Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground on the dark web looking for stolen data from recent security breaches that might lead to a trail to the perpetrators. Many mainstream media organizations monitor whistleblower sites looking for news. Medical records, fee-based content, membership websites, and confidential corporate web pages are just a few examples of what makes up the deep web. Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet. Only a tiny portion of the internet is accessible through a standard web browser—generally known as the “clear web”. The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines and requires the use of an anonymizing browser called Tor to be accessed.
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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 browse the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
The less you change, the more you blend in with other users’ traffic. However, there are some non-negotiable settings we suggest you enable. The Tor Browser’s default privacy and security settings are optimized to preserve your anonymity online.
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software, such as the Tor browser. It is often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for whistleblowers and journalists to communicate securely.
How To Access Dark Web Safely?
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to download and install the Tor browser. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. Once you have installed Tor, you can access the dark web by typing in the .onion URL of the website you want to visit.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Because of the dark web’s association with illicit activity, your use of Tor may be tracked by your ISP, drawing unwanted scrutiny to your browsing behavior. The dark web limits online tracking, and there are many legitimate reasons people like journalists and activists use the dark web to remain private. But there are also many illegal activities that happen on the dark web. And just like in real life, using the dark web for criminal purposes is never legal.
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Browsing the dark web can be dangerous, as it is home to many illegal activities. To stay safe, it is important to take the following precautions:
What do people use Tor for?
The Tor Browser hides your IP address and browsing activity by redirecting web traffic through a series of different routers known as nodes. Because Tor hides browsing activity and blocks tracking, it's used by whistleblowers, journalists, and others who want to protect their privacy online.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.
- Do not download any files or click on any links, as they may contain malware or viruses.
- Do not share any personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card details.
- Use a separate computer or device for browsing the dark web, and do not use it for any other activities.
How To Safely Access The Dark Web
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
Can the government see what you search 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.
- As a result, it has built-in security and privacy features to protect your identity.
- The dark web is the home of many criminal activities — from the use of stolen or fake documents to drug and weapon dealing.
- Keep in mind, using VPN over Tor is not advised — even by the Tor browser itself.
The deep web refers to all the websites that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires specialized software to access. The deep web includes websites that require login credentials, such as online banking and email accounts, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities.
Is it illegal to browse the dark web?
No, it is not illegal to browse the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing them could get you into trouble with the law. It is important to use the dark web responsibly and to avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot use your regular browser to access the dark web. You will need to download and install the Tor browser, which is specifically designed to access the dark web.
We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. By monitoring known dark web marketplaces, Avast BreachGuard will alert you immediately if and when your data is made available for sale.
Is it safe to use the Tor browser?
Yes, the Tor browser is safe to use. It is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. However, it is important to take additional precautions, such as using a VPN and avoiding downloading any files or sharing personal information, to stay safe on the dark web.
What makes a website illegal?
If your website doesn't include a privacy policy, you could be breaking federal law. If your website isn't *GDPR compliant, then you could be breaking international law. Not to be all “gloom and doom,” but that's a pretty big deal.
