How Do You Get Into the Dark Web?

You should also keep in mind that overall speeds will likely be impacted; for example, a page might take a few seconds longer to load than what you are used to. ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. If you’re interested in exploring the dark web, here’s how you can access it.

Use a Dark Web Browser

Cybercriminals will create look-a-like mobile applications, websites and social media profiles of executives and companies that appear exactly like the real thing. Another area on the up is marketing lead databases, which have been available on the dark web for some time, but the aggregate amount has increased dramatically in recent years, according to Biswas. Although the data may be publicly available on social media or in business directories, it’s scraped and reposted. “But it still exposes a vast number of individuals to phishing scams, corporate fraud, and social engineering,” he says.

To access the dark web, you’ll need to use a specialized browser that can handle the Tor network. The Tor network is a group of volunteer-operated servers that allows people to browse the internet anonymously. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which is a modified version of Firefox.

Consider Using A VPN When Visiting The Dark Web

To download the Tor browser, go to the official Tor Project website and follow the instructions. Once you’ve installed the browser, you can use it to access the dark web.

Find Dark Web Sites

Unlike the surface web, the dark web doesn’t have a centralized index or search engine. This means that you’ll need to know the specific URL of the site you want to visit. There are a few ways to find dark web sites:

The dark web is a relatively new concept, at least when you consider the history of the internet as a whole. You can use it to remain anonymous without fear of repercussion if you want to express yourself freely. But this amount of privacy has helped it gain a bad reputation as a forum for those who want to use it for illicit activities.

Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want. Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites.

Keep Your Data In The Dark — And Off The Dark Web

• Ask someone who’s already on the dark web.

This explains why this ecosystem is a favorite place for those who engage in criminal activity. Nevertheless, many legitimate reasons exist to use Tor to explore the Darknet. Sensitive corporate and personal data ends up on the dark web in several different ways.

• Use a dark web directory, such as the Hidden Wiki.
• Use a dark web search engine, such as Ahmia.

Stay Safe

The dark web can be a dangerous place, and it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. Here are some tips:

• Use a VPN to hide your IP address.
• Don’t download any files or click on any links unless you’re sure they’re safe.
• Don’t give out any personal information.
• Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Keep your antivirus software up to date.

Get A Reliable VPN

FAQs

• Of these darknets, Tor (short for “The Onion Router”) is by far the largest.
• Install and run strong, trusted security software on your computer and devices to help ensure the privacy and security of your data.
• The dark web doesn’t have an index or ranking system, which means you can’t search for sites like you would with Google or other search engines.
• Tor is a network named after The Onion Router project that it’s based on.

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s 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 dark web?

To access the dark web, you’ll need to use a specialized browser that can handle the Tor network. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which is a modified version of Firefox.

Is the dark web dangerous?

The dark web can be a dangerous place, and it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. Use a VPN to hide your IP address, don’t download any files or click on any links unless you’re sure they’re safe, don’t give out any personal information, use two-factor authentication whenever possible, and keep your antivirus software up to date.

How do I find dark web sites?

Unlike the surface web, the dark web doesn’t have a centralized index or search engine. This means that you’ll need to know the specific URL of the site you want to visit. There are a few ways to find dark web sites, such as asking someone who’s already on the dark web, using a dark web directory, or using a dark web search engine.