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The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet. While it is true that there are illicit activities taking place on the dark web, it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals seeking privacy and anonymity. If you’re curious about exploring this hidden realm of the internet, here’s how you can access the dark web safely.
Introducing The TOR Browser: Anonymizing Web Traffic
Step 1: Download a Tor Browser
Normal sites on the deep net (like your online banking site or email account) sit behind secure logins, paywalls, passwords, and authentication forms, but you don’t need any special software. By contrast, to access dark web websites, you need special tools or software like Tor Browser. It can be challenging to keep track of all your dark web login information, and using the same password for multiple sites is a significant security risk. By using a secure password manager, you can keep your login information safe and secure while accessing the dark web. Accessing the dark web is not necessarily riskier than browsing the surface or deep web.
In order to access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called Tor. Tor (The Onion Router) allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing their connection through a network of servers.
Step 2: Install and Configure Tor
How To Access Dark Web? Steps To Safely Access Deep Web
The darknet is simply an anonymous space on the web that can be abused or appreciated in turn. Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access. When you access the dark web, you’re not surfing the interconnected servers you regularly interact with. Instead, everything stays internal on the Tor network, which provides security and privacy to everyone equally. Here’s a guide that will help you learn about the dark web, the sites that populate it, and how you can visit it safely using the added protection of a VPN and antivirus software.
Once you have downloaded the Tor browser, install it on your computer following the instructions provided on the official website. Make sure to configure your security settings properly to maximize your anonymity while browsing the dark web.
Change, Risk & Benefits
Step 3: Access .onion Websites
What happens if you Google your name on the dark web?
If personal info such as your SSN, address, and date of birth are found on the dark web, someone else can use them to take out credit in your name. Tip: Only accounts with a US billing method can add a Social Security Number to their monitoring profile.
Unlike traditional websites with .com or .net domains, dark web websites use .onion domains. To access these sites, simply type the .onion URL into the Tor browser’s address bar and hit enter. Remember to exercise caution when visiting unknown websites on the dark web.
Setting Up Tor Browser For Dark Web Access
The average monthly traffic received by the deep web is 50% more than surface websites. The volume of public data on the deep web is 400 to 500 times greater than that of the surface web. The terms dark web and deep web are perceived to be linked with illegal and otherwise suspicious activity; however, a vast difference exists between the two. On the internet, the deep web is not indexed by web crawlers, while the dark web is intentionally kept hidden.
However, in practice, security flaws in Tor and incorrect server configurations can expose this information to those interested in accessing it. The former includes privately protected file collections that one cannot access without the correct credentials. The latter includes internal networks for governments, educational facilities, and corporations.
- Make sure that you install security software to make sure your computer and personal information are ketp safe.
- Next, the Tor host creates connections to the introduction points it has listed.
- Law enforcement agencies and government organizations are actively monitoring the dark web for illegal activity, making it important to take steps to protect your privacy and anonymity.
- If you want, you can use it to visit Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, or any other surface web website without problems.
- But unless you engage in illegal activity on the dark web, you shouldn’t have to worry — at least in the US.
- The websites on the Dark Web have a special .onion suffix and are not accessible through regular browsers.
Step 4: Stay Safe and Anonymous
What’s the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web is largely used to protect personal information, safeguard databases and access certain services, whereas the dark web is often used to engage in illegal activities. It is also used for military/police investigations, political protests and anonymous internet browsing.
This part of the internet also hosts vast amounts of child pornography, with some websites reaching tens or hundreds of thousands of users. By using the Tor browser, internet users can access the Dark Web to communicate and share data in confidence, without the risk of being traced. Most users on the Dark Web are logged into a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to further conceal themselves.
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).
While browsing the dark web, it is important to prioritize your safety and anonymity. Avoid sharing personal information, clicking on suspicious links, or engaging in illegal activities. Consider using a VPN in conjunction with Tor for an added layer of protection.
By following these steps, you can safely explore the dark web and discover its hidden treasures. Just remember to tread carefully and always prioritize your online safety and privacy.
Is Tor legal in the US?
Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.
