Using Onion Over A VPN — All You Need To Know
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access and offers an anonymous environment for users. While it can be associated with illegal activities, it also provides a platform for privacy advocates, journalists, and others who need to communicate securely.
How to Get into the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires a few essential steps. Below, you will find a detailed guide on how to get into the dark web safely:
Tor’s anonymity function is used by everyone from human rights workers and journalists through to drug and arms dealers. Other popular dark web engines include Ahmia, Torch, and Not Evil. When using dark web search engines, it’s important to exercise caution and refrain from clicking on suspicious links or accessing illegal content. Dark Search is a relatively new free search engine tool that aims to make the dark web more accessible.
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Getting on the Dark Web safely is easy; staying that way is next to impossible. The above description is accurate, but unfortunately, it is a casual oversimplification of a dangerous area of the Internet. Exploring the Dark Web is not recommended for average users and young people. Venturing into this area exposes users to malware, hacking, and extreme scams.
You will install Tails, and Tails only, directly on your storage device. In most places, Tor is completely legal to use, though there are some exceptions, like in China and Venezuela. That doesn’t mean you can legally partake in the dark web’s illegal offerings; just that having or using Tor itself is no reason for you to get in trouble.
Download the Tor Browser:
The primary way to access the dark web is through the Tor network. Download the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website.
You read more about the company’s history, and your heart swells when you learn that the company got its start when its three founders were only teenagers (what entrepreneurship!). They seem to have a pretty solid business model, and no major red flags are jumping out as you hop around the site a bit more. The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online. Some sites on the dark web offer forged documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and social security cards. After clicking the “Connect” button, you are now connected to the Tor network.
I still believe that going into Tor without dark web links at hand is a fool’s errand. But some people insist on search engines, and several Tor engines exist. That said, it might surprise you to learn the results of a 2016 study by Moore & Rid. Out of 2,723 dark websites that had any content, only 1,547 were illicit — just under 57%.
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Install the Browser:
Follow the instructions to install the browser on your device. Ensure that your antivirus and firewall settings allow the Tor Browser to operate effectively.
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Adjust Security Settings:
Before connecting, adjust the security settings of the Tor Browser. Setting it to a higher level can enhance your safety while browsing.
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Accessing .onion Sites:
To explore the dark web, visit websites with a .onion domain. These sites are exclusive to the Tor network and cannot be accessed through regular browsers.
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Stay Anonymous:
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) alongside Tor to add another layer of privacy. This is crucial for masking your IP address.
Sites on the dark web don’t come with easy-to-remember URLs, and many disappear suddenly. A dark web search engine can help you surf sites on the Tor browser. The Tor browser differs from others such as Chrome or Firefox because it does not take the most direct route from your device to the web. Instead, Tor uses a random set of encrypted servers known as nodes to keep users and sites anonymous. Many who access the dark web do so by first connecting to it with the Tor (an acronym for the “The Onion Router”) browser.
Some of the more famous Tor websites are about exploring tunnels in American universities. However, knowing the dark web link isn’t enough — you need an invitation code to create a Riseup account. It has excellent tips on how to add a dash of information security to your daily life.
Safety Tips When Exploring the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, it is essential to prioritize your safety and security:
- Do not share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files from the dark web, as they may contain malware.
- Be cautious of scams and phishing attempts, which are prevalent in this environment.
- Use cryptocurrency if you choose to make transactions, as it provides more anonymity.
- 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.
- Even with Tor, third parties can track your activities and uncover your identity and location.
- Here too, the TLDs are not the familiar ones used in the surface web – websites here have the .i2p extension.
- Combining a high-end VPN service with the Tor network adds another layer of defense that will make using the Tor network safer for you.
- Users could discuss, share, and publish information anonymously and free of government censorship.
- The number of users across relays has increased in 2023, and the number of relays themselves has increased, according to Tor metrics, suggesting dark web usage is on the rise.
FAQs about the Dark Web
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a segment of the internet that is not indexed and requires special software to access, primarily for maintaining user anonymity.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted on the dark web may be unlawful.
Can I access the dark web without Tor?
While Tor is the most common method, there are other ways to access the dark web, but they may not offer the same level of security and anonymity.
What are .onion sites?
.onion sites are specific to the Tor network and cannot be accessed through standard browsers. These sites often host content that requires anonymity.
How can I stay safe on the dark web?
Use a VPN, maintain anonymity, refrain from sharing personal information, and be cautious of unknown links and downloads.
Exploring the dark web can be intriguing but carries risks. Always stay informed and prioritize safety when seeking out this hidden part of the internet.
