The term “deep web” refers to all web pages that that are unidentifiable by search engines. Deep web sites may be concealed behind passwords or other security walls, while others simply tell search engines to not “crawl” them. Without visible links, these pages are more hidden for various reasons.
That’s helpful because Tor can suffer IP leaks and malicious actors can run Tor servers. Basically, if a Tor IP leak occurs before you connect to the VPN, your real IP address will be exposed. But if you connect to the VPN before connecting to Tor and an IP leak occurs, only the VPN’s IP address will be exposed. The VPN allows Tor traffic on 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, which is great. But I had much faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. But make sure you’re careful which links you click on — some of them lead to sites that contain illegal content and services.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for privacy advocates and whistleblowers. To access it safely, you need to understand the necessary steps and precautions.
I also recommend using an antivirus (like Norton 360) to protect your device from malware infections. But I like how secure PIA is — it has advanced security features like RAM-only servers, full leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. Also, its no-logs policy has been proven true in court many times, and all of its apps are open source. I really like that all of ExpressVPN’s servers support Tor traffic, because I was able to use a nearby VPN server in my country to get faster speeds while accessing dark web links. This is a blog with cybersecurity tips created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a popular non-profit that specializes in digital privacy. The blog contains tons of useful guides about how you can avoid online surveillance.
The Hidden Wiki is the best way to start browsing the dark web because it contains dozens of links to popular .onion sites. In addition to these tools, you need to exercise extreme caution when browsing on the dark web because there are tons of phishing and malicious sites on there. Only use .onion links that come from legitimate sources like The Hidden Wiki. 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.
However, reliable VPN services don’t force users to browse at a snail’s pace to get secure online. The Tor Browser is currently available only for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Once connected, you’ll have access to dark net websites called “Tor hidden services”. Instead of “.com” or “.org”, Dark Web addresses trail with a “.onion“.
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
- In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to access the dark web using DuckDuckGo on the Tor browser, ensuring your safety and anonymity throughout the process.
- The deep web is about 90% of the internet, while the dark web makes up about 5%.
- Often, you also need to provide some kind of authentication, such as a password.
- Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons.
- These days, it can seem increasingly difficult to protect valuable assets and data from the reaches of threat actors.
In reality, whistleblowers and journalists can utilize its anonymity when conducting research. At the same time, it is also used for banking transactions, medical procedures and education services, among many other legitimate activities. On the other hand, there are numerous valid reasons for people to utilize the dark net.
Before diving into how to go to the dark web, gather these essential tools:
Dark Web Marketplaces
- Tor Browser: The primary software used to access the dark web.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Enhances privacy and security while browsing.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a privacy-focused OS like Tails or Qubes.
- Cryptocurrency: Useful for transactions within dark web marketplaces.
Users can form their own private groups for content sharing, called darknet mode. Or, they can use opennet mode to be randomly assigned to other peers on the network. However, you won’t be able to use I2P to access as many sites as Tor. IP2 is faster than Tor and offers stronger peer-to-peer security, as it uses one-way tunnels to encrypt traffic — meaning, only inbound or outbound traffic could be intercepted, not both.
From a statistical standpoint, this collective of websites and data makes up under 5% of the total internet. Brave’s easy-to-use browser blocks ads by default, making the Web cleaner, faster, and safer for people all over the world. With the right tools, online habits, and safety measures, you can make yourself a much harder target for identity thieves and online scammers. If you’ve confirmed that your personal information is leaked on the Dark Web, you have an elevated risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Starting from your email address, a persistent malicious hacker or scammer can scrape numerous details that can be used for financial fraud, identity theft, and many more types of cyber attacks.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Go to the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service and install it on your device. This protects your identity and location.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor website to download the browser. Never download it from third-party sites.
- Install and Configure Tor: Follow the installation prompts and configure the settings as needed for enhanced security.
- Launch Tor Browser: Start the browser and wait for the connection to the Tor network. You will notice a message confirming the connection.
- Access .onion sites: You can visit websites with .onion domains, which are exclusive to the dark web. Use trusted sources to find these links.
Important Precautions
While learning how to go to the dark web, keep these precautions in mind:
- Stay Anonymous: Never disclose personal information while browsing.
- Enable NoScript: Use the NoScript extension to block unnecessary scripts from running.
- Avoid Downloads: Be cautious about downloading files as they may contain malware.
- Use Strong Passwords: If you create accounts on dark web platforms, use complex and unique passwords.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for various purposes, including political activism, whistleblowing, and sometimes illegal activities like drug trafficking and weapon sales.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on it can lead to criminal charges.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web offers more privacy than the standard internet, it is still possible to be tracked. Using a combination of a VPN and the Tor browser significantly reduces this risk.
What are some reputable dark web markets?
While many markets are unreliable, some have gained reputations. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and ensure your safety before engaging in any transactions.
Engaging with the dark web requires caution and responsibility. Understanding how to go to the dark web is just the first step; maintaining privacy and security is paramount to a safe experience.
