The darknet, also known as 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, such as providing a platform for free speech and privacy. In this article, we will guide you through the process of accessing the darknet safely and responsibly.
Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web.
Using & Navigating The Dark Web Safely
What is the Darknet?
The darknet is a network of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. These websites are often referred to as “hidden services” and can only be accessed using special software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.
Why Access the Darknet?
How much of the internet is the dark web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
There are several reasons why someone might want to access the darknet. For instance, journalists and activists may use it to communicate with sources and publish information without fear of retribution. Whistleblowers may use it to share sensitive information with the public. Additionally, some people may use the darknet to access content that is censored in their country or to maintain their privacy online.
How to Access the Darknet
How To Access The Dark Web On Phone Safely And Securely
However, it also lingers all across the dark web to infect unsuspecting users just like it does on the rest of the web. That said, anonymity comes with a dark side since criminals and malicious hackers also prefer to operate in the shadows. For example, cyberattacks and trafficking are activities that the participants know will be incriminating.
Accessing the darknet requires the use of special software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. The most popular software for accessing the darknet is the Tor browser.
Using the Tor Browser
The Tor browser is a free, open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing internet traffic through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track a user’s online activity. To use the Tor browser, follow these steps:
Internet
The reason for this is that the dark web is full of potentially dangerous content, and a VPN will help to keep your identity and personal information safe. Without a VPN, you could be putting yourself at risk of being hacked or scammed. The dark web contains much of the internet’s illicit content, ranging from drug trafficking to child pornography sites. A VPN allows a user to encrypt all the internet traffic traveling to and from his or her device and route it through a server in a location of that user’s choosing. A VPN, in combination with Tor, further adds to the security and anonymity of the user.
- Download the Tor browser from the official website.
- Install the Tor browser on your computer.
- Launch the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can use the Tor browser to access darknet websites by typing their URLs into the address bar.
Using a VPN
What if my phone number is on the dark web?
If your phone number is in the wrong hands, your identity and sensitive information could follow. Scammers and hackers could use your number to access your cloud accounts, which might hold private photos and details about you. They could then threaten to reveal your identity or information unless you pay a ransom.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. Using a VPN can help protect your privacy and security when accessing the darknet. To use a VPN, follow these steps:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider and sign up for a subscription.
- Download and install the VPN software on your computer.
- Launch the VPN software and connect to a server in a location of your choice.
- Launch the Tor browser and use it to access darknet websites.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the darknet? No, accessing the darknet is not illegal in and of itself. However, some activities that take place on the darknet, such as buying or selling illegal goods, are illegal.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the darknet? It is possible to get in trouble for accessing the darknet if you engage in illegal activities while using it. Additionally, some countries have laws that prohibit the use of anonymizing software like the Tor browser.
- Not only that, but there isn’t just one dark web; the dark web is made up of many darknets, which can be anything from small peer-to-peer networks to huge popular networks like Tor.
- In this instance, too, it is important to use a logless VPN and pay with Bitcoin if you can to stay anonymous.
- Although you will find mostly illegal and criminal sites, some of them are surely something we would not want to miss.
- Tor is a network of volunteer relays through which the user’s internet connection is routed.
- You can download the Tor Browser for Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android.
Is the darknet safe? The darknet can be a dangerous place, as it is often associated with illegal activities. However, if you take the necessary precautions, such as using a VPN and the Tor browser, you can minimize the risks associated with accessing the darknet.
Can I access the darknet on my phone? Yes, you can access the darknet on your phone using the Tor browser for Android or iOS. However, we recommend using a VPN in addition to the Tor browser for added security.
The dark web news site Deep.Dot.Web teems with stories of buyers who have been arrested or jailed for attempted purchases. The dark web has flourished thanks to bitcoin, the crypto-currency that enables two parties to conduct a trusted transaction without knowing each other’s identity. “Bitcoin has been a major factor in the growth of the dark web, and the dark web has been a big factor in the growth of bitcoin,” says Tiquet. IBM Security X-Force, for example, reported that 29% of its ransomware engagements in 2020 involved REvil. The criminal groups that developed the malware gets a cut of the affiliates’ earnings, typically between 20% and 30%. IBM estimates that REvil’s profits in the past year were $81 million.
What is the Onion Router (Tor)? The Onion Router (Tor) is a free, open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing internet traffic through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track a user’s online activity.
What is a VPN? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. Using a VPN can help protect your privacy and security when accessing the darknet.
Is Google dark web report free?
Important: Some dark web report features are available only with a paid Google One membership. Update your Google One plan. You can run a dark web report for the email address associated with your Google Account. You can get an email copy of the report with the top 2-3 recommendations.
