If you want to use Tor privately, you can use either a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed). Tor users in the USA, in particular, may want to use a VPN, which will be faster and more reliable. Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser lets you surf both the clear web and the dark web.
- You can use TOR to surf the pedestrian web (the everyday Internet you and I know and love) anonymously, or you can use it to access the Darknet.
- RestorePrivacy is a digital privacy advocacy group committed to helping people stay safe and secure online.
- To avoid theft of your personal data in the first place, use a data protection tool that helps you keep your data in your own hands.
- Let’s SAFELY access some forum sites on the deep, and check out what topics are being discussed there.
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. So, how do you get to the dark web?
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Using a Dark Web Browser
To access the dark web, you need to use a special browser that can handle the unique security and privacy challenges of the dark web. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication.
Best Sites On The Dark Web In 2024
To download and install the Tor browser, follow these steps:
- Go to the official Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/download/).
- Download the Tor browser bundle that corresponds to your operating system.
- Extract the downloaded file and run the Tor browser executable.
- Follow the instructions to set up the Tor browser and connect to the Tor network.
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Users need a special browser with added software to access the tor dark web in the first place. The dark web is just like any lousy neighborhood that citizens avoid. Sometimes people prefer to remain anonymous because of fear of repercussions from oppressive governments. Journalists also turn to the dark web to keep informers anonymous and safe. Although all these steps may seem excessive, always remember that once your information is on the dark web, it’s almost impossible to remove it altogether. Websites on the darknet don’t last long and are reincarnated often under a different name.
Accessing Dark Web Sites
Yes, it’s possible to access the Dark Web on a mobile device using applications such as Orbot and Orfox for Android, and Onion Browser for iOS. However, using a mobile device can potentially expose you to additional security risks, so it’s important to take additional precautions. Android users can also access the Dark Web directly from their devices. This process differs slightly from the desktop method and requires its own set of precautions. Keep these updated, including Tor and your anti-malware and VPN software. If you go looking for trouble on the dark web, chances are you’ll find it.
Once you have the Tor browser installed, you can start accessing dark web sites. Dark web sites have a .onion domain name and can only be accessed through the Tor network. The .onion domain name is a unique identifier that is generated based on the public key of the site’s cryptographic key pair.
Am I on the dark web?
How Do You Know if Your Information Is on the Dark Web? If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It's a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number.
To access a dark web site, follow these steps:
- Open the Tor browser.
- Enter the .onion URL of the site in the address bar.
- Wait for the Tor browser to connect to the site.
- Browse the site as you would with any other website.
Finding Dark Web Sites
Finding dark web sites can be challenging because they are not indexed by search engines and their .onion URLs are not easily memorable. However, there are a few ways to find dark web sites:
- Use a dark web directory, such as the Hidden Wiki or Daniel’s Hosting.
- Follow links from other dark web sites.
- Use a dark web search engine, such as Ahmia or notEvil.
There are other ways to protect your information online as well, such as being mindful of what you share on social media, closing unused accounts and avoiding phishing attacks. Yet it is also true that the Dark Web is an opaque, sometimes twisted, reflection of the clearnet. Black markets enable the morally libertine to profit handsomely in Bitcoin. The site was raided and shut down by the FBI in 2013, but the idea of an anonymous, encrypted black market spread rapidly. Basically, the steps are pretty simple – connect to a VPN – Open TOR – find the .onion website – search for what you were looking for. Some of the websites give you a link to the .onion extension – as sky-fraud does.
How to install Tor Browser?
- Navigate to the Tor Browser download page.
- Download the Windows .exe file.
- (Recommended) Verify the file's signature.
- When the download is complete, double click the .exe file. Complete the installation wizard process.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web requires a special browser and a different set of skills than accessing the surface web. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to explore the dark web safely and securely. Remember to always use caution and be aware of the risks involved.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal personal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords.
