No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable high-speed internet connection a critical element of our daily lives. We pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, find information, and maintain a presence on social media. Tor Browser prevents someone watching your connection from knowing what websites you visit. All anyone monitoring your browsing habits can see is that you’re using Tor. Getting to the dark web is actually a lot easier than you might think—navigating it is a different story. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to safely access the dark web and tips on how to use it.
The surface web makes up only about 10% of the entire internet, and includes anything you can find by entering terms into a search engine like Google. All the websites you visit that don’t require login credentials are part of the surface web. From the login page of internet service providers to email mailbox or even social media profiles, are a part of the deep web. This connection methodology enables users to interact with the dark web with minimal risk of their activity being tracked or otherwise exposed. ‘The Onion Routing’ (Tor) is a project that has led to the creation of the Tor browser, making it easy for even regular web users to visit the dark web.
How to Access Dark Web Using Tor
Stay aware of scams or other dangerous activities like phishing attempts or frauds. Don’t click on links that belong to unreliable sites, avoid clickbait, and never share your financial details with anyone, like your card number, security number, or other sensitive information. Educate yourself about the legal compliances of your country to avoid breaching them while using the dark web. Remember not to get involved in illegal activities while surfing the dark web. While there’s no official Tor iOS app, other apps, such as Onion browser, are free.
They contain text and images, clickable content, site navigation buttons and so on. Get leading antivirus, fast VPN, real-time safe browsing and instant ad blocking – all in one app. Infamous criminal sites live there, but so do popular, well-known sites and brands. Did you know that Facebook has a site accessible via the dark web? Perhaps you’ve heard the infamous stories about Silk Road, the online marketplace used to sell illegal drugs with bitcoin behind the veil of the Tor browser.
Based on the original Tor Browser – Tails has a difference from the other deep/dark web browsers. It can be booted directly from a flash drive without a previous installation. I2P sends user’s traffic through about distributed computers, this way creates a vast number of paths through which your messages can be sent. Army for more secure communication, it is now available for free for everybody with a Windows, Mac, or Linux machine, or even Android mobile device.
Interestingly, even Facebook can be accessed as a Tor-hidden service, allowing users in countries with no legal access to its platform to visit the website safely. While using Tor Browser adds an extra layer of protection to your web browsing session, it’s not 100% full-proof. So here are a few basic recommendations to help you stay safe, secure, private, and legal when using Tor Browser.
AVG BreachGuard monitors dark web marketplaces and alerts you of any known leaks involving your personal accounts. Browser fingerprinting and online tracking are virtually impossible when you’re connected to the dark web via Tor Browser. That means your browsing behavior and traffic patterns can’t be collected and used by third-party advertisers. Much like real life, there is always an element of danger online and the dark web is no different. Safety is relative and it is best to increase your online protection no matter what you do.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires special tools to maintain privacy and anonymity. One of the most popular tools for this purpose is Tor.
FAQs About How To Access The Dark Web (Safe Guide)
What is Tor?
Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a free software that enables anonymous communication on the internet. It directs internet traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers, concealing a user’s location and usage.
Steps to Access the Dark Web Using Tor
- Download Tor Browser
- Install the Tor Browser
- Connecting to Tor
- Configure Security Settings
- Accessing .onion Sites
Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser compatible with your operating system.
Follow the installation instructions provided on the website. The installation process is straightforward.
After installation, launch the Tor Browser. Upon starting, it will connect to the Tor network. This process may take a few moments.
Once connected, adjust your security settings. Access the “shield” icon near the address bar to set your desired level of security.
To explore the dark web, you’ll need specific URLs known as .onion sites. These can be found on various forums or directories dedicated to the dark web.
Important Considerations
- Privacy and Anonymity
- Risks of the Dark Web
- Use VPN for Extra Security
While Tor provides anonymity, it’s crucial to remember that it does not guarantee complete privacy. Avoid sharing personal information.
The dark web hosts illegal activities, including the sale of drugs and stolen data. Exercise caution and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in addition to Tor for an added layer of security and to further conceal your IP address.
FAQs
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small part of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible without specific software like Tor.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, visiting or engaging in illegal activities on certain sites is prohibited and can lead to legal consequences.
Can I use regular browsers to access .onion sites?
- Luckily, there are a few useful sites and search engines that can improve your dark web browsing experience.
- Our clients may from time to time examine the identified evidence themselves.
- There are many fakes with malicious links that can compromise your device and its data — so always use the official Tor site.
- I really like NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, which protects you from malicious sites and blocks ads and trackers.
- People often confuse the dark web with cryptocurrencies, which are often used to make purchases there.
No, .onion sites can only be accessed through the Tor Browser. Regular browsers cannot connect to the Tor network.
What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
If you encounter something illegal or suspicious, it is best to leave the site immediately and consider reporting it to the appropriate authorities.
With these steps and precautions in mind, you can safely explore the dark web using Tor while prioritizing your privacy and security.
