Can I Be Tracked On The Dark Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
As the threat of identity theft is ever present, concerns about the dark web are certainly founded. Depending on the VM solution you use, you can still harm your network, which can pose risks to your other devices as well. There are tons of dark web commerce sites where you can buy legal or illegal goods. The most infamous example was “The Silk Road,” which has long been shut down. The “Safer” option only disables JavaScript on websites that aren’t HTTPS protected.
You can conduct discussions about current events anonymously on Intel Exchange. There are several whistleblower sites, including a dark web version of Wikileaks. Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software to access and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it is also used for legitimate purposes, such as privacy protection and anonymous communication.
You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts. Leaks of personal data can also lead to damage to your reputation via social fraud. The dark web is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser. It is used for keeping internet activity anonymous and private, which can be helpful in both legal and illegal applications. While some use it to evade government censorship, it has also been known to be utilized for highly illegal activity.
How to Access the Dark Web on Your Phone
Fortunately, there are Tor alternatives for iOS like the Onion Browser, which routes your traffic through the Tor network. Download the browser from the Onion Browser’s official site to avoid malware. You can choose 256-bit for maximum protection or 128-bit if you want a faster connection.
You can download the Tor Browser for Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android. ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on. A VPN will mask your location and stop the online breadcrumbs that can lead back to you.
Accessing the dark web on your phone requires careful steps to ensure your privacy and security. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Many mainstream companies also maintain ‘onion’ versions of their websites to protect user privacy. 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. DuckDuckGo is a popular privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t track you across the web when you use it.
By monitoring known dark web marketplaces, Avast BreachGuard will alert you immediately if and when your data is made available for sale. That way, you can change your passwords and protect your accounts before anyone can use your data against you. The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English. Researchers from Recorded Future estimated that while there are more than 55,000 existing onion domains, only 8,400 (or roughly 15%) of these sites were active.
Tor has an in-build slider which lets you adjust the level of security. This means that the JavaScript will be disabled by default on every website and some symbols and images will not be displayed. Advocacy groups are also reaping the advantages of the darknet because, here, the term of censorship is as popular as HTTPS.
Step 1: Download Tor Browser
The most common method to access the dark web is through the Tor browser. This browser enables anonymous browsing and is specifically designed to access .onion sites.
- For Android users: Download the Tor Browser from the Google Play Store or the official Tor Project website.
- For iPhone users: Download the Onion Browser from the Apple App Store, as the Tor Browser is not available for iOS.
Step 2: Configure Security Settings
Before accessing the dark web, configure your browser settings for enhanced security:
- In the Tor browser, navigate to the settings menu and enable maximum security.
- Disable JavaScript and other features that could jeopardize your anonymity.
- Exploiting open source intelligence provides situational awareness.
- The surface web — or clean web — is the part of the internet you can access anytime using mainstream browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
- Another challenge is CAPTCHAs; because Tor behaves differently than other browsers, it’s more likely to trigger the bot-hunting system, so be prepared to face more of them than usual.
Step 3: Use a VPN
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of security:
- Choose a reputable VPN service that respects user privacy.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor browser to hide your IP address.
Step 4: Start Browsing
Once you have set up your browser and VPN, you can start browsing the dark web:
- Access .onion websites that are known for hosting dark web content.
- Be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Safety Tips for Browsing the Dark Web
While accessing the dark web, prioritize your safety:
- Never share personal information.
- Be cautious of downloads as they may contain malware.
- Do not engage in illegal activities.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
1. Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, it is legal to access the dark web, but engaging in illegal activities is against the law.
2. Can I get caught while using the dark web?
While the dark web offers more anonymity, the possibility of getting caught exists if you engage in illegal actions.
3. What should I avoid on the dark web?
- Illegal marketplaces and activities.
- Unverified downloads.
- Sharing personal details.
4. How can I ensure my privacy while on the dark web?
To maximize privacy:
- Always use a VPN.
- Keep your Tor browser updated.
- Utilize privacy-focused search engines.
By following these guidelines, you can access the dark web on your phone safely and effectively, while maintaining your privacy and security.
