Understanding the Dark Web
This specialized browser grants users a level of anonymity that is especially appealing to cybercriminals, hackers, and government operatives who want to hide their identity. The dark web is a complex place where a lot can go wrong when you don’t do proper research on how to access the dark web safely. It is full of scammers, malware, and phishing websites — and these are just a few of the dangers.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. Accessing this hidden portion requires specific tools and knowledge. This article delves into how do you get to the dark web safely and legally.
🥈2 Private Internet Access — Best For Visiting Sites On The Dark Web On Mobile
Cybercriminals often use tactics like credential stuffing and password spraying to obtain the details they need to steal and expose your data. The deep web works by requiring you to have a specific password or link that will give you access to the private site you’re trying to enter. This way, prying eyes will run into trouble trying to access your personal information.
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
If you connect to your VPN and fire up Tor Browser, you’re using Tor over VPN, this is by far the most common method. 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. Your ISP only sees the encrypted VPN traffic, and won’t know you’re on Tor. 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.
Popularized by Edward Snowden, Tails runs as a discrete operating system on USB flash drives. Tails provides additional layers of security so that Dark Web browsing is not tied directly to a user’s machine. Tails also allows users to store encrypted files, run email programs and PGP, and run the TOR browser. Signup for PureVPN to get complete online security and privacy with a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic. This is the reason we must use a VPN to hide our identity while accessing the dark web.
Before you embark on your journey to the dark web, make sure you have the following:
When using such websites, especially if you plan on asking some personal questions yourself, an extra layer of security is always welcome. If you use a VPN, your data gets encrypted before it even reaches the Tor Network. Check out the video below to find out exactly how and why you should use a VPN with Tor.
- Secure Internet Connection – A reliable and private connection is crucial.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) – This ensures your online activities remain anonymous.
- Tor Browser – A specially designed browser that allows you to access .onion websites.
Each node decrypts your data one layer at a time so it can be interpreted, then sent to your intended dark web destination. It’s from this process of ‘peeling’ off the individual layers of encryption, like the layers of an onion, where ‘the onion router’ gets its name. Infamous criminal sites live there, but so do popular, well-known sites and brands. In another infamous case, the administrator of the dark web-based Playpen child pornography site was sentenced to more than 30 years in jail. Steven Chase was caught by the FBI after inadvertently revealing the real internet address of the site. A further 870 people were reportedly arrested in relation to the site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Dark Web
- The U.S. government created the dark web in the mid-1990s to allow spies to exchange confidential data anonymously.
- Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there.
- Knowing how to get on the dark web is one thing, but how do you search the dark web?
- SOCRadar provides a thorough Dark Web monitoring solution that enables organizations to identify and mitigate threats across the surface, deep and dark web.
- Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs you can use to safely access the dark web.
Follow these steps on how do you get to the dark web:
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Step 1: Set up a VPN on your device to encrypt your internet connection and mask your IP address.
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Step 2: Download the Tor Browser from the official website. Avoid downloading it from third-party sources to prevent malware.
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Step 3: Install the Tor Browser, following the installation prompts carefully.
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Step 4: Open the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network. This process may take a few moments.
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Step 5: Once connected, you can enter specific .onion websites into the address bar.
Tips for Safe Browsing on the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, it’s essential to prioritize your safety. Here are some tips:
- Do not share personal information to protect your identity.
- Be cautious of links and websites, as many may contain illegal or harmful content.
- Use secure and anonymous payment methods if you engage in any transactions.
- Regularly update your security tools to protect against vulnerabilities.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it can lead to serious legal consequences.
Q: What type of content can be found on the dark web?
A: The dark web hosts various content, including forums, illegal marketplaces, and privacy-focused websites.
Q: Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
A: While the Tor network provides a degree of anonymity, complete anonymity is not guaranteed. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security.
Conclusion
Understanding how do you get to the dark web is the first step in navigating its complexities safely. By following the outlined steps and maintaining security precautions, you can explore this hidden corner of the internet with greater confidence and awareness.
