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 hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. So, how do people access the dark web?
- The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above.
- DuckDuckGo is a robust privacy-oriented search engine that lets you maintain your anonymity when you use it across the internet.
- As a result, it has built-in security and privacy features to protect your identity.
- Once you have the necessary tools, you can visit dark web sites by adding their domains to the Tor browser’s address bar.
- They typically utilize the domain suffix, and onion is reserved for sites wanting to remain anonymous – often created by groups advocating neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology.
- It’s a multiplatform problem-fixer that protects your entire digital life through a single app.
Using a Dark Web Browser
What Are The Risks?
To access the dark web, you need to use a special browser that can handle the Tor network. The Tor network is a system of volunteer-operated servers that allows people to browse the internet anonymously. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which is a modified version of the Firefox browser.
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).
To use the Tor browser, you need to download it from the official Tor Project website and install it on your computer. Once installed, you can use it to access .onion websites, which are only accessible through the Tor network.
Connect To A Reliable And Secure VPN
Setting Up the Tor Browser
Setting up the Tor browser is straightforward. After downloading and installing the browser, you can launch it and be immediately connected to the Tor network. However, to ensure maximum privacy and security, you should consider taking a few additional steps.
How many passwords are on the dark web?
The study finds there are more than 24 billion usernames and password combinations in circulation in cybercriminal marketplaces, many on the dark web — the equivalent of nearly four for every person on the planet.
That’s why it’s important to take extra precautions when browsing the dark web. In short, I2P is a promising alternative to Tor, but it currently doesn’t have many users and doesn’t give you access to the same amount of websites and services as Tor does. However, Tor has a much larger user base than I2P, which might provide greater anonymity as you can blend in with a much bigger crowd. In this case, your internet traffic might also stand out more to your ISP if you’re using I2P compared to Tor. Our research team uses this site to find trustworthy .onion links to dark web forums, marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, and more. Once you’ve got access to the dark web, there are several tools and strategies you’ll need to follow to stay safe while browsing it.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security and privacy by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
- Use a secure operating system: A secure operating system, such as Tails or Whonix, can help protect your privacy and security by isolating your dark web activities from the rest of your system.
- Use a separate computer: If you are concerned about the security of your primary computer, you may want to consider using a separate computer specifically for accessing the dark web.
Cyberattack Darkens Kansas State University, Network Disruptions Rampant
The chance that some of your information is on the dark web is high. Too many data breaches happen, with email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords getting leaked every day. After all, not everyone buying on the dark web may need something illegal — they may only want to purchase goods anonymously. Despite the dark web sometimes catering to criminals, some of the marketplace items are entirely legal.
Finding Dark Web Content
How To Protect Yourself Online
It is also harder for law enforcement to investigate online abuse that takes place in the anonymous parts of the internet. It is of course illegal to carry out illegal acts anonymously, such as accessing child abuse images, promoting terrorism, or selling illegal items such as weapons. This is the publicly visible part of the internet that most of us use each day, and is accessed through search engines such as Google or Bing. Adults may be concerned about young people visiting the ‘Dark Web’, especially as press reports often link them with dangerous or illegal online activity. However, there are some positive aspects to them – like everything online, problems do not come from the technology itself, but instead are caused by the ways in which people use it. There are many legitimate uses for dark web services and communication.
Once you have set up your dark web browser, you can start exploring the dark web. However, finding content on the dark web can be challenging, as there is no central index or search engine. Instead, you will need to use direct links to access individual websites.
There are a few ways to find dark web content:
- Use a dark web search engine: There are a few search engines that index .onion websites, such as Ahmia and not Evil. However, these search engines are not as comprehensive as traditional search engines, and their results may not be reliable.
- Follow links from trusted sources: You can find links to dark web content on forums, social media, and other websites. However, you should be cautious when following links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious websites or scams.
- Use a dark web directory: There are a few directories that list .onion websites, such as The Hidden Wiki and OnionDir. These directories can be a good starting point for exploring the dark web, but they may also contain outdated or malicious links.
Exercising Caution on the Dark Web
The dark web can be a dangerous place, and you should exercise caution when accessing it. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number, on the dark web. This information can be used to steal your identity or commit other crimes.
- Don’t download untrusted files: Be wary of downloading files from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or other malicious software.
- Use HTTPS: Look for websites that use HTTPS, which encrypts your connection to the website and helps protect your privacy.
- Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication can help protect your accounts by requiring an additional form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or email.
By following these tips and exercising caution, you can safely explore the dark web and access the content that is not available on the surface web.
Is my password on the dark web?
Other Ways to Check if Your Email and Password Are on the Dark Web: Use a Reputable Dark Web Scan Tool: There are several reputable platforms available online that can scan the dark web for your data. Some examples include HaveIBeenPwned, Experian, and IdentityGuard.