The agent quickly accepted my request without asking any questions, and I got all my money back in just 3 days. Although ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than other VPNs listed here, it offers great deals throughout the year. You can save 49% on its 1-year + 3 months plan and get it for just $6.67/month. I recommend making payments via cryptocurrency to stay completely anonymous. Here’s where you can download and install I2P for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, BSD, and Solaris. Here’s where you can download and install Tor Browser on Windows, Linux, Mac, or Android.
Understanding the Dark Web
Dark websites end with “.onion” instead of the typical “.com,” “.edu,” “.org” or whatnot. Also, sites don’t have straightforward, easily memorized web addresses. Even if you’re trying to get to the dark web version of Facebook (and yes, there is one), “facebook.onion” isn’t going to get you there. Sometimes people use the term deep web interchangeably with the dark web, but the two are not the same. The deep web also is inaccessible by search engine, but it’s largely composed of sites and content that aren’t public for reasons like paywalls or privacy concerns. You probably access the deep web regularly without even realizing it.
- Many marketplace sellers also provide zero-day exploits that have yet to be found or publicized.
- For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, Wasabi Wallet is considered an indispensable trading tool and one of the safest ways to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrency on the dark web.
- While the Tor network is designed to be anonymous, it is run by volunteers.
- Surface web search engines can’t access the dark web, but specialized dark web search engines can help you find what you’re looking for.
- That’s why the defense is the best offense, so it’s worthwhile to be leveraging a service that monitors your personal data for you.
Other Privacy Tools And Services
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software and tools to access, and it’s often associated with various illegal activities. However, it also serves as a platform for privacy-conscious users, activists, and journalists seeking to communicate without surveillance.
To avoid these scams, we recommend verifying each .onion site you visit before interacting with it. But with I2P, your traffic can be sent through any I2P user’s device. Our research team uses this site to find trustworthy .onion links to dark web forums, marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, and more. Once you’ve entered the dark web, it can be incredibly difficult to find your way around.
Software firm Hyperion Gray put together a map showing all 6,608 dark web sites crawled during January 2018. Each screenshot is a site, and the content ranges from the nefarious to the noble. The Tor browser looks like any other, except that there’s a whole lot happening that you don’t see. Instead of your connection request bouncing from its origin right to its destination, Tor sends your request on a much more roundabout route.
Aranza Trevino is the Senior SEO Content Specialist at Keeper Security. She is an experienced cybersecurity trend and data analyst who continues to gain industry knowledge to educate readers through her blog efforts. Aranza’s blogs aim to help the public and businesses better understand the importance of password management, password security and staying protected against cyber threats. Most people do not utilize the dark web for illicit purposes; rather, it is an invaluable resource for whistleblowers, journalists, and political dissidents who require anonymity to work their craft.
Tools to Access the Dark Web
NordVPN has a huge worldwide network of RAM-only servers and high standards of both privacy and security. It makes visiting the dark web easy, with dedicated Onion Over VPN servers that connect you to the Tor network via the VPN. This negates the need to download, install, and run the Tor browser separately, and lets you access the Tor network without your ISP knowing. Privacy Affairs conducted an amazing investigation into products and prices from vendors on the Dark Web. These products include everything from stolen credit card data to hacked Facebook accounts, and email database dumps. High-quality malware installs are broken down into Europe, USA high and low quality, with global quality numbers.
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. While the dark web may not be the monster that it’s made out to be, its very existence poses a risk to the rest of the World Wide Web. Organizations constantly face the risk of data breaches, but the existence of the dark web highlights it. While criminal activity (including trade in stolen data and identity theft) may be the first thing people think of when they hear about the dark web, it’s far from the only reason to use it. However, it is generally used for activities that people want to actively keep secret. Theoretically, all you need to access the Dark Web is a Computer, the Internet, and the TOR Browser.
To know how to get to the dark web, you first need the right tools. Here are the primary resources:
- Tor Browser: This free software enables anonymous communication and access to sites ending in .onion.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Enhances privacy and security while navigating the dark web.
- Secure Operating Systems: Consider using an OS like Tails or Qubes, which focuses on security and anonymity.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to effectively access the dark web:
- Install a reliable VPN to hide your IP address.
- Download and install the Tor Browser from its official website.
- Run the Tor Browser; this will connect you to the Tor network.
- Explore sites ending with .onion for dark web content.
- Practice safe browsing; avoid sharing personal information.
Safety Precautions on the Dark Web
When navigating the dark web, keep safety in mind:
- Never share your real identity.
- Be cautious of links and downloads.
- Consider using cryptocurrency for transactions to maintain anonymity.
- Stay updated on the legal implications of your activities.
Common Risks of Accessing the Dark Web
While learning how to get to the dark web can be intriguing, it comes with risks:
- Legal issues: Engaging in illegal activities can lead to serious consequences.
- Malware: The chance of encountering malicious software is high.
- Exposure to dangerous individuals and scams.
FAQs about the Dark Web
What is the Dark Web used for?
The dark web is used for various purposes, including secure communications, whistleblowing, and illegal activities such as drug trafficking and weapon sales.
Is it illegal to access the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted there may be.
Can I use standard browsers to access the Dark Web?
No, standard browsers cannot access .onion websites. You need the Tor Browser or similar tools.
How can I stay anonymous while on the Dark Web?
Using a VPN, the Tor Browser, and avoiding personal information are key steps to maintaining anonymity.
In conclusion, learning how to get to the dark web requires understanding tools, methods, and the importance of safety precautions. Whether for privacy or research, approach with caution and awareness of the risks involved.
