Always Use Encrypted Routes
- To prove its commitment to privacy, PIA has implemented RAM-only servers, regular third-party audits, AES-256 encryption, and effective VPN kill switches in its apps.
- This part of the internet is not indexed by search engines and it’s the largest part of the entire internet.
- Gain full context of an attack to connect the dots on how hackers are attempting to breach your network.
- That seems like a normal web browser… but it’s also connected to Tor, which means you can now access deep web websites, as well as have relatively more online privacy than before.
- It creates a separate environment on your computer that is isolated from your host operating system.
Setting up I2P requires more configuration on the user’s part than Tor. I2P must be downloaded and installed, after which configuration is done through the router console. Then individual applications must each be separately configured to work with I2P. On a web browser, you’ll need to configure your browser’s proxy settings to use the correct port. Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs.
How to Access the Dark Web
The Proton Unlimited plan adds up to 500 GB of storage, 15 email addresses, more Proton Calendar and Proton Drive features, and access to a paid Proton VPN and Proton Pass account. Ahmia is a search engine for .onion sites — you search for a keyword and Ahmia retrieves relevant results. I tested it 10+ times and it always provided me with accurate search results. For example, I used the “radio” keyword and the third result was Deep Web Radio, which is a popular online radio station on the dark web. You can also filter the results by telling Ahmia to only display links from the last day, week, or month. So, I put together a list of the best dark web sites in 2024 to help you get started.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities but also has legitimate uses for privacy-conscious individuals. This article will guide you on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
Items you would not be able to simply access by clicking on a link from a search engine. The deep web constitutes over 90% of online content and is inaccessible via search engines. The dark web, also called the darknet or black web, refers to websites that are not indexed by normal search engines and need special software like Tor to access.
Understanding the Dark Web
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. The dark web has no shortage of criminal activity, scams, phishing sites, suspicious links, and malware designed to trick newbies. And because there’s very little use of HTTPS on the dark net, verifying whether or not a website is genuine using an SSL certificate is not feasible. Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results. You can’t just Google “Silk Road” and hope to land on the dark website.
Before diving into how to access the dark web, it’s essential to understand what it is:
In practice, it’s impossible to ban the dark web without targeting the Tor network, declaring war on the individual user’s right to encryption. It’s astounding how many websites love to toss around “shocking dark web facts” without citing sources. Any website that is not found by a crawler, or not indexed by the crawlers that find it, becomes part of the deep web. It’s hard to tell how many sites are on the deep web vs the surface web. A commonly cited statistic that the deep web is over 400 times larger than the surface web comes from a white paper from 2001, which might as well be the Stone Age in internet years. The only way a site won’t join the surface web is if it’s intentionally unindexed (with a “noindex” or “nofollow” HTML tag) or no links lead to it.
- The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that requires specific software to access.
- It uses various anonymity tools to keep users’ identities hidden.
- Common activities on the dark web include forums, marketplaces, and secure communications.
There are ways to access the dark web without Tor, but they offer different levels of accessibility and security. However, with any browser you use, there are risks involved in using the dark web so I advise that you browse with the added security of a VPN. Browsing the dark web puts you at risk of cyberattacks such as DDoS attacks, botnets, and other malware or viruses. By simply entering the wrong URL or accidentally downloading a malicious file, you could install infectious viruses or malware.
One of the interesting catches of the Tor browser is that unless you have the exact name of the website and correct browser configuration, you will not be able to access anything on it. Tor’s search engine does not act like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. It is one of the significant illegal activities taking place on the Dark Web; selling crucial information of reputed organizations is common.
The surface web, also known as the visible web or indexed web, refers to the part of the internet that is easily accessible and indexed by traditional search engines. It consists of websites and web pages that are openly available to the public. Examples include news sites, social media platforms, online shopping websites, and any website that can be found through a search engine. The content on the surface web is designed to be easily discovered, making it the most familiar and commonly used layer of the internet. Policing involves targeting specific activities of the private web deemed illegal or subject to internet censorship. Tor stands for “The Onion Router,” with the onion serving as a reference for the different layers of the internet.
Requirements for Accessing the Dark Web
To navigate the dark web, you will need the following:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common method used to access the dark web.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Adding an extra layer of security and anonymity.
- Basic Security Practices: Knowledge about avoiding scams and potential risks.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps on how to access the dark web:
- Download the Tor Browser:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Choose the correct version for your operating system.
- Install the browser following the instructions provided.
- Set Up a VPN:
- Select a reputable VPN service.
- Download and install the VPN application.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor browser.
- Open the Tor Browser:
- Launch the Tor browser once you are connected to the VPN.
- Allow the browser to connect to the Tor network.
- Navigate to .onion Sites:
- Use trusted sources or directories to find .onion websites.
- Type the URL directly in the Tor browser’s address bar.
Safety Tips for Navigating the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files or software.
- Be cautious of links and click only on trusted sources.
- Use disposable email accounts for registration.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities that may occur on the dark web is against the law.
Can I remain completely anonymous on the dark web?
No method guarantees complete anonymity. Using a VPN along with the Tor browser significantly enhances your privacy, but caution is always advised.
What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts various content, including forums, marketplaces, and resources dedicated to privacy. However, it is also home to illegal activities.
How can I protect myself while using the dark web?
To protect yourself, always use a VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and be cautious with downloads and links.
Understanding how to access the dark web can provide you with knowledge about both its risks and rewards. By following the steps outlined above, you can enhance your online privacy and navigate this complex part of the internet more securely.
