- At the time of this being written, the Tor Browser only supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
- For iOS users, “Onion Browser” is a free and open source alternative to Tor Browser encouraged for use by the Tor Project.
- From now on, you’ll be able to securely connect to your Omega without having to type out a password every time.
- ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more.
- The Internet Site Privacy Policy is dated The effective date of the Policy will be updated if the entire Policy or specific sections are renewed.
The internet is a vast and diverse place, filled with all sorts of information and content. However, not all of this content is easily accessible through traditional search engines and websites. This is where the “deep web” comes in, a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access.
How Do You Recognize Links To Dark Web Sites?
What are .onion Links?
.onion links are special web addresses that can only be accessed through the Tor network, a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. These links are used to access websites and services that are hidden from the regular internet, often because they deal with sensitive or controversial topics.
Take Control Of Your Privacy Today! Unblock Websites, Access Streaming Platforms, And Bypass ISP Monitoring
A VPN and Tor should be used together and it is advisable to connect via a VPN to Tor, rather than vice versa, for the best protection possible. However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups. Illegal marketplaces are merely a small fraction of what’s actually there.
How to Access .onion Links
A VPN tunnels all your online activity through a secure, remote server. This minimizes your risk of being hacked or having your information or identity stolen. News organizations like the BBC often have .onion addresses accessible by people in repressive regimes around the world. In fact, the Freedom of the Press Foundation runs SecureDrop, a popular .onion site. Whistleblowers can anonymously send tips and documents to journalists at Forbes, The Washington Post, Reuters, and more through it. There’s even a .onion version of Facebook that claims not to log any of your activity.
Today, the dark web (and by extension, Tor) is used much more broadly, giving anyone, anywhere in the world access to an anonymous version of the web. Similarly, they determine the specific interests of visitors’ navigation and present appropriate content. For example, they prevent the same advertisement from being shown again to the visitor in a short period. As a result, they all have different advantages and disadvantages and serve other purposes.
Free Software
To access .onion links, you will need to download and install the Tor browser, which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Once you have Tor installed, you can simply enter the .onion link into the address bar and press enter. The Tor browser will then connect to the Tor network and load the website for you.
Popular .onion Links
He was formerly the Chief Financial Officer and a principal shareholder of Apollo Solutions, Inc., which was acquired by CNET Networks. Darren Guccione is the CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, the world’s most popular password manager and secure digital vault. Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC.
There are many websites and services that can only be accessed through .onion links. Some popular examples include:
- The Hidden Wiki: A directory of hidden services on the Tor network.
- DuckDuckGo Onion: A privacy-focused search engine that can be accessed through the Tor network.
- ProPublica Onion: An investigative journalism organization that has a .onion link for secure and anonymous communication with sources.
However, this side of the internet isn’t reserved for criminals. Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons. Dark web websites look pretty much like any other site, but there are important differences.
Conclusion
The deep web and .onion links can be a fascinating and useful resource, but it’s important to remember that it can also be a dangerous place. Always use caution when accessing .onion links and make sure you are using a secure and reputable Tor browser. With the right precautions, you can explore the hidden web and discover all sorts of new and interesting information.
