The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
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What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. However, there are also many legitimate uses for the dark web, including privacy protection, whistleblowing, and free speech.
Added Security: Use A VPN
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called Tor. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. Here are the steps to access the dark web using Tor:
What Are Onion Sites?
Even more of a threat, hackers looking to make a lot of money and profit off people and companies around the world have found a way to do it — fast and at scale. While personal information may seem invaluable to you, cybercriminals trade personal information for a mere few dollars on the black markets that exist on the Dark Web. While no one can pinpoint the origins of the Dark Web, it’s now referenced in mainstream conversations about technology and digital security as the seedy source of many security issues. This colossal amount of information exists on the Deep Web (or “hidden web”), where almost all online activities take place. Because not all the information you can access online belongs in the public domain. Based on Mozilla’s Firefox, this browser hides all that pinging about in the background.
- It is also advisable for users to look for phishing scams, where criminals share communications that seemingly originate from a reputable source.
- “The index shows how cheap it is to get data on the dark web,” says Biswas.
- Unfortunately, there’s no search engine or database tracking whether any of your sensitive data is on the dark web.
- Tor (The Onion Router) is the most commonly used browser for the dark web; however, it’s also accessible through networks like Freenet, Riffle, and I2P.
- Download and Install Tor: You can download Tor from the official website. Once you have downloaded the software, install it on your computer.
- Launch Tor: After installation, launch the Tor browser. It may take a few minutes to connect to the Tor network.
- Access the Dark Web: Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can access the dark web by typing in the URL of a dark web site. These URLs typically start with “http://” or “https://” followed by a series of random characters. For example, a popular dark web marketplace is “http://silkroad7rn2puhj.onion/”.
The exit node decrypts your traffic and thus can steal your personal information or inject malicious code. Additionally, Tor exit nodes are often blocked by websites that don’t trust them, and Tor over VPN can’t do anything about that, either. Most of that information is hidden simply because the vast majority of users won’t find it relevant. Much of it is tucked away in databases that Google is either not interested in or barred from crawling.
Other Illegal Goods And Services
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
How do I access Tor browser?
You can download the Tor Browser for your desktop from the official download page. The link for the Android version will take you to a page with downloads for .apk files. On that same page, you'll find a link to the Google Play Store Tor entry.
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often used for illegal activities. Here are some tips to stay safe on the dark web:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your privacy by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
- Don’t Use Personal Information: Avoid using personal information such as your name, address, or phone number on the dark web.
- Use Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for each dark web site you visit.
- Beware of Scams: Be cautious of scams and phishing attempts. Only visit trusted dark web sites and never provide sensitive information unless you are sure it is safe.
By connecting to a trusted VPN (or Virtual Private Network) first and then using Tor, your connection to the Tor network will be entirely hidden from your ISP or other prying eyes. This gives you another layer of privacy and is a widely used method known as ‘Tor over VPN’. For an additional layer of privacy, make sure you use one of the top server locations to connect to using your VPN. Not only does Tor’s encryption system keep your activity anonymous, it keeps host websites hidden too. You can see why this ecosystem would be so attractive to those involved in criminal activity.
The Dark Web is yet another fraction of the internet that’s not equivalent to the Deep Web. Getting that hot new movie may be tempting, but it could very easily come with a side of malware. The dark web is completely unregulated and the domain of many shady characters. Check and recheck the legitimacy of any sites or merchants that you interact with before giving them money or information.
While the dark web itself is not illegal, participating in black markets is. Selling or buying goods and services on a black market can lead to legal repercussions, even if you’re unaware that the marketplace is illegal. While it’s not illegal in many places to simply get on the dark web, the dark web is used for some illegal purposes. Many things for sale on dark web marketplaces are illegal, like ransomware or other strains of malware, illicit drugs, weapons, and in some cases, even human organs.
Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S. Caesars Entertainment (CE) oversees 58 gaming properties across the continental states.
Conclusion
The dark web can be a useful tool for privacy protection and free speech, but it can also be a dangerous place. By following the steps outlined in this article and using common sense, you can access the dark web safely and securely. Always remember to protect your privacy and stay vigilant for scams and phishing attempts.
Should I delete my email if it was found on the dark web?
Yes. Once your information has made its way to the dark web, any online accounts associated with the compromised details are at risk. The severity of the situation can range from a breached online account to full-on identity theft. Take precautions to ensure that your private information is secure.
