- Signup for PureVPN to get complete online security and privacy with a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic.
- The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines.
- It combines strong layers of encryption with the ability to randomly bounce internet traffic through the Tor network of relays.
- The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals.
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 hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. In this article, we will guide you through the process of accessing the dark web safely and securely.
Do I Have To Use A VPN?
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites use encryption and anonymity tools to protect the identity of their users and the content they host. While some of these websites host illegal content, many others are used for legitimate purposes, such as political activism, journalism, and whistleblowing.
Tor
How to Access the Dark Web
What not to use Tor for?
Don't use Tor for online shopping or banking: While Tor can provide a high degree of anonymity, it's not designed for secure online transactions. Using Tor for online shopping or banking could put your financial information at risk.
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. Here are the steps to install and use Tor:
Be Mindful Of Who You Share Your Real Email Address With
- Download and install Tor: Go to the official Tor website (https://www.torproject.org/) and download the latest version of Tor for your operating system. Follow the installation instructions carefully.
- Launch Tor: Once Tor is installed, launch the application. You will see a welcome screen that explains how Tor works. Click on the “Connect” button to start using Tor.
- Browse the dark web: Once you are connected to Tor, you can start browsing the dark web. You can use the Tor browser to access dark web websites by typing in their URLs, which typically start with “http://” or “https://” followed by a series of numbers and letters. Some popular dark web websites include The Hidden Wiki, DuckDuckGo, and Facebook’s Onion Service.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Is Tor Safe To Use On An IPhone?
While the dark web can be a valuable resource, it is also a dangerous place. Here are some tips to stay safe while browsing the dark web:
Law enforcement even uses the dark web when they’re looking for stolen data. Of course, it also helps to find perpetrators that may be dealing on the black market. There are also hard-to-find books, censored content, and political news available for access. The simple answer here is no, it is not illegal to access the deep web.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your identity and encrypt your traffic. Use a reputable VPN service and make sure it is turned on before you connect to Tor.
- Do not download files: Downloading files from the dark web can be risky. Malware and other malicious software are common on the dark web, and downloading a file can compromise your computer or your personal information.
- Do not share personal information: The dark web is full of scams and phishing attempts. Do not share your personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card numbers, with anyone on the dark web.
- Use caution when clicking links: Dark web websites often have links to other websites. Be cautious when clicking on links, as they can lead to malicious websites or downloads.
With these settings in place, you can now safely access the dark web using Tor Browser. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of accessing the dark web using the Tor Browser. With Tor node IPs being public, Internet providers can detect when it is being used. That’s why for private and more secure browsing, the best option is to use Tor combined with a VPN.
Mark contributions as unhelpful if you find them irrelevant or not valuable to the article. The Vidalia Control Panel will automatically handle the randomized network setup and, when Tor is ready, the browser will open; just close it again to disconnect from the network. In March 2015 the UK government launched a dedicated cybercrime unit to tackle the Dark Web, with a particular focus on cracking down on serious crime rings and child pornography. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and UK intelligence outfit GCHQ are together creating the Joint Operations Cell (JOC). There are several layers of magnitude more secrecy than the already secret act of using Tor to visit a website on the open internet – for both parties.
Once you download and launch it, it will connect you to the TOR network and you’re good to go. Others, such as people who have been cyberstalked or are concerned about the security of online banking, may use it to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime. It gives you an additional layer of encryption and anonymity—backed by a strict no-log policy.
Is DuckDuckGo a Tor?
DuckDuckGo is the default search engine in Tor Browser. DuckDuckGo does not track its users nor does it store any data about user searches. Learn more about DuckDuckGo privacy policy.
On the brighter side, Android supports Tor directly, so you can download this browser for free on your phone. Once you connect to a VPN server on your phone, it’s easy to open Tor, visit the site you want, and enjoy browsing it safely and securely with the added encryption of a VPN. Basically, it’s an intentionally hidden part of the internet that can only be accessed using Tor.
Conclusion
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. First, using Tor is slow, like the early days of dial-up internet, simply because it takes time to route your search requests through all those anonymizers.
The dark web can be a valuable resource for those who need to access information that is not available on the surface web. However, it is important to approach the dark web with caution and take steps to protect your identity and your computer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can access the dark web safely and securely.
Can you ever get your information off the dark web?
You can check to see where your information appears with a free dark web scan. And while there might not be a simple way to get your information removed from the dark web, you can take measures to protect your accounts and identity.