The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. In this article, we will guide you through the process of accessing the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
Tor Links
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through special software, such as the Tor browser. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also many legitimate websites on the dark web, such as those used for free speech, whistleblowing, and journalism.
If you don’t venture far, you’ll find everyday sites like forums, chat rooms, or torrent dark web websites. To many people, the dark web is just like the surface web — a place where they watch funny videos, chat with like-minded people and read the news. You can change Tor’s level of security to “Safer” or “Safest.” Naturally, the highest setting is the safest. However, this setting significantly slows down your internet connection and causes some pages and dark web websites to load incorrectly. Unfortunately, this part of the web is also home to many illegal activities. Dark web marketplaces sell all kinds of illegal items, ranging from firearms to narcotics and stolen credit card data.
Do you need a VPN for Tor?
Generally speaking, we don't recommend using a VPN with Tor unless you're an advanced user who knows how to configure both in a way that doesn't compromise your privacy.
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use the Tor browser, which is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. Here are the steps to access the dark web using the Tor browser:
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Scams How To Shop Safely Online
- Download and install the Tor browser from the official website.
- Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can access the dark web by typing the address of a dark web website into the Tor browser’s address bar. Dark web websites often have addresses that end in .onion.
There are numerous directories that host .onion links and websites, but you should always exercise caution. Accessing the dark web is not necessarily riskier than browsing the surface or deep web. And depending on what you’re using the dark web for, it may actually be safer because of its heightened privacy protections. To use the dark web safely, stick to recommended security practices, like clicking only on trusted links and using antivirus software. Many people take advantage of this to do illegal acts, but the same anonymity provides whistleblowers and activists much-needed protection.
For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network. You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here. A VPN allows a user to encrypt all the internet traffic traveling to and from his or her device and route it through a server in a location of that user’s choosing.
Is it Safe to Access the Dark Web?
How To Access The Dark Web Safely
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often used for illegal activities. However, if you take the necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks. Here are some tips to stay safe on the dark web:
Is Tor legal in the US?
Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.
- Only visit websites that have a good reputation and are known to be safe.
- Avoid downloading any files or clicking on links from unknown sources.
- Do not share any personal information or engage in illegal activities.
People looking to access the dark web should be careful when downloading the Tor browser because it’s a prime target for hackers. Fake versions of Tor breach users’ security before they even access the dark web or monitor the behavior of a user while on the dark web. Privately connecting to the dark web helps to avoid censorship and to get around content blocks. Where access to popular social media or news sites is censored, dark web links of the same sites can help you stay informed.
Due to its decentralized structure, there is no real way to “shut down” the deep net, just like you can’t really shut down the regular internet. The Silk Road was a marketplace on the dark web that launched in 2011, where you could purchase all sorts of illegal goods. The vast majority of transactions consisted of illegal drugs, but you could also find weapons, personal information, child pornography and stolen credit card details. Allegedly, it was also possible to hire hit men on the site, though it’s never been proven that any of these contracts were actually fulfilled.
FAQs
How To Get Started With The Dark Web Safely? — Full Guide
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all the websites that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. The deep web includes websites that require login credentials, such as online banking and email accounts, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities.
- Those who want to browse and use the Dark Web need to use specialized software, such as the Tor browser.
- The premise of this story dates back to the 1990s when the US military began to look for a way to route secure, anonymous, and untraceable communication through a public network.
- Yes, you can access the dark web on mobile, but remember, you can do so if you have a Tor browser installed.
- We’ve already mentioned the importance of using a VPN and a browser like Tor Browser when accessing the dark web.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is. If you are found to be engaging in illegal activities, you could face criminal charges.
Do I need to use a VPN to access the dark web?
Using a VPN is not required to access the dark web, but it is highly recommended. A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, making it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Can I use a regular web browser to access the dark web?
Who created the dark web?
The earliest form of the modern dark web arose in March 2000 when Irish student Ian Clarke developed and released Freenet, which offers anonymous communication online via a decentralized network of Freenet's users.
No, you cannot use a regular web browser to access the dark web. You will need to use the Tor browser or another special software that is designed to access the dark web.
What should I do if I find illegal activity on the dark web?
If you find illegal activity on the dark web, you should report it to the authorities. You can also contact the website’s hosting provider or the Tor Project to report the activity.
Can I be traced if I use a VPN and Tor?
Your ISP won't be able to see that you're using Tor, only that you're using a VPN (and good VPNs can obfuscate even that). When your data reaches the entry node, it will show the VPN server's IP, meaning that your actual IP is hidden and your traffic can't be traced back to you.
