The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. In this article, we’ll explore how you can access the dark web safely and securely.
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. Dark web websites offer privacy, anonymity, content, and goods that you can’t get on the surface web. The dark web is the unregulated part of the deep web, which encompasses all parts of the web not indexed by search engines. It’s not illegal to access the Dark Web but—as with the Surface Web—certain activities can be considered illegal. However, note that by accessing the Dark Web you may attract attention from law enforcement agencies who monitor Dark Web activity. FBI, Europol, Interpol, and many other national police agencies regularly police the Dark Web.
What You’ll Need
This Pops Up When You First Download The Tor Browser
To access the dark web, you’ll need a few things:
- A dark web browser, such as Tor
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) software
- A secure email address
Find The onion Address You Want To Access
The deep web refers to all the web content not indexed by search engines. Note that, unlike dark web pages, this web content can’t be accessed through any web browser, not even the Tor browser. The dark websites above may link to webpages with illegal content, such as black market items, child pornography, or narcotics. The links above may also change without notice, as onion links get updated often.
Using a Dark Web Browser
The most popular dark web browser is Tor, which is free and open source. Tor encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a series of servers around the world, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. To use Tor, simply download and install the software, then open it and start browsing.
However, you can get alerts when unauthorized activity surfaces on your credit report, or whenever your details appear on Dark Web sites, data brokers’ lists, or even in public records. As mentioned above, Tor offers multiple layers of encryption as you browse the dark web. This adds one more layer of security and anonymity between yourself and bad actors on the internet. Then in 2004, Tor was created by the US Naval Research Laboratory to give military personnel an anonymous way to use the internet without giving away their identity or location.
Using a VPN
Can the government track you on Tor?
While it provides better anti-tracking features than most browsers, Tor isn't a standalone solution for protecting your digital identity. Your ISP and government agencies can still see when you're using Tor and your IP address is visible to the entry node.
A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location of your choosing. This helps to protect your privacy and security by making it difficult for anyone to intercept your data or track your online activity. When using a VPN, be sure to choose a reputable provider and avoid free VPN services, as they may not provide adequate protection.
Creating a Secure Email Address
How To Access The Dark Web On Mobile?
When accessing the dark web, it’s important to use a secure email address that is not linked to your real identity. There are many free email services that you can use for this purpose, such as ProtonMail or Tutanota. Be sure to use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
When the dark web is talked about online, it’s usually in connection with illegal markets and arrests made by police. The FBI discovered and exploited vulnerabilities in the TOR network. Though the agency refused to disclose the source code used to penetrate the network, undoubtedly law enforcement agencies around the world monitor and operate on the Deep Web. Members of the TOR project vowed to patch network holes and strengthen the protocol. Now that your anti-virus software is active and a VPN enabled, you can start downloading and installing Tor from the official website.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
The default browser that ships with Ubuntu is Firefox, which is what we’ll use. Despite claiming to offer privacy, they can track what you do on the darknet and potentially sell that info to anyone interested. Yes, you can access the dark web on mobile, but remember, you can do so if you have a Tor browser installed. They are separated into several categories to make browsing easier. This means that it can check if any given Tor website is online and when it was active last, making Daniel’s website an excellent first step in exploring Tor.
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, so it’s important to use caution and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
Meanwhile, many users are trying to use a limited number of relays—some of which will be low quality. While sending your traffic around the world in a volunteer-run network provides a high degree of anonymity, it also means putting up with slower speeds. As mentioned above, much of the content on the dark web is the same as you might find on the normal internet (news, message boards, web services) but made accessible on a more anonymous platform. While technically not an onion site, we’re including Sci-Hub (sci-hub.se) as an interesting example of a site you can access via Tor. Sci-Hub gives access to millions of scientific papers, mostly ones from behind paywalls.
No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You will need to use a dark web browser, such as Tor, to access this part of the internet.
- It’s crucial to remain respectful of laws and ethical guidelines when embarking on this digital journey.
- DuckDuckgo is a search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers’ privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results.
- At the same time, websites like the Imperial Library of Trantor store stuff that’s interesting to the broader public.
- Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs you can use to safely access the dark web.
- But just like when you’re online normally, the risks increase depending on what you do while visiting dark web websites.
Is it safe to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often associated with illegal activities and there is a higher risk of malware and other security threats. However, by using a dark web browser, VPN, and secure email address, you can minimize these risks and access the dark web safely and securely.
Is it safe to use Tor?
Because of how it operates, Tor is generally safe to use, and Tor onion browser offer several benefits like heightened safety and privacy. Before using the Tor browser, though, users should be aware of any potential legal issues with Tor in their country, and that they could be flagged for its use.
What should I do if I encounter illegal activities on the dark web?
If you encounter illegal activities on the dark web, it’s important to report them to the appropriate authorities. You should also avoid engaging with the illegal activities and exit the site as soon as possible.
Can Tor be traced?
Yes, the police can track you if you are using TOR. If you are using TOR to browse the web, your traffic is encrypted and routed through a series of servers, making it difficult to trace.
