Accessing The Dark Web On Your Desktop Or Laptop
Understanding the Darknet
Watch out for identity thieves who lurk in the shadows, waiting to snatch personal info like your name, address, or credit card details. So, be wise and avoid giving away any personal details while using the Tor Browser. Now you’ve got your VPN and Tor Browser, you’re ready to access the dark web on your phone. You can find the Tor Browser in the App Store, or just click this URL here. After installing it on your phone, fire it up and connect to the server.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Understanding how to access darknet can provide insights into various anonymous communication platforms, online marketplaces, and more.
- The subverted nodes look for messages involving cryptocurrency transactions, and appear to redirect cryptocurrency transactions to the attackers own digital wallets.
- The dark web is full of cyber security threats, and you could be a sufferer if you take risks.
- This gives you another layer of privacy and is a widely used method known as ‘Tor over VPN’.
- On Tor, you can type in any URL you’d like to visit, including .onion domains on the dark web.
- Your first stop should be an authoritative index like DeepLink Onion or a Tor-specific search engine like Ahmia or TOR66.
No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet. Again, not all the dark web is used for illicit purposes despite its ominous-sounding name. The dark web can be a dangerous place and may not be for everyone.
Why Access the Darknet?
Our guide on how to get on the dark web safely provides users with effective and simple steps to explore the dark net without compromising their security. If you don’t venture far, you’ll find everyday sites like forums, chat rooms, or torrent dark web websites. To many people, the dark web is just like the surface web — a place where they watch funny videos, chat with like-minded people and read the news. As such, it’s essential to know the risks of dark web access and how to protect yourself from them. We’ve visited and researched the dark web extensively, so below, we’ve outlined the risks we think you should be aware of.
These fake websites often closely resemble real websites, so it’s incredibly hard to tell if they are legitimate sites or not. They will have a similar domain name, logo, login page, and layout to lure users into interacting with the phishing site. There’s information on live marketplaces and even includes some trustworthy links. We primarily use this website to research current websites on the dark web. With user data from Dread, it can verify accounts submitting .onion links, authenticating whether they are genuine site owners or scammers with more accuracy. Our research team uses this site to find trustworthy .onion links to dark web forums, marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, and more.
Now that you are ready to go, you need to sign up for an untraceable email address. A known email service provider like Gmail or Outlook are certainly out of the question. To do this, you need an email address to register for many .onion websites.
Tor over VPN requires you to place some trust in your VPN provider but not your ISP, and is best if you want to access .onion websites. VPN over Tor requires you to place trust in your ISP but not your VPN and is best if you want to avoid bad Tor exit nodes. Some consider VPN over Tor more secure because it maintains anonymity throughout the entire process (assuming you pay for your VPN anonymously). Although the official Tor Project advises against VPN over Tor, both methods are superior to not using a VPN at all.
When selecting a VPN, look for features like a strict no-logging policy, high-speed connections and a large number of servers in various locations around the world. It’s also important to check the VPN’s compatibility with the Tor browser, as some VPNs may interfere with Tor’s ability to connect to the dark web. However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups. Illegal marketplaces are merely a small fraction of what’s actually there.
People may seek to access the darknet for various reasons, including:
- Privacy: Users often turn to the darknet to maintain their anonymity online.
- Censorship circumvention: In countries with strict internet regulations, the darknet can provide a means to bypass censorship.
- Research purposes: Academics and journalists may explore the darknet to study illicit activities or gather information.
- Community building: Some users engage with niche communities dedicated to specific topics or interests.
How to Access Darknet
To safely and effectively access the darknet, follow these steps:
1. Download a Specialized Browser
The most common way to access the darknet is through the Tor Browser. It is specifically designed to navigate the .onion sites that exist on the darknet.
- Go to the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the browser following the instructions provided.
2. Configure Security Settings
After installing the Tor Browser, adjust the security settings to maximize your safety:
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- Click on the security settings icon (shield) within the browser.
- Select the security level—choose ‘Safest’ for maximum protection.
3. Connect to the Tor Network
Upon configuring the settings, connect to the Tor network:
- Click “Connect” when prompted by Tor Browser.
- The connection might take a few moments, depending on the network.
4. Navigate Darknet Sites
Once connected, you can start browsing .onion sites. Use directories like:
- The Hidden Wiki: A starting point for finding darknet services.
- DarkNetLive: Provides updated lists of darknet sites.
5. Practice Safe Browsing
Safety is crucial while on the darknet. Consider these practices:
- Never share personal information.
- Use a VPN for an additional layer of privacy.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
- Be cautious with links and click on known or trusted sites only.
FAQs about Accessing the Darknet
Is accessing the darknet illegal?
Accessing the darknet itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities on the darknet is against the law.
What are .onion links?
.onion links are special URLs that can only be accessed through the Tor network. They typically host content not available on the regular internet.
Can I use regular browsers to access the darknet?
No, regular browsers cannot access .onion sites due to different routing protocols used by Tor.
Conclusion
Learning how to access darknet requires an understanding of the necessary tools and safety precautions. By following the steps outlined above and remaining vigilant, users can explore this unique, albeit often risky, part of the internet.
