Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It’s often associated with illegal activities but also has legitimate uses. Knowing how to find the dark web safely and responsibly is essential for those interested in exploring this hidden digital world.
What You’ll Need
However, some countries like China, Russia, and Belarus have banned it. If you get NordVPN, you can also use the Tor network whenever you want with its Onion over VPN servers. These are special servers from NordVPN that first hide your IP address and then route your traffic through the Tor network. To access the dark web from a country where the Tor Network is banned or restricted, we suggest using obfuscated servers.
How To Access Onion Sites
All links are grouped into different categories, including financial services, commercial services, news sites, email providers, and privacy services. We recommend you use a trustworthy VPN like NordVPN, which offers military-grade encryption for your IP address and dark web monitoring to alert you in case of identity theft. Visiting the dark web without any protection can expose your IP address and location, putting you at risk of identity theft and malware infection. Remember to turn on your VPN and antivirus before attempting to visit the dark web. However, many schools also have an intranet — sometimes linked from the main university page — that’s accessible only for students or staff.
The dark web is a small part of the much larger “deep web,” which also isn’t indexed by search engines — but authorized users can access it using common web browsers. The deep web is made up of email platforms, workplace portals, subscription services, and banking websites — basically anything that requires a login. The “surface web,” on the other hand, is the publicly available part of the internet that search engines index.
Before diving into the dark web, it’s crucial to prepare adequately. Here’s what you will need:
BreachGuard will guide you through the process of recovering your accounts and protecting them before a hacker can use your leaked credentials. Secure your data and keep hackers out of your account with a specialized dark web monitoring tool. Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access.
- Tor Browser – A specialized browser designed to access the dark web securely.
- VPN – A Virtual Private Network to enhance your privacy while browsing.
- Safety Measures – Tools to protect your identity and data.
No one truly knows the size of the dark web, but some estimate that it accounts for just 5% of the total internet. The names of dark web pages are unusual, too, and can make it difficult to find them. Instead of site names that are easy to memorize, such as CNN.com or Google.com, Tor sites are made up of a random series of numbers and letters. For instance, the website of the Torch dark web browser is cnkj6nippubgycuj.onion, while the Tor website for DuckDuckGo is 3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion.
Browsers like Tor, an open-source and free software, allow people to access dark websites where these goods are available, like a digital marketplace. These websites may look similar to any other surface or deep website you’d encounter. The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above.
Because of its highly layered encryption system, hackers can communicate without giving away their location, IP address, or identity. Although all these steps may seem excessive, always remember that once your information is on the dark web, it’s almost impossible to remove it altogether. Websites on the darknet don’t last long and are reincarnated often under a different name. As such, bad actors can replicate your data multiple times for profit. You can also take a proactive approach by engaging in dark web monitoring, dark web scans, and setting up fraud alerts.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to find the dark web:
- Download the Tor Browser
- Visit the official Tor Project website and download the browser.
- Install the browser on your device, following the instructions provided.
- Set Up a VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN service that emphasizes privacy.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor browser to add an extra layer of anonymity.
- Launch Tor Browser
- Open the Tor browser and connect to the Tor network.
- Familiarize yourself with the interface, which may differ from standard browsers.
- Navigate to Dark Web Websites
- Access .onion sites, which are specific to the Tor network.
- Use directories or forums to find lists of dark web URLs.
Staying Safe While Exploring the Dark Web
- The term itself is known to send chills down one’s spine because there are thousands of stories about the dark web and rampant cybercrime.
- Privacy and anonymity are the dark web’s hallmarks, thanks to a network of servers that hide users’ identities and locations.
- Due to the value of the private data that is stored on the deep web, it is vital that it is always secured extremely well using encryption.
When learning how to find the dark web, safety should always be a top priority. Consider these precautions:
- Never share personal information on dark web forums or websites.
- Beware of scams and fraudulent sites; not everything on the dark web is legitimate.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
Common Questions about the Dark Web
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for a variety of activities, including but not limited to:
- Anonymous communication.
- Forums for activists and whistleblowers.
- Markets for illegal goods.
- Sharing sensitive information without censorship.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can I be tracked while on the dark web?
While using Tor and a VPN significantly reduces the chances of being tracked, there are still risks involved, especially if personal information is disclosed.
Understanding how to find the dark web and navigating it safely can open new avenues for digital exploration. Always prioritize privacy and security to ensure a responsible experience in this hidden realm of the internet.
