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Accessing the darknet can seem like a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with it. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is relatively straightforward.
What is the Darknet?
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The darknet 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 has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing.
How Do You Access the Darknet?
While it has legitimate uses, the dark web’s anonymity also makes it a hotbed for illicit activities, contributing to its infamous reputation. To avoid encountering disturbing or illegal situations, I advise against entering darknet sites before thoroughly researching them. I also recommend that you browse the dark web with complete anonymity by using a VPN — just to be safe. The dark web is the home of many criminal activities — from the use of stolen or fake documents to drug and weapon dealing. What’s more, it’s a network that includes assassins for hire, child pornography, and even live streams of murders.
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To access the darknet, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. Tor stands for “The Onion Router” and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing their internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers around the world.
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
Access: Despite not being indexed by search engines, the Deep Web is accessible via traditional web browsers — i.e. you can access a Gmail page using Firefox, Chrome, etc. The Dark Web, on the other hand, is only accessible via special browsers that use Tor to protect anonymity.
Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser
The first step to accessing the darknet is to download and install the Tor browser. You can do this by visiting the official Tor project website and following the instructions for your operating system.
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- It’s a subset of the Deep Web that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers.
- Keep in mind that if an offer seems too good to be true, it could very well be a scam!
- Everything that appears on the first pages is visible on the Internet and is clicked on by users.
- Websites and pages in the deep web might include password-protected content, private forums, and personalized resources.
- While Tor is an open-source project, your activity can still be traced back to your IP address.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
But since Tor only works on Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac, I suggest choosing one of these platforms. Through it, your ISP can see that you’ve entered the Tor network, although it has no ability to track your activities. Still, this is enough to make them suspicious of your activities on the dark web, as Tor is used mainly for this purpose. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Countries like Russia, China, and Turkmenistan have blocked the Tor network. These countries also tend to have more far-reaching internet restrictions.
Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can connect to the Tor network by opening the browser and clicking the “Connect” button. This will route your internet connection through the Tor network and give you access to the darknet.
Step 3: Navigate to Darknet Websites
To navigate to darknet websites, you will need to know the onion address of the website you want to visit. Onion addresses are similar to regular website addresses, but they end in “.onion” instead of “.com” or “.org”. You can find onion addresses by searching for them on the regular internet or by asking other darknet users.
What Are The Risks Of Darknet?
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the darknet?
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).
No, it is not illegal to access the darknet. However, some activities that take place on the darknet are illegal, so it is important to use caution and only visit websites that you trust.
Can I be traced if I use the Tor browser?
While the Tor browser provides a high level of anonymity, it is not 100% foolproof. It is possible for law enforcement agencies to trace Tor users if they have the necessary resources and expertise.
Do I need special software to access the darknet?
We explain this further down the article if you are not up to speed. According to researchers, only 4% of the internet is visible to the general public. Only at the end of this “chain” of onion nodes does your data become decrypted and sent to the final destination. The Invisible Internet Project uses end-to-end traffic encryption sent through a decentralised network of about 55,000 computers.
Yes, you will need to use the Tor browser to access the darknet. Other browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, will not work.
Can I access the darknet on my phone?
Yes, you can access the darknet on your phone by downloading and installing the Tor browser app. However, keep in mind that using the Tor browser on a mobile device can be slower and less secure than using it on a desktop computer.
What is the most valuable data on the dark web?
Patient data is the most valuable, making it targeted by bad actors. Reports show the value of a health record can be worth as much as $1,000, whereas on the dark web, a credit card number is worth $5 and Social Security numbers are worth $1.
