How Can I Access the Dark Web?

Accessing the dark web can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not as difficult as you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.

What is the Dark Web?

Short On Time? Here’s How To Safely Access Sites On The Dark Web Using A VPN In 2024:

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. To access the dark web, you’ll need to use a special browser called Tor.

Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser

Step 3: Safety Tips While Using The Dark Web On IPhone

Make sure you install and run strong security software on your computer and devices to help ensure the privacy and security of your data. That seems like a normal web browser… but it’s also connected to Tor, which means you can now access deep web websites, as well as have relatively more online privacy than before. 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. You also get strong security features, as the VPN has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, an audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection.

The first step to accessing the dark web is to download and install the Tor browser. You can download it for free from the official Tor Project website. The Tor browser works just like any other browser, but it routes your internet connection through several different servers around the world, which helps to mask your identity and location.

The VPN allows Tor traffic on 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, which is great. But I had much faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. NordVPN allows Tor traffic on all servers and also has Onion Over VPN servers in 2 countries (Switzerland and the Netherlands).

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Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network

Once you’ve installed the Tor browser, open it up and connect to the Tor network. This process is automatic and should only take a few seconds. Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to access the dark web.

Step 3: Navigate to Dark Web Sites

Navigating to dark web sites is a little different than navigating to regular websites. Instead of typing in a URL, you’ll need to use a special address that ends in .onion. These addresses are difficult to remember, so it’s a good idea to bookmark them or write them down.

Step 4: Stay Safe and Secure

Of course, before arriving at its destination i.e. the website you want, your traffic is decrypted so that you can access the site. In my opinion, this is a much better option for many reasons aside from the fact that your ISP won’t see your Tor usage. The first step is to get a quality VPN and for this case, I recommend ExpressVPN. This provider fully supports Tor over VPN, which means that it can be used to get on the dark web. Beware that this is NOT a free VPN and we intentionally avoid free providers due to security issues. Even if there’s a corrupt Tor node, a VPN is safeguarding your privacy as the primary layer of security, making sure that no one can do you harm.

The dark web can be a dangerous place, so it’s important to take steps to stay safe and secure. Here are some tips:

• If you want to know how to get on the dark web, I should explain this method as well.
• However, thanks to its potential for anonymity, the dark web also features a lot of sites you won’t find on the surface web.
• Whether you are accessing your email account, private backups, or your credit card statements, that data is stored on the deep web.
• In addition to the Tor browser, users can further protect their identities when accessing the dark web by doing so through a virtual private network (VPN).
• All you need to do is download and install Tor browser from the Play Store and connect to the Tor network.
• Anonymity doesn’t make carrying out illegal acts any more permissible, so be cautious about making purchases or downloading content.

Most of the time, these dark web sites are for people who can’t get to the open web version of the site, usually because their countries have strict internet laws. For example, some of our favorite social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, have set up mirror sites on the dark web for people who don’t want to be watched by the government. Some users looking for how to access the dark web can do that simply because they want to check whether their personal data is for sale. One of the first lines of defense is using a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to further mask your identity and location.
• Don’t download any files or click on any links unless you’re absolutely sure they’re safe.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.

Using Tor, while legal, will raise suspicion due to its association with the dark web and its association with various illegal activities. While in this case, you’ll fix the issue of the entry node, the exit node can still be compromised and potentially expose your data. The good news is that this happens very rarely and in 99.99% of the cases, users have no issues with this method. What happens, in this case, is that the Virtual Private Network encrypts your connection which prevents your ISP from seeing that you’re using Tor.

• Be cautious when sharing personal information.

FAQs

What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?

The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

No, it’s not illegal to access the dark web. However, some activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, so it’s important to be cautious and stay within the bounds of the law.

Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?

No, you’ll need to use the Tor browser to access the dark web. Regular web browsers do not have the necessary encryption and anonymity features to protect your identity and location.

In terms of malicious sites, there have been cases where a ransomware group creates a typo-squatted domain or dark web domain that mirrors a victim’s website. “They then provide instructions or more blackmail attempts to further coerce victims into paying. The number of users across relays has increased in 2023, and the number of relays themselves has increased, according to Tor metrics, suggesting dark web usage is on the rise. Whistleblowers, journalists, and activists also use dark web tools — especially if they live in countries with repressive political regimes.

Is the dark web dangerous?

The dark web can be a dangerous place, but it’s also home to many legitimate websites and communities. As long as you take steps to stay safe and secure, you can explore the dark web without putting yourself at risk.