What Are Onion Sites?
This is where things might get just a bit confusing, as the Dark Web in 2023 is nearly synonymous with illegal activity. Indeed, the vast majority of activity taking place there is illegal. McLaren Health Care is a network of 13 hospitals and three clinics serving the residents of north and central Michigan.
Exploring the Dark Web: How Do People Get on the Dark Web?
- After all, you only need some of those accounts for a single occasion and never revisit them.
- Simply accessing the dark web is not illegal, but illegal activity is illegal whether you do it via the dark web or not.
- Discover the world of Internet Privacy and dive into essential topics like online safety, protecting your digital identity, and caring for your devices.
- For example, according to federal prosecutors, the recently shut-down dark web marketplace AlphaBay was worth upwards of $23 million.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, requiring specific tools and knowledge to access. Many individuals are curious about how they can navigate this hidden part of the internet. Below are some detailed steps and important information on how do people get on the dark web.
But people can still access independent media via BBC Tor Mirror and similar dark web news portals. The BBC Tor Mirror is an international version of the BBC that focuses on world affairs, and it’s extremely useful for those who live under strict censorship laws. Still, wherever you have anonymous traffic on hidden networks, the criminal activity will follow. Freenet is another peer-to-peer network for sharing decentralized data created in 2000. It is used in two forms – the “opennet” allows connection to any user, while the “darknet” connects only to friends.
Understanding the Dark Web
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Infamous criminal sites live there, but so do popular, well-known sites and brands. Click here to learn How you can protect yourself from identity theft. Should any of your personal information ever be exposed in a data breach, spyware or phishing attack, there’s a good chance it will be taken to the dark web so a buyer can be found. However, thanks to its potential for anonymity, the dark web also features a lot of sites you won’t find on the surface web. For instance, the dark web is where a lot of journalists exchange information anonymously. Sites like ProPublica and Secure Drop are fundamental to investigative journalism.
Internet traffic first passes through the Tor Network, and then through the VPN. This means the VPN provider doesn’t see your real IP address and the VPN protects you from those bad exit nodes. Tor over VPN also doesn’t protect users from malicious Tor exit nodes. Because Tor nodes are made up of volunteers, not all of them play by the rules.
The dark web exists within the deep web, which comprises all web pages not indexed by standard search engines. The dark web is notorious for hosting illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. Here’s what you need to know:
First off, you must know that accessing the deep web means going below the surface, and even the tools you use are not the usual ones. You might be using a VPN for other reasons too, but to access the deep web it is a ‘must’ because it is the only way to hide your identity, i.e. your IP address. What a VPN does to protect you, is simply – create a virtual private network (as you get it from its name – VPN) from a public connection.
For the average Internet user, the dark web can be a dangerous place. Browsing its hidden sites without precautions might be compared to trying to get safely through a village infected by Ebola. Anonymity frequently encourages illicit activities including the sale of drugs, weapons, fake IDs and passports, and stolen electronics.
- Accessing content anonymously – Many use it to maintain their privacy and security.
- Protection from censorship – It’s a platform for free speech in oppressive regimes.
- Illegal markets – It hosts black markets for drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
Take a look at the sites that these directories have collected and see what topics interest you. If you want to improve your security further, you could also use a VPN at the same time as Tor. For the most security-conscious, you can even install the Tails operating system on a flash drive and run Tor from that. McAfee Total Protection comes with advanced identity monitoring, which provides faster and broader detection for your identity, plus premium antivirus software, safe browsing, and Secure VPN.
Getting Started: Tools Required
To access the dark web, you typically need specific software and precautions. Here’s a list of essential tools:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common tool used to access the dark web. It routes your connection through multiple servers, making it difficult to trace.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Consider using a VPN for an additional layer of security. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address.
- Secure Operating Systems: Some users opt for a secure OS, like Tails or Qubes, to enhance their privacy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely navigate the dark web:
- Download and Install Tor Browser: Go to the official Tor Project website to download the browser. Avoid third-party websites to prevent malware.
- Connect to a VPN: Activate your VPN before launching Tor to ensure your connection is encrypted.
- Launch Tor Browser: Once installed, open the Tor Browser. It will take a moment to connect to the Tor Network.
- Browse Dark Websites: Use .onion links to access dark web sites. These links are not accessible through regular browsers.
Safety Precautions to Consider
When accessing the dark web, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some tips:
- Don’t share personal information: Your anonymity can be compromised by revealing personal details.
- Avoid illegal activities: Engaging in illegal actions can lead to serious consequences.
- Use secure passwords: Ensure your accounts on dark web platforms have strong, unique passwords.
- Enable security features: Keep your Tor Browser updated and enable any available security features.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small section within the deep web that requires specific software to access.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web can have serious legal consequences.
Can my ISP see that I am using Tor?
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see that you are using Tor but cannot see what you are doing while connected to it.
Are there legitimate reasons to access the dark web?
Yes, many people use the dark web for legitimate purposes, such as communicating securely, accessing information censored in their countries, or protecting their privacy.
Conclusion
Understanding how do people get on the dark web involves knowledge of the necessary tools and precautions. While the dark web can be a haven for illegal activities, it also serves essential roles in privacy, freedom of expression, and information accessibility. Always prioritize your safety and legality when exploring this hidden facet of the internet.
