Threat actors and aspiring cybercriminals have been flocking to Telegram channels and groups hoping to benefit from even better anonymity and default end-to-end encryption. The ever-changing nature of dark web marketplaces makes it vital to stay on top of the main sites worth monitoring. High-profile markets sometimes close overnight, and new markets surge to enormous levels of popularity in no time.
Understanding the Dark Web
The Tor browser uses the Tor network, which was developed in the mid-1990s by US Naval Research Laboratory employees. The browser is open-source software that is free to download and enables anonymous communication online. Users’ internet traffic is sent through an encrypted network of volunteer-maintained relays around the world. This makes it very difficult to trace the original users’ identity. Tor’s anonymity function is used by everyone from human rights workers and journalists through to drug and arms dealers. You cannot access the dark web through conventional browsers and search engines — it’s only accessible with special browsers like Tor.
It is a special kind of browser that provides individuals with the ability to communicate anonymously. It can be found on the Play Store and allows you to access different onion links and explore the Tor network. Luckily, there are a few useful sites and search engines that can improve your dark web browsing experience.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access and is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for privacy-oriented communication.
When it comes to accessing the dark web, getting a reliable virtual private network (VPN) is crucial. A VPN creates a secure and private connection between your device and the internet. It encrypts your traffic, making it nearly impossible for anyone to intercept or monitor your online activity. The Dark Web is a subset of the Deep Web that utilizes encryption software to hide content from search engines and protect its users’ online activities. Accessing sites on this subdomain requires using special-purpose browsers like Tor. The deep web is a layer of the internet that’s not indexed by search engines and requires further permissions to access, like a paywalled academic resource or an employee-only corporate website.
How to Get to Dark Web: Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing the dark web involves a few crucial steps. Below is a detailed guide:
-
Cyber Security Salary In India 2024
When searching and surfing the dark web, it is possible to run into malicious websites that contain malware. There is a significant amount of malicious websites on the dark web which means it is essential to be extremely careful about where you go. As a result, it is essential that you use a strong firewall, and an antivirus with real time scanning and protection against incoming threats. You may never have expected Facebook to have a dark web mirror, but the reality is that even Zuck wants to ensure that people all over the world can access Facebook if they need to! Just remember that when you login to and use Facebook, the service still knows who you are. Thus, the dark web version of Facebook is there for bypassing censorship, not for gaining anonymity on the social media platform.
Download Tor Browser
This enables individuals to form groups and only share content in a highly anonymous network of darknet users who they know. Since you’ve now installed the Tor browser, you can safely browse dark web websites and other (previously) hidden websites. From this point onwards, you can enjoy complete anonymity and security while being able to access “.onion” websites and other dark web browser domains. The “Hidden Wiki” (which can be accessed in a normal browser) offers a large collection of dark web links, but be careful, as many of those links are to dangerous websites. The users of the dark web are typically aiming to block governments from snooping on them. This can often be for political reasons, but also because they may be involved in illegal activities, such as the ones listed above.
The primary tool for accessing the dark web is the Tor Browser. It can be downloaded from the official Tor Project website.
-
Install the Browser
Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Once installed, run the Tor Browser.
-
Adjust Security Settings
Before browsing, adjust the security level by clicking on the shield icon. Set the security to a higher level to enhance privacy.
-
Use HTTPS Websites
Whenever possible, ensure that websites you visit have HTTPS connections for added security.
-
Access .onion Sites
Websites on the dark web typically have .onion domains. Use directories or search engines specifically for the dark web to find these resources.
This means you can use ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, for the best possible speeds when using Tor to browse the dark web. ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN to use when browsing the dark web. Even if you forget to click on the Onion Over VPN heading when looking for a NordVPN server, its regular server list makes finding them easy. These specialized servers are easily identified in NordVPN apps by the heading Onion Over VPN. This means you can’t simply replace .com with .onion and expect it to work.
Important Precautions
While navigating the dark web, consider the following precautions:
- Use a VPN: Enhance your anonymity by using a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) alongside Tor.
- Never Share Personal Information: Keep your identity and personal details private.
- Be Wary of Scams: Many sites may try to scam users; always verify the credibility of a source.
- Use Disposable Email: If you need to register on any platform, use a disposable email service.
FAQs
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for various purposes including privacy-focused activities, whistleblowing, and illegal activities such as drug trade and weapon sales.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Can I be tracked while on the dark web?
While using tools like Tor provides anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked by skilled actors, so always take necessary precautions.
- No one is really the creator of the dark web – it’s just a hidden network requiring special tools to access.
- The dark web’s inherent anonymity is helpful for political activists, journalists, and anyone living in regions that heavily restrict and monitor internet access.
- However, the dark web is known for hosting illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapon sales, hacking services, and child exploitation, among others.
- That way, your ISP won’t know you’re browsing on Tor, and your activity will remain private.
- You can find both legal and illegal websites/activities on the dark web, as it isn’t regulated in any way.
What should I avoid on the dark web?
- Avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
- Do not engage in illegal transactions.
- Do not share personal or financial information.
Understanding how to safely navigate the dark web is crucial for anyone interested in exploring its depths. By taking necessary precautions and utilizing the right tools, users can mitigate risks while accessing this hidden part of the internet.
