The internet is a vast network that connects people, information, and services from all around the world. However, not everything on the internet is easily accessible or visible through traditional search engines like Google or Bing. Beyond the surface web lies the hidden realm known as the dark web, which requires special tools and knowledge to access.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to the part of the internet that exists on overlay networks, such as Tor, where websites and content cannot be accessed through regular browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities due to its anonymity and unregulated nature, but it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals who value privacy and free speech.
- Search engines don’t index any of the websites on the dark web, which means you can’t get there by using Google or Yahoo or your search engine of choice.
- You can find black markets where people advertise drugs, guns, stolen IDs, and more.
- The Dark Web offers many attractions, from illegal marketplaces to macabre videos.
Accessing the Dark Web
9 Million Records Stolen from Human Resource Analytics Company Zeroed-In
To access the dark web, one must use specific software or tools that provide anonymity and bypass traditional methods of tracking online activity. The most common tool for accessing the dark web is the Tor browser, short for The Onion Router. Tor routes internet traffic through a complex network of relays and encrypts data, making it difficult to trace back to the user.
Step 1: Download and install the Tor browser from the official website. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices.
This gives you more protection since it can mask the user’s IP address. Sometimes updates come at the most inopportune moment and are occasionally annoying. System updates and any software updates are designed to keep you safe. You may have a good and legitimate reason to go into the dark web. However, it would help if you did so with caution because even unknowingly, you can unknowingly break the law by working online. Still, wherever you have anonymous traffic on hidden networks, the criminal activity will follow.
Receive newsletters, an exclusive dark web scan offer, and best practices to your inbox.
Step 2: Launch the Tor browser and establish a connection to the Tor network. This may take a few moments as it routes your connection through different relays.
Step 3: Once connected, you can start exploring the dark web by using various directories and search engines specifically designed for this purpose. Websites on the dark web have addresses ending in “.onion” instead of the usual “.com” or “.net”.
You would instead rely on word of mouth from trusted supporters to find you. As the name suggests, the dark web doesn’t refer to a specific site or page—it’s a type of network called a darknet. For instance, if you set up a private and secure network with a group of friends that isn’t accessible by normal internet browsers, it’ll be an example of a darknet. But despite this the deep web is important because it provides privacy and anonymity to users around the world.
Is it Illegal to Access the Dark Web?
Step 4: Remember that the dark web can be unpredictable, and caution is essential. Be aware of the potential risks associated with browsing the dark web and exercise discretion when accessing unknown websites or engaging in any form of transactions.
In general, once you download and install Tor, you’re good to go, though there are some things you should know. First, using Tor is slow, like the early days of dial-up internet, simply because it takes time to route your search requests through all those anonymizers. Second, accessing specific websites directly is a little different. Dark websites end with “.onion” instead of the typical “.com,” “.edu,” “.org” or whatnot. Also, sites don’t have straightforward, easily memorized web addresses.
The Dark Web: A Double-Edged Sword
But the so-called “visible” Internet (aka surface web or open web) — sites that can be found using search engines like Google and Yahoo — is just the tip of the iceberg. Accessing the dark web requires a specialized browser called Tor, which enables access to “.onion” sites. However, if you want to stay safe on the dark web, you also need a VPN that provides an additional layer of security. Now that we’ve looked at how to enter the dark web and have gone over some of the gravest risks of doing so, we’ll give you some tips on how to access the dark web safely.
The dark web presents a range of opportunities and risks for those who venture into its depths. On one hand, it allows individuals to communicate securely, share sensitive information, and access uncensored content. It has played a crucial role in exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and providing a platform for whistleblowers to reveal valuable information.
They don’t have access to the same software used for browsing the dark web safely. For example, iOS isn’t even compatible with the official Tor Browser. However, bear in mind that browsing the dark web on mobile is much more dangerous than on a computer. We only suggest accessing the dark web on mobile if you’re using a burner phone, as smartphones are often full of sensitive, identifying, and personal information. To access the dark web on a computer, use the Tor Browser on Tails OS or with a VPN. If you’re using a mobile device, you can access the dark web using a VPN and the Tor Browser on Android, or Orbot and the Onion Browser on iOS.
On the other hand, the dark web is infamous for facilitating illicit activities such as drug trafficking, hacking services, illegal weapons trade, and various forms of cybercrime. Unfortunately, these negative aspects often overshadow the positive potential of anonymity and privacy.
In conclusion, the dark web offers an alternative space for communication, information sharing, and free expression beyond the constraints of the surface web. However, it is important to approach it with caution, understanding the potential risks involved. Accessing the dark web requires specific tools and knowledge, and it is crucial to use them responsibly and ethically.
