Understanding the Dark Web
For example, they may hold money in escrow but then shut down the e-commerce website and take off with the money. Due to the anonymous nature of the dark web, it’s very difficult for law enforcement to find such perpetrators. That said, while it’s not illegal to browse the dark web, it’s also not completely void of criminal activity. Putting yourself in close proximity with illegal activities is rarely a good idea and could heighten your risk of being targeted by a criminal yourself.
In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any one time. Rosalyn Page has been writing about technology long enough to remember when the only thing to worry about was Y2K. Since then, the dot-com boom became the dot-com bubble, technology fundamentally altered our lives, and everything has become about security. With a particular interest in privacy, data, and security, Rosalyn has covered social media, AI, IoT, deepfakes, marketing tech, the cloud, enterprise tech, consumer tech, and digital transformation. Her side gig is an arts and culture blog, ‘Some Notes from a Broad’. And when not wrangling bits and bytes into words, Rosalyn enjoys low-fi hobbies like reading books, walking her Whippet Sketch, and having one too many coffees at her favourite café.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access, making it a complex and often misunderstood section of the internet. Here’s a detailed guide on how to access the dark web.
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.
This method allows law enforcement agencies to trace activities back to specific individuals on the TOR network. To access the full list of .onion links for each website, you’ll have to complete a CAPTCHA which proves you’re a human. We recommend using Dark.fail to navigate the dark web and source safe .onion addresses. The website is built for researchers and has useful links (for now). The Tor Browser was primarily created with users’ online freedom and privacy in mind.
Requirements for Accessing the Dark Web
- The extent of crime on the dark web doesn’t just end with financial scams and drugs.
- Dark web sites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to so much illegal activity.
- When you activate Onion Over VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a NordVPN server and then via the Tor network.
- The dark web is the area of the internet that can only be accessed by using specific software.
- To access it securely, use the Tor browser, specially introduced for the dark web, as it provides encryption and anonymity.
How To Access The Dark Web On A Phone?
Since Tor can be used to access websites governments try to block, the dark web can be a useful tool for people living under dictatorships to access western media. The term ‘deep web’ doesn’t mean anything nefarious – it’s estimated to make up about 99% of the entire web. It refers to the unindexed web databases and other content that search engines can’t crawl through and catalog. The deep web is like an archive, containing an unsorted pile of websites and resources that are largely inaccessible to normal users. Indexes of website links allow Google and other search engines to return relevant results whenever a user types a keyword into the search bar.
This high barrier entry to the Dark Web exists to protect user identities, online activities and location, and maintain their anonymity. While most people access the internet through common web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge, there are deeper levels of the internet that aren’t accessible by the average user. See how cybercriminals profit from your personal information on the Dark Web. Learn how to protect your data from financial fraud and identity theft. The dark web contains a wide variety of services and content to its users, some of which skirts or disregards legality.
Before delving into the dark web, ensure you have the following:
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network will enhance your privacy and security.
- Tor Browser: This is the primary tool used to access the dark web. It anonymizes your browsing by routing your traffic through multiple servers.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a security-focused OS like Tails or a live OS from a USB drive to enhance your anonymity.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely and securely access the dark web:
- Install a VPN: Download and install a reliable VPN to hide your IP address. Ensure it does not keep logs of your activity.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Make sure you are not downloading from third-party sources to avoid malware.
- Configure Your VPN: Open your VPN and connect to a secure server. Ensure the VPN is functioning properly before proceeding.
- Open the Tor Browser: Launch the Tor Browser. The first run setup will guide you through basic configurations.
- Access .onion sites: Use the Tor browser to navigate to websites with the .onion extension specifically created for dark web access.
- Practice Safety: Avoid sharing personal information and be cautious about the sites you visit.
Safety Tips While Exploring the Dark Web
Keeping safe while on the dark web is paramount. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Stay Anonymous: Create pseudonyms and do not share any personal details.
- Use Cryptocurrencies: When making transactions, utilize cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
- Be Skeptical: Not everything on the dark web is illegal, but be vigilant about scams and malicious sites.
- Use Common Sense: Avoid engaging in illegal activities and downloading unknown files.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
1. Is accessing the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted there can be. Ensure you remain within the law.
2. Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you need the Tor Browser or alternative browsers configured for anonymity.
3. How do I know if a site is safe on the dark web?
Look for user reviews and community discussions on forums. Stick to well-known sites and always err on the side of caution.
4. What is the difference between the deep web and dark web?
The deep web includes all unindexed content on the internet, such as databases, while the dark web refers specifically to parts of the deep web that have been intentionally hidden.
5. Can I get caught while browsing the dark web?
While the Tor network provides anonymity, it is not foolproof. Users should always take proper precautions to protect their identity.
By following the steps and guidelines provided, you can learn how to access the dark web while keeping your activities secure and anonymous.
