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- The dark web is a section of the internet containing hidden websites that are not accessible through standard web browsers.
- The platform is also used by governmental cyber departments to identify and track potential criminals or offenders.
- Using a VPN is especially important when accessing the Dark Web because it helps keep your identity concealed.
- The site allowed users to buy and sell drugs, weapons, and other illegal goods using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
- It’s divided into commercial links (from crypto services to gambling sites) and non-commercial links (like social media).
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. In this article, we will discuss how to access the dark web safely and anonymously.
Use A VPN To Encrypt Your Internet Traffic
What is the Dark Web?
Is Accessing The Darknet With A Free VPN A Good Idea?
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through special software. These websites use the Tor network, which provides anonymity by routing traffic through a series of volunteer-run servers around the world. This makes it difficult for anyone to trace the source of the traffic, providing a level of anonymity that is not possible with traditional web browsing.
How to Access the Dark Web
Is Tor a VPN?
No, Tor is not a VPN. Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a decentralized network that routes your internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers, providing anonymity. A VPN, on the other hand, creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, offering privacy and security.
To access the dark web, you will need to download and install the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a modified version of the Firefox web browser that is designed to work with the Tor network. Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can access the dark web by typing in the URL of a dark web site, which will typically begin with “http://” followed by a string of seemingly random characters.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Dark Web
- Download and install the Tor browser from the official Tor Project website.
- Launch the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Type the URL of a dark web site into the address bar and press enter.
- Browse the site as you would any other website.
It’s legal to use the dark web in most countries, but there are places where using the dark web might be against the law. I strongly advise doing your own research to make sure you’re not breaking any local laws by visiting the dark web. Also, even in countries where accessing the dark web is legal, it’s still against the law to use or host sites that promote criminal activities. The dark web and the deep web are often used interchangeably, but they’re two distinct concepts.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
How To Access The Dark Web Using Tor
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is home to a wide range of illegal activities. To stay safe, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address.
- Only visit sites that have a good reputation and are known to be safe.
- Avoid downloading any files or clicking on links from unknown sources.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Regularly update your antivirus software and run full system scans.
As a hub for criminal activity, the Dark Web offers more than just “products” to anyone willing to buy and consume. It also offers services that enable cybercriminals to launch attacks with little technical knowledge or experience. The Deep Web hosts information that usually requires a username and a password to access, mainly for security and privacy-related reasons. Every time you log into your email account, check your online banking details, or use social media, you’re on the Deep Web. This colossal amount of information exists on the Deep Web (or “hidden web”), where almost all online activities take place. Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications.
Same goes for reading internal memos on your company’s corporate intranet. Not because it’s dark or dangerous, but because it’s not available to see without proper login credentials. Deep web content makes up most of the internet — by some estimates, 96 percent or more, says CSO Daily. The websites around the TOR network are known as TOR services or hidden services.
FAQs
Can I access the dark web on my phone?
Yes, you can access the dark web on your phone by downloading and installing the Tor browser from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing these sites could potentially get you into trouble with the law.
Can the government track me on the dark web?
It is difficult for anyone, including the government, to trace traffic on the Tor network. However, if you engage in illegal activities on the dark web, you could still be caught and prosecuted.
Can I use my regular email account on the dark web?
It is not recommended to use your regular email account on the dark web, as it could potentially be used to identify you. Instead, consider setting up a new email account specifically for use on the dark web.
Can I use Bitcoin on the dark web?
How much of the internet is the dark web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
Yes, Bitcoin is widely used on the dark web for transactions. However, it is important to note that Bitcoin is not entirely anonymous and can be traced to some extent.
How much is Tor Browser?
Pros: Tor Browser is entirely free and open source. The software is easy to install and use because it doesn't require any technical knowledge from users. It is just like installing Chrome. Tor is the only way to access onion sites, which are websites that use the Tor network.