Step 2: Use A Reliable VPN Service
As a result of the above, you’ll often only see text on pages, but we strongly recommend this setting to users who aren’t looking for specific videos or images. It all depends on the specifications you want your VPN to have, but ensure you look at the different features of a VPN provider thoroughly to find the one that will keep you safe. A mistake some people make is to share their financial information on the dark web. The laws that produce consumers on the general internet cannot be applied to the letter on sites hidden on unknown parts of the internet with little to no trace of owners or origin.
Plenty of other illegal goods and services are available on the dark web. Firearms, counterfeit currencies, illegal pornography, human trafficking – you name it. Some things are so horrible that even illicit dark web marketplaces refuse to participate, so interested dark web users would need to go to the darkest places of the dark web to encounter them. Most dark web users feel anonymous and engage in illegal activities without fear of being identified or held accountable.
Accessing the Dark Web on iPhone
We’ve already discussed multi-factor authentication as an action step to enable if your accounts are breached. MFA should be an integral part of our online security at all times, not only when we’re faced with a breach. If you want to reinforce the security of your primary email accounts, you can easily set up a separate email account for all unimportant online accounts. If one of such trivial sites experiences a breach or is used for data harvesting, your primary email won’t be affected, and your sensitive information won’t appear on the dark web. If you have no other choice but to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, make sure to use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect the security of your connection. If your email is found on the dark web, make sure to check your computer for any malware or suspicious programs to stay on the safe side of things.
The use of the dark web usually means that you are attempting to engage in activity that you could not otherwise carry out in the public eye. For a long time, most of the proceeds from the site’s operation were nowhere to be found. However, in November 2020, the FBI tracked down and seized more than a billion dollars’ worth of Bitcoin related to the site.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to navigate. For iPhone users, accessing the dark web can be a unique challenge due to the device’s restrictions and security features.
Why Access the Dark Web?
If you accidentally end up on one of those pages, you may face legal charges should someone find out. Due to the lack of regulations on the dark web, you are vulnerable to cyber threats any time you visit. These risks can be avoided when you are well-informed and know how to protect yourself against them.
People may choose to access the dark web for various reasons, including:
At that node, the first layer of encryption is peeled away, exposing the next node on the route, and the data is then sent along to the second node. This process repeats several times until the data arrives at the forum website. At no point along the route can any node or eavesdropper know both the start point (the user) and the end point (the forum), and until it reaches the end, the message is not readable. You need a special browser that’s specifically programmed to access certain parts of the Dark Web.
After all, not everyone buying on the dark web may need something illegal — they may only want to purchase goods anonymously. On the other hand, using the dark web can be safer for whistleblowers, journalists, or dissidents whose communications are being monitored by governments or other organizations. It depends on who you are, what you’re doing, and how tech savvy you are. Once again, be cautious about what you download or do on the dark web – everyone is more or less anonymous there, so there is little accountability. Whether you post public YouTube videos for fun or profit, interactions with everyday netizens — especially trolls — are an inevitable part of the process. The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
SIM-swapping is the same as swapping out your SIM to activate a new phone. The only difference is that cybercriminals trick or bribe employees at mobile phone carriers instead of using your SIM. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) verifies user identity using more than one authentication method. For example, you can use the Google Authenticator app to enter a code generated in real-time to log in to your bank account. Conduct comprehensive malware scans on your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
- Privacy: Some users seek anonymity while browsing online.
- Freedom of Speech: In regions with strict censorship, the dark web can provide a platform for free expression.
- Access to Restricted Information: The dark web can host content that is otherwise blocked by government or organizational filters.
Necessary Tools to Access the Dark Web on iPhone
To access the dark web on your iPhone, specific applications and configurations are required:
- Download a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, providing an added layer of security.
- Use the Tor Browser: The Tor network allows users to access .onion websites, which are exclusive to the dark web. While the Tor Browser is not natively supported on iOS, you can download a compatible app such as “Onion Browser” from the App Store.
- Adjust Your iPhone Security Settings: Ensure that your browser settings permit the use of JavaScript, as some dark web sites require it.
How to Access the Dark Web Using Onion Browser
Follow these steps to access the dark web using the Onion Browser:
- Install the Onion Browser: Go to the App Store and download the Onion Browser app.
- Connect to the VPN: Launch your VPN app and connect to the server.
- Open Onion Browser: Once connected, open the Onion Browser.
- Browse Safely: Enter the .onion addresses you wish to visit or use the search features to find links.
Important Safety Considerations
Accessing the dark web poses inherent dangers. Consider the following precautions:
- Stay Anonymous: Do not share personal information or engage in conversations that can lead to your identity being compromised.
- Beware of Scams: The dark web is rife with scams and illicit activities. Always verify the credibility of the sites you visit.
- Use Strong Passwords: If creating accounts on dark web sites, use complex passwords that are difficult to guess.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your iPhone and apps are regularly updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
FAQ About Accessing the Dark Web on iPhone
Q: Is accessing the dark web illegal?
- All your device data will be encrypted and routed via a VPN server.
- The threats of online browsing can extend into the unplugged world if your computer or network connection can be exploited.
- The website is built for researchers and has useful links (for now).
- You’ll also benefit from employing antivirus software to continuously check your device for malware.
- 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.
A: While browsing the dark web itself is not illegal, engaging with illegal content or activities is against the law.
Q: Can my ISP track my dark web activities?
A: Using a VPN can help mask your activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but it’s important to choose a reputable VPN service.
Q: Is my iPhone safe while accessing the dark web?
A: iPhones have built-in security features, but accessing the dark web can expose you to risks. Always take necessary precautions.
Accessing the dark web on an iPhone requires careful preparation and awareness of potential risks. By following the steps outlined above and taking proper precautions, users can safely explore this hidden corner of the internet.
