How Do I Access the Darknet?

Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results. You can’t just Google “Silk Road” and hope to land on the dark website. If you want to use Tor privately, you can use either a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed). Tor users in the USA, in particular, may want to use a VPN, which will be faster and more reliable.

Guide Through The Darknet

Accessing the darknet can be a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with it. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to explore this hidden corner of the internet.

• This article is an excerpt taken from the book, Hands-On Dark Web Analysis written by Sion Retzkin.
• By accessing the normal internet, your device is accessing central servers which will then display the website.
• Because Tor nodes are made up of volunteers, not all of them play by the rules.

What is the Darknet?

Is It Illegal To Open The Dark Web?

The darknet, also known as the dark web, is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through specialized software. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing.

How Do I Access the Darknet?

How To Access The Dark Web Safely

To access the darknet, you will need to use the Tor network. Tor, which stands for “The Onion Router,” is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.

Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S. Caesars Entertainment (CE) oversees 58 gaming properties across the continental states. Their locations include world destinations, nightlife activities, a comprehensive concierge, and an industry-leading approach to draw millions of gamblers weekly. The number of victims caused by the global MOVEit data breach continues to climb; Welltok has announced more exposures, this time from three more health organizations. Cybersecurity breaches are at epidemic proportions; in the last two years, cybercriminals have stolen over 2.6 billion consumer records from thousands of organizations.

Deep Web Search Engines

Step 1: Download and Install Tor

Every time you log into your email account, check your online banking details, or use social media, you’re on the Deep Web. Putting a stop to this kind of crime has been described as a “never-ending game of whack-a-mole” for law enforcement. But even with the odds seemingly stacked against it, the anonymity of the dark web can sometimes play to the law’s advantage. No ID and no location means you never really know who’s communicating with you. Estes agrees that there are legitimate purposes for using anonymizing tools like Tor. In some cases, some organizations create both a clear web and a dark web domain.

To get started, you will need to download and install the Tor browser. You can find the latest version on the official Tor Project website. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the prompts to install Tor on your computer.

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. Unlike the deep web, you typically don’t need any kind of authentication to access the dark web. However, you need the specific onion links for the dark web sites you want to visit. Another alternative is Freenet; like I2P, it won’t give you access to.onion links — only content that was uploaded to Freenet. Like I2P, it uses a distributed network database for added assurance against cyber attacks.

Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network

After installation, open the Tor browser. It will automatically connect to the Tor network. You can verify that you are connected by checking the Tor circuit display in the top right corner of the browser window.

Step 3: Browse the Darknet

Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can start browsing the darknet. There are a number of darknet search engines and directories that you can use to find websites and content. Some popular options include Ahmia, Candle, and Not Evil.

FAQs

• Is it illegal to access the darknet? No, it is not illegal to access the darknet. However, some activities that take place on the darknet, such as illegal drug sales and child pornography, are illegal.
• Can I be tracked if I use Tor? While Tor provides a high level of anonymity, it is not foolproof. It is possible for law enforcement agencies and other organizations to track your online activity if they have the resources and expertise to do so.
• What should I do if I find illegal content on the darknet? If you come across illegal content on the darknet, you should report it to the appropriate authorities. In the United States, you can contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Accessing the darknet can be a fascinating and educational experience. However, it is important to remember that it is also a place where illegal activities take place. Always exercise caution and use common sense when browsing the darknet.