While you obviously don’t have to perform a penetration test on every website you log into, you should ensure that it runs on a secure framework that uses HTTPS encryption. For instance, when you log in to your favorite video streaming site or check your bank account balance online, that’s the deep web at work. Now you have a Tor browser and you can access the dark web safely on your iPhone. URLs of darknet websites are known as “Tor Hidden Services” and can be identified from regular websites.
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 accessing the dark web safely and securely.
What You Need
Should You Enter The Dark Web Without A VPN?
To access the dark web, you will need the following:
- A computer or mobile device
- A dark web browser, such as Tor
- A virtual private network (VPN) to enhance your privacy and security
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Installing Tor
Tor is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication. Here’s how to install it:
Malicious Software
- Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/)
- Download the Tor Browser Bundle for your operating system
- Extract the downloaded file to a folder on your computer
- Open the Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network
Signup for PureVPN to get complete online security and privacy with a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic. However, if you want a more comprehensive security solution for all your online activities, including dark web access, using a VPN with the Tor Browser can provide anonymity and encryption. Tor can be a safe tool for protecting your online privacy and anonymity when used correctly and responsibly. However, it’s not a guarantee of absolute security, and you should be aware of its limitations and potential risks.
If you want to learn all about privacy protection or cryptocurrency, the dark web has plenty to offer. There are a variety of private and encrypted email services, instructions for installing an anonymous operating system and advanced tips for the privacy-conscious. You can even access onion links for popular news websites, which is just another way to bypass their paywalls. Torch is another popular onion search engine with a database of over a half million sites. A casual DuckDuckGo search for onion links in Tor will introduce you to several important onion links.
Can I remove my email from dark web?
Note that a Dark Web scan does NOT automatically remove your compromised information from the Dark Web. It simply alerts you that the information is out there. There is no Dark Web manager to call to request its removal; it's up to you to take action from there.
Using a VPN
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, making it harder for others to track your online activity. Here’s how to use a VPN:
- Choose a reputable VPN service and sign up for an account
- Download and install the VPN software on your device
- Connect to a VPN server in a location of your choice
- Launch the Tor Browser and start browsing the dark web
- However, you cannot simply browse to sites on the dark web—you have to take steps to ensure privacy first.
- If you can’t get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, verify the URL from multiple different sources.
- The surface web operates on the clearnet, which is secure and encrypted to protect users.
- To clarify the confusion, everything on the darknet is also part of the deep web, but everything on the deep web is not necessarily illegal, therefore these terms shouldn’t be used interchangeably.
- Although the deep web and the dark web may seem intimidating and dangerous, they’re actually surprisingly simple services to get started with and use.
- The app lets you freely access your favorite content no matter your location, safely visit any resources (even on public networks), and protect your personal data by hiding your actual IP address.
FAQs
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal in itself. However, some activities on the dark web are illegal, so it’s important to use it responsibly and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Can I get viruses or malware from the dark web?
Yes, there is a higher risk of encountering malware on the dark web. It’s important to use antivirus software and keep it up to date. Also, avoid downloading or clicking on suspicious links.
Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
No, you need a special browser like Tor to access the dark web. Standard web browsers cannot access the dark web due to its encryption and anonymity features.
Is it safe to use the dark web?
Using the dark web can be risky, but taking proper precautions can help minimize those risks. Using a VPN, avoiding suspicious links, and using antivirus software are all important steps to take when accessing the dark web.
Is your email on the dark web?
However, you can use a few tools to find out whether your email address has appeared on the dark web. For instance, you can use the NordPass Data Breach Scanner to monitor your email addresses and credit card details. Having your data exposed during a leak is a strong indication that it's present on the dark web.
