How To Access The Dark Web On IPhone Safely
How to Surf the Dark Web
Now that you know what the Dark Web is and what it’s used for, and now that you’ve been assured it’s legal, you may be curious to check out what all the fuss is about with the Dark Web. Luckily, accessing it isn’t all that difficult, but you might find it challenging to participate in Dark Web activities without the right connections and background. Tor is the standard dark web browser that directs your browser traffic through the Tor network, letting you reach the dark web. It’s also highly secure, thanks to the encryption and at least three relay points (also known as nodes) that are used to bounce information to obscure the origin of the data. As the dark web provides several layers of encryption on both your files and connections, it’s a secure platform for file uploads and transfers. Many journalists and informants use the dark web to share files with sensitive information.
We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. Some hackers offer ransomware as a service (RaaS), where cybercriminals can “rent” a strain of ransomware from its creator in exchange for a fee or a percentage of their ransom payments. Others sell software exploits that other cybercriminals can use to infect victims with malware and steal personal data. The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires special tools, knowledge, and caution. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to surf the dark web.
1. Understand the Dark Web
You can do plenty of illegal things on the regular Internet, yet the internet itself is not illegal. Sadly, because of its secrecy, the Dark Web is a hot spot for things such as child pornography. According to the FBI, many websites have hundreds of thousands if not millions of photos of children, and these sites are accessed by hundreds of thousands of individuals daily.
The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which includes all parts of the internet not indexed by standard search engines.
- The content on the dark web is often encrypted and requires specific software to access.
- It is commonly associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts forums, blogs, and marketplaces for legal content.
With an encrypted and anonymous connection, Tor helps you access the unindexed part of the internet known as the dark web. Learn more about Tor and its pros and cons — then get Avast Secure Browser for cleaner and faster private browsing. This is how anonymity is built and data is protected in the Tor browser system.
However, others may be taking advantage of the dark web’s reputation to trick users out of large sums of money. Also, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion. Some alleged services like the professional “hitmen” may just be scams designed to profit from willing customers. Reports have suggested the dark web offers many illegal services, from paid assassinations to trafficking for sex and weapons. Illegal drug marketplaces like the Silk Road have been hijacked for police surveillance in the past.
Connections made while a VPN is active will also be encrypted, helping you stay protected from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. You can usually select the location you want to appear to originate from and VPNs will use a collection of servers and relays to make tracing your IP difficult. To access a dark web address, you must use a VPN and a suitable browser (it should be Tor). The aim is to reduce your online footprint as much as possible, anonymize your traffic, and disguise your location. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards.
While in this case, you’ll fix the issue of the entry node, the exit node can still be compromised and potentially expose your data. The good news is that this happens very rarely and in 99.99% of the cases, users have no issues with this method. The important thing is that you download it from the official site or Google Play (Android)/Apple Store (Mac). It’s free to download, so you won’t have to pay a single cent to get it.
2. Get the Right Tools
To safely navigate the dark web, you need to download certain tools. Here are the most essential:
- Tor Browser: This is the most popular way to access the dark web. It anonymizes your web traffic and allows you to visit .onion sites.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet connection, making it difficult for outsiders to track your activity.
- Security Software: Keeping your device secure with antivirus and anti-malware software is crucial to protect yourself from potential threats.
3. Set Up Your Environment
Before you begin exploring, ensure your environment is tailored for safety.
- Use a dedicated device or virtual machine for dark web activities.
- Disable scripts in your Tor Browser to minimize risk.
- Avoid personal accounts or information when registering on any dark web sites.
4. Accessing the Dark Web
Once your tools are ready, access the dark web by following these steps:
- Open your VPN and connect to a secure server.
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- Type in the URL of a dark web site that ends in .onion and hit enter.
5. Finding Dark Web Resources
While browsing, you may need resources to locate interesting content efficiently. Here are a few curated sources:
- While Tor will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, your ISP can still see that you are connecting to the Tor network.
- However, dark content, as the name implies is best known for illicit and generally, distressing stuff.
- The US Supreme Court has indicated that even casual browsing could lead to legal consequences.
- Although not entirely used for illicit purposes, the dark web is one part of the internet that can be used by criminals for illegal purposes, like selling stolen personal information.
- Further, if you try to buy something on the dark web — even if it’s not illegal — there’s a chance you’ll be scammed.
- This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.
- Dark Web Directories: Websites that list various .onion sites.
- Forums: Engaging with communities can help you discover new content.
- Social Media Transcripts: Some platforms may have threads discussing popular dark web links.
6. Safety Tips
Protecting yourself while surfing the dark web is paramount. Consider these safety recommendations:
- Do not share personal information.
- Be wary of downloading files; they may contain malware.
- Use encrypted communication tools for discussions.
- Stick to well-known sites and avoid risky transactions.
FAQs
Q: Is it legal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is legal in most countries. However, engaging in illegal activities is against the law.
Q: Can I be tracked while using Tor?
A: While Tor provides anonymity, it is not foolproof. Using a VPN alongside Tor significantly enhances your privacy.
Q: What kind of content can I find on the dark web?
A: The dark web hosts a variety of content, from forums discussing cryptocurrency to marketplaces for various goods. Not all content is illegal.
Q: How can I safely navigate dark web marketplaces?
A: Research products and vendors thoroughly, read reviews, and use cryptocurrencies for transactions. Always prioritize your safety.
Exploring the dark web can be intriguing and informative, but it requires a strong sense of caution and responsibility. By following the guidelines above, you can learn how to surf the dark web safely and effectively.
