Step 3/3: Install Tor Browser In A VM
The dark web can be a mysterious and intimidating place, but with the right knowledge, it can also be a valuable resource for privacy-conscious internet users. Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to use the dark web safely and effectively.
What is the Dark Web?
You only need to use a VPN if you’re accessing the dark web without Tails, or if you’re on an Android device. However, it can help prevent your ISP from seeing your online activity and marking it as suspicious. The only equipment you’ll need for this method is your computer and a no-logs VPN subscription.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, making it difficult to access without specialized software. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it can also be used for legitimate purposes such as secure communication and privacy protection.
To Understand The Dark Web, You Need To Understand Tor
How to Access the Dark Web
Malicious software — i.e. malware — is fully alive all across the dark web. It is often offered in some portals to give threat actors the tools for cyberattacks. However, it also lingers all across the dark web to infect unsuspecting users just like it does on the rest of the web. That said, anonymity comes with a dark side since criminals and malicious hackers also prefer to operate in the shadows. For example, cyberattacks and trafficking are activities that the participants know will be incriminating. As such, the dark web has attracted many parties who would otherwise be endangered by revealing their identities online.
To access the dark web, you will need to use the Tor network. Tor is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously by routing your traffic through a series of servers around the world. To use Tor, download and install the software from the official website, then open the Tor browser.
Who created the dark web?
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.
DuckDuckGo also has a no-log policy, meaning they don’t keep a record of your search history or collect other user data. Used in with a dedicated private browser, DuckDuckGo is a powerful search engine and a potent privacy tool. The platform offers truly uncensored and unfiltered web search results. Along with offering an unrestricted search engine list, Torch also prevents web tracking. This information can help mitigate cyberthreats before they are committed or be used to recover leaked data from a breach.
Is It Legal To Browse The Dark Web?
Using a VPN
It is highly recommended to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in addition to Tor for an extra layer of security and anonymity. A VPN will encrypt your traffic and route it through a remote server, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Navigating the Dark Web
Navigating the dark web can be challenging, as it does not have the same user-friendly interface as the surface web. Instead of using traditional URLs, dark web sites use .onion addresses, which can only be accessed through the Tor network. Some popular dark web search engines include Ahmia, NotEvil, and Candle.
Can Google take you to the dark web?
How can you access the dark web? To access the dark web, you can't use Google Search or browsers, such as Chrome or Safari. Instead, you need to use software designed specifically for this purpose, such as Tor or I2P.
Be Aware of Scams
It is important to be aware of scams and phishing sites on the dark web. Always double-check the .onion address of a site, and never give out personal information or login credentials.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
What happens when you go on the Darkweb?
Suspicious links: If you click on any links, you may be taken to material you might not want to see. It's also possible that clicking a link or downloading a file could infect your device with malware. Law enforcement: Law enforcement officials operate on the dark web to catch people engaged in criminal activity.
To stay safe on the dark web, it is important to practice good online hygiene. This includes using strong, unique passwords, keeping your software up to date, and avoiding suspicious links and downloads. Additionally, it is recommended to use a dedicated dark web email address and to avoid using your real name or personal information.
Limit Your Time on the Dark Web
It is also recommended to limit your time on the dark web. The longer you stay connected, the greater the risk of your traffic being intercepted or your identity being exposed.
Conclusion
- For recommendations on choosing a VPN, look for expert reviews and articles.
- You’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about accessing the dark web on your mobile device below.
- Nathan is an internationally trained journalist with a special interest in the prevention of cybercrime.
- The deep web exists beyond this “surface web,” and the dark web exists within it.
- The .onion websites themselves won’t hurt you if you have a secure connection.
The dark web can be a valuable resource for privacy-conscious internet users, but it is important to use it safely and responsibly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can access and navigate the dark web with confidence.
Do I still need a VPN if I use 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. You can find more detailed information about Tor + VPN at our wiki.
