Navigating Through The Darknet / Dark Web
When the deep web is mentioned, most people cringe and have very negative thoughts about it. Accessing and navigating the dark web is easier than most people think, and chances are, you might have already accessed it, albeit unknowingly. There is confusion about the deep web and the dark web, with both meaning different things. Nate Drake is a tech journalist specializing in cybersecurity and retro tech. He broke out from his cubicle at Apple 6 years ago and now spends his days sipping Earl Grey tea & writing elegant copy. If you do just want to stop ad networks tracking you, browser plugins such as Ghostery can block trackers.
Understanding the Dark Web
But your ISP will only know you are using Tor and cannot see what website you are visiting with it. It is crucial to remember that using Tor is not illegal, but engaging in cyber-terrorism or other unlawful activities through it is. To avoid this, you can use a VPN, which will conceal your identity while masking your IP, but it will also affect your internet speed, and some Tor websites may block you from access.
The main risks of visiting the dark web can be found in the table below. The dark web is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser. It is used for keeping internet activity anonymous and private, which can be helpful in both legal and illegal applications.
- The most popular search engine for the dark web is DuckDuckGo’s “onion service.” It allows users to search the dark web without compromising their anonymity.
- For example, they may hold money in escrow but then shut down the e-commerce website and take off with the money.
- It contains layers that allow anonymous and secure applications to transmit messages to each other.
- If you’re going to use the Tor Browser to access deep web sites, you better make sure that you’re as protected as possible.
- Researchers Daniel Moore and Thomas Rid of King’s College in London classified the contents of 2,723 live dark web sites over a five-week period in 2015 and found that 57% host illicit material.
Using the Tor browser for dark web access is legal in most countries. If you don’t venture far, you’ll find everyday sites like forums, chat rooms, or torrent dark web websites. To many people, the dark web is just like the surface web — a place where they watch funny videos, chat with like-minded people and read the news. As such, it’s essential to know the risks of dark web access and how to protect yourself from them.
Many news websites (BBC), torrent sites (The Pirate Bay), and email services (ProtonMail) have onion websites. The idea behind these dark web versions is to provide people who can’t access the surface web version of the site access to the site. When most people think of the internet, they imagine a vast network of computers and servers that are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. However, there is another side to the internet that is not so well known. Theoretically, all you need to access the Dark Web is a Computer, the Internet, and the TOR Browser. The Tor Browser is a web browser that anonymizes your web traffic using the Tor network, making it easier to protect your identity online.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It is commonly associated with illegal activities but also hosts forums, marketplaces, and communities that prioritize privacy and anonymity. Given the potential risks, it’s essential to know how to access dark web safely.
Essential Tools for Safe Access
To navigate the dark web safely, you will need specific tools:
However, DuckDuckGo doesn’t keep track of your usage and also shows .onion websites in its results. 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. Norton 360, our leading antivirus, prevents malicious files from being downloaded on your devices via its firewall.
- Tor Browser: This is the most widely used browser for accessing the dark web. It anonymizes your internet traffic, making it difficult to trace.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN enhances your security by encrypting your internet connection, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a live operating system like Tails which runs from a USB stick and leaves no trace on your computer.
Tor over VPN requires you to place some trust in your VPN provider but not your ISP, and is best if you want to access .onion websites. VPN over Tor requires you to place trust in your ISP but not your VPN and is best if you want to avoid bad Tor exit nodes. Some consider VPN over Tor more secure because it maintains anonymity throughout the entire process (assuming you pay for your VPN anonymously). Although the official Tor Project advises against VPN over Tor, both methods are superior to not using a VPN at all.
As weird as it sounds to us, you could be turned away from a website because of your browser. The dark web is hard to access because it includes a lot of crime, but it also has dark web versions of mainstream news sites. This allows people in oppressive states to access undoctored news securely. Other web browsers may offer private browsing and Incognito modes, but these modes do not hide your browsing history. However, internet service providers are unable to decrypt Tor traffic, so they cannot know exactly what you’re doing with Tor. Websites are also unable to identify you if you use the Tor Browser and optimize its security settings.
Steps to Access the Dark Web Safely
Follow these steps to ensure a safe experience:
- Set Up a VPN: Before you do anything, install and connect to a reliable VPN. This will help mask your IP address and provide a secure connection.
- Download the Tor Browser: Navigate to the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Avoid downloading from third-party sources.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions. Remember that the setup process is straightforward, but ensure you are doing it on a secure computer.
- Launch Tor: After installation, open the Tor Browser. When prompted, connect to the Tor network.
- Browse Safely: Use search engines designed for the dark web, like DuckDuckGo, to find .onion websites.
Best Practices for Staying Safe
While browsing, keep these best practices in mind:
- Enable Security Settings: In the Tor Browser, go to the security settings. Increasing security can help protect against potential threats.
- Avoid Personal Information: Never share personal details, such as your real name, address, or contact information.
- Be Cautious of Downloads: Downloading files can expose your device to malware. Avoid downloading anything unless you are absolutely sure it is safe.
- Use Cryptocurrency: If engaging in transactions, consider using cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
- Stay Aware of Scams: The dark web is rife with scams. Always do your research and approach offers with skepticism.
Potential Risks of the Dark Web
While there are legitimate uses for the dark web, there are also significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Some activities on the dark web are illegal. Engaging in such activities can result in severe legal repercussions.
- Security Threats: There is a risk of encountering malicious sites that could infect your device with malware.
- Fraud and Scams: Many sellers may not deliver purchased goods or services and could steal your information.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
Q: Is using the dark web illegal?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted on it can be. Always abide by the law.
Q: Can I be tracked while on the dark web?
A: While the risk is lower, it is still possible to be tracked. Using a VPN and the Tor Browser greatly reduces this risk.
Q: What should I do if I encounter something illegal?
A: It is often advisable to disconnect and leave the site. Consider reporting illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
Q: How do I find .onion addresses?
A: Use dark web search engines or forums to discover reliable .onion sites. Exercise caution and verify sources before proceeding.
Conclusion
Knowing how to access dark web safely can help you navigate this intriguing yet risky environment. With the right tools and precautions, it is possible to explore the dark web while minimizing potential dangers. Always prioritize your safety and anonymity when venturing into this hidden realm.
