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. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding and accessing the dark web safely and securely.
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What is the Dark Web?
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The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites use encryption and anonymity tools to protect the identity of their users and the content they host. The dark web is often used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. However, it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists to communicate and share information securely.
Maintain Your Anonymity
How to Access the Dark Web
How do I know if I am on the dark web?
How Do You Know if Your Information Is on the Dark Web? If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It's a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser such as Tor. Tor (The Onion Router) is a free, open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a network of servers around the world, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Is The Dark Web Illegal?
Here are the steps to install and use Tor:
- Download and install the Tor browser from the official website.
- Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the network.
- Once connected, you can use the Tor browser to access dark web websites by typing their .onion URLs into the address bar.
If a breach is detected, BreachGuard will notify you right away and help you take the steps you need to secure your data immediately. Researchers from Recorded Future estimated that while there are more than 55,000 existing onion domains, only 8,400 (or roughly 15%) of these sites were active. This means that the total network of live dark web sites is only about 0.005% of the size of the surface web. The standard dark web browser is Tor Browser, which directs your browser traffic through the Tor network so you can reach the darknet. As your traffic passes through Tor, it’s encrypted and bounced between at least three relay points, known as nodes.
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Finding Dark Web Websites
Finding dark web websites can be challenging, as they are not indexed by search engines. However, there are a few ways to find them:
You should also keep in mind that overall speeds will likely be impacted; for example, a page might take a few seconds longer to load than what you are used to. ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on.
- Use a dark web directory: There are several directories of dark web websites that you can use to find sites that interest you. Some popular directories include The Hidden Wiki and Daniel’s Hosting.
- Follow links from other dark web sites: Once you have found a few dark web sites, you can follow links from those sites to find more. Be careful, though, as not all links are safe.
- Use a search engine: There are a few search engines that index dark web sites, such as Ahmia and not Evil. However, these search engines are not as comprehensive as traditional search engines, and their results may not be reliable.
If you notice any suspicious activity on your statements or credit report, contact the fraud department at your financial institution immediately. The support team can help you dispute fraudulent charges and take security measures to prevent further damage to your finances. Start with high-risk passwords — like your online banking, email, and Medicare accounts. It’s easier to create and store complex passwords for every account with Aura’s password manager. A 24/7 Dark Web monitoring service constantly scans new Dark Web databases for your most sensitive information, and alerts you if it’s been compromised. While criminal activity does occur on the dark web, how people choose to use the dark web is what matters.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
What is the real Tor browser?
Tor Browser definition
The Tor Browser is a web broswer that anonymizes your web traffic using the Tor network, making it easy to protect your identity online.
The dark web can be a dangerous place, and it is important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, making it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
- Use antivirus software: Dark web sites can be infected with malware and other malicious software, so it is important to use antivirus software to protect your computer.
- Do not give out personal information: Be careful not to give out any personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card number, while browsing the dark web.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
- Be cautious: Be cautious of any sites or links that seem suspicious or too good to be true. Scams and phishing attacks are common on the dark web.
- Organizations should aim to set an established baseline of goals, key areas to monitor, and rules of engagement.
- Whenever data leaks compromise sensitive business data, it helps to engage a managed security services provider.
- Google or Bing won’t help you find anything on the dark web – you will need a dark web search engine like DuckDuckGo.
- Facebook has an .onion version that claims not to store logs and is more secure than the one you normally use.
- Although some worry about the dark web’s security, there are many great dark web sites that you can visit safely.
Conclusion
The dark web can be a useful tool for communication and information sharing, but it can also be a dangerous place. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can find and access the dark web safely and securely. Remember to use a VPN, antivirus software, and strong passwords, and be cautious of any sites or links that seem suspicious. Stay safe and enjoy exploring the dark web!
How to install Tor Browser?
- Navigate to the Tor Browser download page.
- Download the Windows .exe file.
- (Recommended) Verify the file's signature.
- When the download is complete, double click the .exe file. Complete the installation wizard process.