Understanding the Darknet
A VPN provides an extra level of security that’s helpful for your day-to-day needs and absolutely essential when accessing the deep web. You never know when you’ll stumble upon someone unscrupulous, or when one of Tor’s nodes has been compromised (more on that later). They target the illicit sale of personal data, malware and cybercrime tool development and sales, as well as ‘cybercrime-as-a-service’. “The goal is to identify, disrupt and prosecute cybercriminals domestically, and through international law enforcement partnerships,” an AFP spokesperson says. The dark web refers to a collection of hidden sites that aren’t indexed by search engines and can only be accessed through special authorization, browsers, or software. Indexes of website links allow Google and other search engines to return relevant results whenever a user types a keyword into the search bar.
The dark web is a hive for criminal activity due to its anonymous nature and the fact that it is extremely hard to track down anybody who accesses it. In fact, research performed at the University of Kent in 2015 revealed that 57% of the dark web hosts illicit material. The dark web is a part of the deep web that can be accessed anonymously using Tor browser.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access, making it distinct from the surface web.
These can include the previously mentioned illegal offerings, but can also include ultra-private information designed to be shared only with certain parties. Users who wish to gain access to such information are protected by the same anonymity the publishers of the content enjoy. Well-known news websites, such as ProPublica, have launched deep websites. Meanwhile, Facebook also offers dark web access to their social network. NordVPN offers a 30-day, no-risk trial subscription when you sign up on this page.
- According to Wikipedia, that’s “the main use of top-level domain suffix designating an unidentified hidden service reachable using the Tor network,” Wikipedia.
- Because Tor nodes are made up of volunteers, not all of them play by the rules.
- It consists of websites that aren’t indexable and can’t be readily found online via web search engines.
- But before visiting any sites on the dark web, get comprehensive cybersecurity software to protect yourself from any threats you may encounter.
- I2P also uses “garlic routing” to encrypt information, which makes it more difficult for an attacker to analyze traffic.
- But we imagine these sites mostly to be blogs and business websites that are too small or undeveloped to see the light of search engines.
For example, the Epic browser is programmed to always run in private mode, so it doesn’t store data about which sites you visit. It is based on Chromium, the open-source of Google chrome but the developers claim to have removed all Google tracking software and that the browser stops other companies from tracing you too. While it is not flawless in protecting user privacy, it works well enough to give users much more privacy in where they go, the content accessed, and protecting their identity and location. The multiple relays help keep some distance and anonymity between the person visiting the website, the website itself, and any entity trying to eavesdrop on the communication between the two. Deep sites also include company intranets and governmental websites, for instance the website of the European Union.
Tails is a live OS that runs on a USB stick for privacy and anonymity. Your IP address, MAC address, or other hardware serial numbers could be exposed if the OS is compromised. That being said, the probability of such incidents is low given the secure nature of this OS. Setting up the non-administrative surfer account is to prevent personal activities from using the VPN. It is also to defense against human mistakes as well as exploits in the various applications installed on your OS.
Put simply, the deep web is all of the information stored online that isn’t indexed by search engines. You don’t need any special tools or a dark net browser to access most of the deep web; you just need to know where to look. Specialized search engines, directories, and wikis can help users locate the data they’re looking for. Tor is both a type of connection – with the extended relays – and a browser. With your device running a Tor browser, you can go to Tor-specific sites – those with an .onion suffix — or also visit the usual sites on the open web. The connection between Tor’s dark net and the regular internet is bridged via an ‘exit node’.
It’s relatively easy for anyone to access this encrypted network. Swensen said the most common dark web networks are Tor, I2P, and Freenet, but “Tor is, by far and away, the most popular.” What’s submerged is the deep web — an anonymous online space only accessible with specific software.
Why Access the Darknet?
People may look to access the darknet for various reasons, including:
- Maintaining privacy and anonymity
- Accessing restricted or censored content
- Research purposes about illicit activities
- Communicating securely in oppressive regimes
How to Access the Darknet
Accessing the darknet requires specific tools and knowledge. Below are the steps to get started:
Step 1: Download the Tor Browser
The most common way to access the darknet is through the Tor network. Follow these instructions:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser suitable for your operating system.
- Install the application by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Configure Your Settings
After installation, configure your settings for better privacy:
- Adjust security level settings to enhance security.
- Disable scripts and other features that may compromise privacy.
Step 3: Connect to the Tor Network
Launch the Tor Browser and click on the “Connect” option. This will establish a connection to the Tor network, enabling you to browse anonymously.
Exploring the Darknet
Once connected, you can start exploring the darknet. Keep in mind:
- Use .onion links to access websites specifically hosted on the darknet.
- Exercise caution, as many sites can host illicit content or scams.
- Engage in activities that are legal in your jurisdiction, as laws vary worldwide.
The Importance Of Using A VPN When Searching The Dark Web
Safety Tips for Darknet Browsing
Stay safe while browsing the darknet by following these tips:
- Never share personal information.
- Use a VPN for an additional layer of anonymity.
- Be aware of phishing scams and malware risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is accessing the darknet illegal?
No, accessing the darknet itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities within it is against the law.
2. Can I use regular search engines on the darknet?
No, regular search engines do not index .onion sites. You must find onion links through directories or forums on the darknet.
3. What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
Report it to appropriate authorities and disconnect from the site immediately.
Conclusion
Learning how to access the darknet can be important for privacy-conscious users and researchers. However, caution is essential. Always prioritize your safety and legality while navigating this hidden part of the internet.
