Methodology For Choosing The Best VPN For Safely Accessing The Dark Web
Understanding How to Access the Dark Web
As an average internet user, you won’t come across the dark web since you need a special browser to access it. It’s certainly not something you need to stress about in your day-to-day browsing, and you shouldn’t let it scare you off the internet. Unless you actively seek it out, you’ll likely never have any contact with the dark web in your lifetime. The surface web, also known as the visible web or indexed web, refers to the part of the internet that is easily accessible and indexed by traditional search engines.
Here is what your VPN will look like with a desktop app running in the background (NordVPN) while you browse the Dark web. The Surface Web (also referred toy as the Visible Web, the Indexed Web, the Lightnet, and the Clearnet) is the part of the World Wide Web that most of us are familiar with. If you can find a page with a standard search engine (Google or DuckDuckGo) and visit it with a standard web browser (Chrome or Firefox), it is part of the Surface web. The dark web is known to host illegal and disturbing types of pornography, including child exploitation and violent content.
The dark web not only attracts some of the most dangerous cybercriminals, it also attracts authorities looking to catch those cybercriminals. So your dark web use may draw unwanted scrutiny from your ISP or law enforcement. The lack of regulation leaves the dark web rife with offensive content and unsafe websites. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence. As you surf, you’ll probably notice that dark website addresses end with the .onion extension rather than the traditional .com, .org, .edu, etc. Make sure you have some security software installed because there’s a good chance that you may come in contact with malware and phishing scams.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing this covert layer requires specific software and knowledge. Here’s a detailed guide on how do you access the dark web.
1. What is the Dark Web?
It is quite easy to gain access to the dark web, but it is also very easy to fall into problems as a result of it. As a result, it’s critical always to consider your online security and privacy. To encrypt and anonymize all of your internet activity, we strongly advise you to use a VPN. The launch of the Tor web browser’s alpha version in 2002 marked a watershed moment for the dark web. This browser, often known as The Onion Router, is a free and open-source program that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.
There are also many tools that can be use to monitor the dark web and scan for personally identifiable information and even respond to attacks. Many dark websites are set up by scammers, who constantly move around to avoid the wrath of their victims. Even commerce sites that may have existed for a year or more can suddenly disappear if the owners decide to cash in and flee with the escrow money they’re holding on behalf of customers. Feature defaults to monitor your email address only and begins immediately. Europol and the US Department of Justice launched a sting operation to seize two of the biggest dark web marketplaces and identify thousands of dark web criminals. It came with the introduction of the Freenet decentralized network system invented by Ian Clarke.
The dark web is a small section of the deep web, which consists of websites that are not accessible through standard web browsers. These sites are often associated with anonymity and can host various activities, both legal and illegal.
You can’t access these .onion sites from your normal web browser—the one you’re probably viewing this page on. Before clicking any of the dark web links below, you’ll need to get the Tor Browser (also called the Onion Browser) or another service that provides dark web access, such as the Brave browser. Onion sites (aka Tor sites) are websites only accessible on the dark web; you can’t view them using a regular browser. Their URLs have .onion as the domain, instead of the common surface web domains like .com or .net.
Dark.direct is a site is hosted by a journalist and privacy activist researching Tor. It features links to marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, forums, and other directories (like Tor.Taxi). The absolute best VPN for the dark web is Private Internet Access, because its zero-logs policy has been proven multiple times by subpoenas and real-world cases. Each time, PIA has been unable to hand over any user data to the authorities. To access the dark web using a VPN, we recommend using the Onion over VPN method, which involves connecting to a VPN server before connecting to the Tor Browser.
2. Preparing to Access the Dark Web
Before diving into the dark web, it’s crucial to prepare adequately. Follow these steps:
- Use a Secure Device: Ensure your device is free from malware and updated with the latest security patches.
- Install a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security by masking your IP address.
- Use Antivirus Software: Protect your device from potential threats originating from the dark web.
3. Downloading the Necessary Software
To access the dark web, you will need special software. The most common option is the Tor browser. Here’s how to get it:
- Check out our full list of dark web sites worth visiting for more dark web links for Android, iPhones, and other devices.
- The internet opened the door to a realm of possibilities that permanently changed the business landscape and our personal lives.
- In this case, your internet traffic might also stand out more to your ISP if you’re using I2P compared to Tor.
- However, bear in mind that browsing the dark web on mobile is much more dangerous than on a computer.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the software.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
- Connect to the Tor Network: Open the Tor browser and connect to the network. This might take a few moments.
4. Browsing the Dark Web
With the Tor browser set up, you can now browse the dark web:
- Access .onion Websites: These sites are only accessible through the Tor network. You’ll find various resources, forums, and services.
- Exercise Caution: Be mindful of the content you view and the websites you interact with, as many sites can host illegal activities.
5. Staying Safe on the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, adhere to safety guidelines:
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never disclose identifying information.
- Use Encrypted Communication: Consider using encrypted messaging services if communicating with others.
- Be Aware of Scams: Many dark web services may be fraudulent or designed to steal your data.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
Q1: Is accessing the dark web illegal?
A1: Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities is. It’s important to understand the laws in your country.
Q2: Can I use regular search engines on the dark web?
A2: No, traditional search engines do not index dark web content. You will need specific URLs or directories to find .onion sites.
Q3: What will I find on the dark web?
A3: The dark web hosts a variety of content, including forums, markets, and blogs. While some content is harmless, other material may be illegal or dangerous.
In conclusion, knowing how do you access the dark web is essential for anyone interested in exploring this hidden part of the internet. Follow safety measures to protect yourself while navigating this complex environment.
