How To Access The Dark Web Safely
Understanding How to Access the Dark Web
Keep reading this guide to learn more about what these terms actually mean, and how you can find your way into the underbelly of the internet. Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. Mohit is a legal and public policy researcher whose work focuses largely on technology regulation. At VPNOverview, he writes about cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies and sports events. While there’s no official Tor iOS app, other apps, such as Onion browser, are free.
The **dark web** is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves legitimate purposes. To access the dark web, a specific set of tools and knowledge is required.
Like I2P, it uses a distributed network database for added assurance against cyber attacks. It runs automatically in your web browser, so I recommend using a different browser than you normally do to ensure privacy. Mullvad is one of the few providers that offer the VPN Over Tor configuration to access the dark web. This involves passing internet traffic through the Tor network first, and then through the VPN. It’s a less recommended configuration, though it does offer protection against exit nodes run by those with malicious intent.
Because privacy and anonymity are the hallmarks of the dark web, it’s easy to assume that everything that happens there is illegal. And while plenty of cybercrime does take place, the dark web is used legally as well. However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups. Illegal marketplaces are merely a small fraction of what’s actually there. To access a dark web address, you must use a VPN and a suitable browser (it should be Tor).
What is the Dark Web?
Torch is funded primarily through advertising—purchased in BTC, of course—which is why you’ll find the front page blanketed with old-school banner ads of dubious origins. Swensen said the most common dark web networks are Tor, I2P, and Freenet, but “Tor is, by far and away, the most popular.” In 2015, the founder of a website called the Silk Road was sentenced to life in prison. The dark web’s inherent anonymity is helpful for political activists, journalists, and anyone living in regions that heavily restrict and monitor internet access. You can even organize decentralized communication networks to share benign memes if you want—though it’s probably easier to just use WhatsApp or Discord. Whilst using Tor isn’t illegal, the encrypted data packets it uses make it fairly easy to detect.
The **dark web** is a section of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software to access and maintains a level of anonymity for its users.
Some of the key characteristics include:
- Accessed via specific software, primarily Tor (The Onion Router).
- Content is often encrypted and web addresses have a .onion extension.
- Hosts a variety of sites, from forums to marketplaces, offering both legal and illegal content.
This is, so far, the most used option for surfing on the deep web. For this kind of connection, you can use a logless VPN that doesn’t store any traffic logs – things you search on the internet, or session logs – your IP address and similar information. On the brighter side, Android supports Tor directly, so you can download this browser for free on your phone. Once you connect to a VPN server on your phone, it’s easy to open Tor, visit the site you want, and enjoy browsing it safely and securely with the added encryption of a VPN. It includes content locked behind a paywall, private company networks, your Gmail inbox, hidden medical documents, etc, etc. This type of content isn’t indexed by any search engine but on the other hand, it is accessible through browsers like Brave, Chrome, or any other.
This makes Tor Browser an ideal option for accessing the dark web, where anonymity is paramount. The sites on the Dark Web are not indexed by search engines and are often used for illegal activities such as illegal trade, drug dealing, and hacking. However, it’s important to note that not all sites on the Dark Web are illegal- some are just privately owned sites that prefer not to be indexed.
- Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today.
- Tor is mainly used for people to browse the open web anonymously, a very small percentage of its traffic relates to Hidden Services (below).
- Some journalists use the dark web to protect the identity of sources or whistleblowers.
- With these benefits, gaining access to the dark web will be a breeze, which cannot be said about free providers that I simply can’t recommend.
- Similar to using a standard web browser to access the open web, the act of using Tor or a dark web browser to access the dark web is not illegal in and of itself.
How to Access the Dark Web Safely
To access the dark web securely, follow these steps:
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download and install the browser. This is essential for accessing .onion sites.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an additional layer of security, encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address.
- Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update the Tor Browser and your VPN to ensure the latest security features.
- Disable Scripts: Within the Tor Browser, disable scripts to minimize vulnerabilities.
- Be Cautious with Links: Only visit trusted .onion sites; research links before clicking them to avoid scams or illegal content.
- Protect Your Personal Information: Never share your real name or personal information when using the **dark web**.
What to Expect on the Dark Web
The **dark web** can be a treacherous place. It is important to understand what you might encounter:
- Illegal marketplaces selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Forums and communities discussing various topics, including privacy, hacking, and activism.
- Whistleblowing platforms for individuals seeking to expose wrongdoing.
- Content that can expose users to legal consequences if engaged with illegal activities.
Legal Considerations
While the **dark web** itself is not illegal, many activities that take place on it are. Here are some legal considerations:
- Accessing the dark web is legal in most countries, but illegal activities are not.
- Be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction concerning digital privacy and information access.
- Engaging in transactions or communications related to illegal content can result in severe consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on it is against the law.
2. What can I find on the dark web?
You can find various types of content, including forums, marketplaces, and services. However, be cautious as much of it can involve illegal activities.
3. Do I need to use a VPN to access the dark web?
While it’s not mandatory, using a VPN enhances your privacy and security, making it a recommended step before accessing the dark web.
4. How do I protect my privacy on the dark web?
Use the Tor Browser, avoid sharing personal information, and consider using a VPN. Always be cautious about the sites you visit.
In conclusion, while the **dark web** offers a glimpse into a different realm of the internet, accessing it requires caution and responsibility. Understanding the tools and rules can help ensure a safer experience.
