Comparison Of The Best VPNs For Accessing The Dark Web In 2024
Understanding the Tor Dark Web
Install Avast SecureLine VPN for Android to protect your privacy and keep your data from falling into the wrong hands. J.M. Porup got his start in security working as a Linux sysadmin in 2002. Since then he’s covered national security and information security for a variety of publications, and now calls CSO Online home.
The Tor Dark Web represents a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Access to this realm requires specific software known as Tor, which stands for The Onion Router.
The latter uses ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, which is authenticated with Poly1305. Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs you can use to safely access the dark web. The most common way to safely access the dark web is by connecting to a VPN and then opening the Tor browser. In addition to traditionally forbidden trade, the dark web became a hub for the sale of stolen information.
How Tor Works
Tor operates by routing users’ internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers, called nodes. This process masks the user’s IP address, enhancing anonymity. Here’s how it works:
- Layered Encryption: Data is encrypted multiple times before it leaves the user’s device.
- Multiple Nodes: Information is relayed through at least three nodes before reaching its final destination.
- Anonymity: Each node only knows the previous and next node, ensuring that no single entity can track the entire communication.
Users should take additional measures to protect their online identity and personal information when using the dark web. One of the earliest and most well-known dark web marketplaces was the Silk Road, launched in 2011 by Ross Ulbricht. The site allowed users to buy and sell drugs, weapons, and other illegal goods using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The Silk Road was shut down by law enforcement in 2013, but other dark web marketplaces have since emerged to take its place. This means that the identities and locations of darknet users are hidden from public view and remain anonymous, even when interacting with other users or engaging in any online activity. Most of that information is hidden simply because the vast majority of users won’t find it relevant.
Of these darknets, Tor (short for “The Onion Router”) is by far the largest. When you envision the dark web, it may conjure up images of hackers trading stolen Social Security numbers or drug dealers advertising their products online—and that’s not completely wrong. While the dark web can be a helpful tool for sourcing legitimate products or ensuring private communication, it’s also a hotspot for illegal internet activity. The dark web is a part of the internet consisting of hidden sites that aren’t indexed by conventional search engines. It’s important to note that while these browsers provide anonymity and privacy, they do not guarantee complete security.
It’s nice to have since we recommend not running any other application on the internet while you’re surfing the dark web. Tune into the deep web radio if it’s getting too quiet, and you’ll definitely find something interesting to listen to. (Psst…it’s on the dark web even though the name suggests otherwise). If you’re an activist or a dissident, be sure to connect to CyberGhost VPN first. Read our activist’s guide to online privacy and security to stay safe online. Atlas VPN support team is always ready to resolve the issues you experience with your connection, servers, etc.
These aren’t the type of products you should use to keep you safe while exploring the dark web. One of the problems with free VPNs is that they have a poor user-to-server ratio, with too many users and not enough servers. This is not what you want when also using the Tor network, as the two in conjunction will be painfully slow. Proton VPN is part of the Proton family of services provided by Proton Technologies AG. While ProtonMail has a solid commitment to privacy, its location has caused problems for users in the past.
Tor (“The Onion Routing” project) network browser provides users access to visit websites with the “. This browser is a service originally developed in the latter part of the 1990s by the United States Naval Research Laboratory. Policing involves targeting specific activities of the private web deemed illegal or subject to internet censorship. The Hidden Wiki is a surface website offering a collection of dark web links — but the links don’t always work, and they may not be safe. Use it to get an idea of what sort of dark websites you may be interested in visiting. But before visiting any sites on the dark web, get comprehensive cybersecurity software to protect yourself from any threats you may encounter.
The Structure of the Dark Web
The Dark Web is a small part of the larger Deep Web, which includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines. The Tor Dark Web specifically is characterized by:
- .onion Domains: Websites on the Tor network use the .onion domain extension.
- Specialized Browsers: Accessing these domains requires the Tor Browser, designed to connect through the Tor network.
- Inaccessible by Regular Browsers: Standard web browsers cannot reach .onion sites.
Uses of the Tor Dark Web
The Tor Dark Web serves various purposes:
- Privacy Protection: Users can communicate and share information without fear of surveillance.
- Whistleblowing: Platforms exist for individuals to expose wrongdoing while maintaining anonymity.
- Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, it is also used for illegal trade, including drugs and firearms.
- Forums and Communities: Various forums foster discussions on topics ranging from technology to activism.
Risks Associated with the Tor Dark Web
- However, if you visit websites requiring personal information, it may still detect that you’re using Tor and monitor your browsing activity.
- The Tor network supports transmission control traffic protocol and is streamlined for various types of browsing activity.
- Onion routing is the original technology developed in the 1990s that made the Dark Web possible.
- It was alleged he offered a total of $700,000 for hitmen services to take out people who were trying to blackmail him, but he was never charged for these allegations for lack of sufficient evidence.
While the Tor Dark Web can provide anonymity, it comes with significant risks:
- Illegal Content: Many sites engage in illegal activities, and visiting these can expose users to legal consequences.
- Scams and Fraud: The lack of regulation leads to many scams, where users can lose money or data.
- Malware: There’s a heightened risk of malware from untrustworthy sites.
FAQs About the Tor Dark Web
1. Is using the Tor Dark Web illegal?
Using the Tor Dark Web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while there is punishable by law.
2. Can my internet service provider track me on the Tor Dark Web?
While Tor disguises your internet traffic, your ISP can see that you’re using Tor. However, they cannot see your specific activities on the Dark Web.
3. What are the ethical implications of accessing the Tor Dark Web?
Accessing the Tor Dark Web can raise ethical questions, especially concerning the proliferation of illegal content versus the need for privacy and freedom of speech.
Conclusion
The Tor Dark Web is a complex ecosystem offering both advantages and risks. Understanding its structure, use cases, and potential dangers is crucial for anyone considering exploring this hidden corner of the internet.
