How to Access the Dark Web Safely

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 whistleblowing. However, accessing the dark web can be risky, and it is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security.

Quick Summary Of The Best VPNs For Browsing The Dark Web:

The true internet – that which includes content not indexed by these search engines – is hundreds of times bigger. Content in the dark web is designed to be hidden and you’ll need special software to access it. The Tor browser is the most popular tool, though you can also use Freenet, ZeroNet, I2P, and Riffle.

Use a VPN

There is confusion about the deep web and the dark web, with both meaning different things. While Tor by itself is a robust and secure privacy tool, combining it with a VPN is an ironclad way to ensure that your privacy isn’t compromised. Additionally, using Tor with a VPN lets you access the Tor Network in situations and locations where it is blocked. Download this white paper to learn how CrowdStrike Falcon® Intelligence Recon can help identify potentially malicious and criminal activity across the dark web. That said, many of the actors on the dark web are highly skilled digital adversaries who can easily outmaneuver basic security measures.

The Difference Between The Deep Web And Darknet

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. This is especially important when accessing the dark web, as it can help to hide your true IP address and location. It is recommended to use a VPN that does not keep logs of your activity, and to connect to a server located in a country with strong privacy laws.

Use the Tor Browser

Can I Access The Dark Web With A VPN?

Whistleblowers, journalists, and activists also use dark web tools — especially if they live in countries with repressive political regimes. The dark web has been vital for social change and market decentralization. DeepWatch continuously monitors the dark web and protects your organization from cyber threats.

The Tor browser is a free, open-source web browser that is specifically designed to access the dark web. It works by routing your internet traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers, which helps to anonymize your online activity. It is important to note that while the Tor browser provides a degree of anonymity, it is not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other security measures.

Use a Secure Operating System

This Network May Have A Captive Portal Warning

It is recommended to use a secure operating system, such as Tails or Whonix, when accessing the dark web. These operating systems are designed to be used from a USB drive and leave no trace on the host computer. They also route all internet traffic through the Tor network, providing an additional layer of security.

Accessing the Dark Web requires this level of anonymity and security, and that’s where Tor becomes essential. The websites on the Dark Web have a special .onion suffix and are not accessible through regular browsers. Tor is the key that unlocks these sites, allowing you to access this hidden part of the internet while maintaining your anonymity. Approximately 90% of all websites are on the deep web, and many are used by entities such as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. What’s known as the dark web exists within the deep web; it’s an area of the internet that is only accessible by users who have a Tor browser installed.

Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

It is important to use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts, and to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This will help to protect your accounts from being compromised, and will also help to prevent unauthorized access to any sensitive information that you may have stored on the dark web.

Be Careful What You Click On

The dark web is full of malicious websites and links, and it is important to be cautious about what you click on. Avoid downloading any files or software from untrusted sources, and be wary of any websites that ask for personal information or login credentials.

As you surf, you’ll probably notice that dark website addresses end with the .onion extension rather than the traditional .com, .org, .edu, etc. Make sure you have some security software installed because there’s a good chance that you may come in contact with malware and phishing scams. The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals.

• Visiting the dark web without one puts you at greater risk of identity theft, DDoS attacks, and other dangers.
• If you need a great Tor VPN, I recommend ExpressVPN — all its servers allow Tor traffic, it has excellent security and privacy features, and it provides fast browsing speeds.
• These websites will also use .onion top-level domain names, and many of them will be very long, random combinations of letters and numbers.
• Just because a page cannot be accessed by search engines doesn’t mean it’s trying to promote illicit activity.
• Essentially, the Dark Web uses a cluster of nodes and networks called “darknets.” These include — but aren’t limited to — peer-to-peer networks — small and big — including Tor and Freenet.
• While the dark web can be accessed by various browsers, Tor (The Onion Router) is the most popular and well-known.

Conclusion

Accessing the dark web can be risky, but by taking the proper precautions, you can help to protect your privacy and security. Use a VPN, the Tor browser, a secure operating system, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and be cautious about what you click on. Remember that the dark web is not a place for illegal activities and always respect the law.