequences.
What types of content can I find on the dark web?
You can find various types of content, from forums discussing sensitive topics to marketplaces selling illicit goods and services.
Can I use regular search engines to find dark web sites?
No, dark web sites are typically not indexed by regular search engines. You will need to use specific directories or forums for links.
Conclusion
Learning how to get on the dark web involves understanding the tools and practices required for safe navigation. While there are legitimate uses for the dark web, proceed with caution and a focus on security.
