It comes included with Avira Prime, a cross-device premium subscription service for greater online privacy, protection, and device performance. If you want to dive into the darkest depths of the web, you’ll need to hitch a ride on the Tor browser—but should you? The onion network was designed to be a safehouse for people who want to evade censorship and conceal their identities, like political activists and journalists. Yet because it grants anonymity to both website hosts and visitors, it’s also irresistible to criminals who use the dark web as their playground. There are plenty of reasons companies and individuals may want to access the Dark Web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is known for its anonymity. To access it, you need to use a special browser called Tor (The Onion Router). In this guide, we will show you how to access the dark web using Tor.
Step 1: Download and Install Tor
To get started, you need to download and install the Tor Browser on your device. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Simply visit the official Tor Project website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
It will normally take a while to connect because Tor — unlike other browsers — will route your traffic through different nodes. You should also keep in mind that overall speeds will likely be impacted; for example, a page might take a few seconds longer to load than what you are used to. The Tor network is operated by thousands of volunteers worldwide who maintain the proxy servers that protect your identity. 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.
Step 2: Launch the Tor Browser
What are Onion Services?
Once you have installed the Tor Browser, launch it like any other application. You will notice that it might take a bit longer to start compared to traditional browsers. This is because Tor routes your internet traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers, ensuring your anonymity.
Step 3: Connect to the Tor Network
After launching the Tor Browser, you will be prompted to connect to the Tor network. Click on the “Connect” button and wait for the browser to establish a connection. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Step 4: Access the Dark Web
With the Tor Browser connected to the Tor network, you can now access the dark web. Type in the URL of a dark web website you wish to visit in the address bar and press Enter. Remember, dark web addresses typically end with the “.onion” domain extension.
What Is the Dark Web and Should You Access It?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is accessing the dark web illegal?
A: No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Q: Is it safe to browse the dark web?
- (JavaScript is considered vulnerable as it makes it easier for hackers to steal sensitive data).
- The network is messaging-based and uses a library to ensure secure streaming.
- When you visit dark web sites, you’re connecting to websites on darknets, which are specifically designed for anonymity.
- The dark web is a part of the internet consisting of hidden sites that aren’t indexed by conventional search engines.
- These sites use a different addressing system that ensures the anonymity of both the website operators and visitors.
If your personal information is exposed through a data breach, spyware, or phishing attack, there’s a good chance it will show up on the dark web, where you can wait for your buyer. You may have heard the infamous stories about Silk Road, the first online Darknet platform used to sell illegal drugs for bitcoins, launched back in 2011. First, “dark web” is a catch-all term for the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines; it contains sites that don’t show up on Google searches. What you need is a Tor browser to give you access to .onion websites, which are only available on the Tor network.
More Dark Web Site Links
A: Browsing the dark web comes with risks. It is a notorious hub for illegal activities and can expose you to cyber threats. Take caution and avoid sharing personal information or clicking on suspicious links.
Every form of disease, such as Diabetes or Cancer has a support group that will make a difference in their lives. Accessing the Dark Web without the TOR Browser can bring down any personal device for unwitting users, even those looking for help or support. Getting on the Dark Web safely is easy; staying that way is next to impossible. Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your private information from being misused. All types of personal data can be distributed online for a profit.
Q: Can I use any other browser to access the dark web?
Conclusion: How to Access the Dark Web Safely
A: While it is technically possible to access the dark web using other browsers, it is highly recommended to use Tor for its encryption and anonymity features.
Q: Are there legitimate uses for the dark web?
Does my ISP know about my visit to the Dark Web?
Secure your data and keep hackers out of your account with a specialized dark web monitoring tool. Some people simply prefer not to share any information online and use Tor to access normal websites outside the dark web, or to visit dark web news websites and forums. The dark web can certainly be dangerous — with no regulation, it’s a riskier place to hang out than the surface web. Malware and scams are scattered like landmines around the dark web. And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim. Security companies use recaptured Dark Web data to even the playing field against fraudsters.
A: Yes, the dark web has legitimate uses, such as protecting journalists’ sources, bypassing censorship in oppressive regimes, and facilitating anonymous communication for whistleblowers.
Using Tor means your ISP won’t be able to see the sites you visit, but they will be able to see you accessed Tor. By connecting to a trusted VPN (or Virtual Private Network) first and then using Tor, your connection to the Tor network will be entirely hidden from your ISP or other prying eyes. This gives you another layer of privacy and is a widely used method known as ‘Tor over VPN’. For an additional layer of privacy, make sure you use one of the top server locations to connect to using your VPN.
Q: How can I enhance my privacy on the dark web?
A: To enhance your privacy on the dark web, consider using additional security measures like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and ensuring your device’s software is kept up to date.
By following these steps, you can safely access the dark web using Tor. Remember to exercise caution and stay vigilant while browsing this hidden part of the internet.
