Getting On The Dark Web

What Is The Tor Browser?

Understanding the Dark Web

The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It offers anonymity to its users and is often associated with various illicit activities, but not everything on the dark web is illegal.

What is the Dark Web?

• However, these sites are only accessible through certain web browsers.
• Estes agrees that there are legitimate purposes for using anonymizing tools like Tor.
• While no one knows the exact amount, the total amount of content on the Deep web is believed to be many times as great as that of the Surface web.

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. Having robust cybersecurity tools, including antivirus software and VPN solutions, are helpful, but they can’t keep your data off dark marketplaces.

It can’t be access via the usual search engines and is reached in other, less widely-known ways. On the brighter side, Android supports Tor directly, so you can download this browser for free on your phone. Once you connect to a VPN server on your phone, it’s easy to open Tor, visit the site you want, and enjoy browsing it safely and securely with the added encryption of a VPN. Basically, it’s an intentionally hidden part of the internet that can only be accessed using Tor. Tor stands for The Onion Router and it’s a browser based on Firefox, specifically made with accessing “.onion” websites in mind. The deep web, or second layer, is any website that does not appear as a search engine result when users browse content.

You should only ever access websites you know are safe because they’re vetted by websites or other sources that you already know are safe. Take a look at the sites that these directories have collected and see what topics interest you. If you want to improve your security further, you could also use a VPN at the same time as Tor. For the most security-conscious, you can even install the Tails operating system on a flash drive and run Tor from that. To access the dark web, you can download and install the free Tor browser.

There is a lot of material about getting it working, and not very much to do once one gets there. On the other hand, it is much easier for individuals to start sites and get attention. Tech giants and large media organizations have very little influence on the dark web.

The dark web is a subsection of the deep web, which encompasses all parts of the internet that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. While the deep web includes benign content such as online banking sites and private databases, the dark web requires specific software to access.

How to Access the Dark Web

There are a range of tools and services that scan the dark web looking for organizational threats and vulnerabilities but it’s a constantly moving target. “Dark web surveillance is a constantly changing field that requires continual updates and tweaks to stay successful,” Biswas says. Knowing the right people or paying for access is usually the most common way to gain access to invite-only forums, according to Ryan Estes, intrusion analyst at WatchGuard Technologies. “You could also build trust with members of these groups or forums, but that is usually something that law enforcement officials acting undercover do,” he says.

Getting on the dark web involves a few essential steps, and one should always exercise caution.

1. Download Tor Browser: The most common method to access the dark web is through the Tor browser. It allows users to browse anonymously by routing their connection through multiple servers.
2. Set Up a VPN: Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security and anonymity.
3. Access .onion Sites: Websites on the dark web often use the .onion domain, which is only accessible through the Tor browser. Use trusted directories to find these sites.

For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network. You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here. Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs.

It contains 7,500 terabytes of information, compared with only 19 terabytes of information in the “surface” web. To look at it in a different way, it makes up between 90% and 95% of the internet. The dark web and the deep web are often used interchangeably, but they’re two distinct concepts. You can’t access these .onion sites from your normal web browser—the one you’re probably viewing this page on. Before clicking any of the dark web links below, you’ll need to get the Tor Browser (also called the Onion Browser) or another service that provides dark web access, such as the Brave browser.

4. Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information and use pseudonyms to protect your identity.

Risks of Getting on the Dark Web

While the dark web offers a space for privacy, it comes with significant risks:

• Illegal Activities: Many sites on the dark web facilitate illegal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons sales, and hacking services.
• Scams and Fraud: Users may fall victim to scams, as many sites are unregulated and operate without oversight.
• Malware Risks: Downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources can expose your device to malware.
• Legal Consequences: Accessing certain content on the dark web may lead to legal repercussions.

FAQs About Getting on the Dark Web

What do I need to access the dark web?

You primarily need the Tor browser and, ideally, a VPN to maintain privacy.

Is the dark web illegal?

The dark web itself isn’t illegal; however, many of the activities conducted there are.

Can I be tracked while on the dark web?

While the Tor browser helps anonymize your browsing, it’s still possible to be tracked, especially if you aren’t using a VPN.

What kind of content can I find on the dark web?

Content ranges from forums discussing various topics to illicit goods and services. However, there are also legitimate uses, such as whistleblower sites and privacy-focused communities.

Conclusion

Getting on the dark web can open doors to a different side of the internet, but it also requires cautious navigation. Always prioritize your security and be aware of the legal implications when exploring this hidden realm.