The best dark web sites provide access to educational materials, host secure services, or bypass government censorship. Dark websites are hidden under layers of encryption that cloak user activity, which can be a boon to whistleblowers, activists, and others who don’t want anyone tracking their activity. But just like when you’re online normally, the risks increase depending on what you do while visiting dark web websites.
How much of the internet is the dark web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
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Accessing the dark web can be a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with the process. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to explore this hidden corner of the internet safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
Accessing The Dark Web On Your Smartphone Or Tablet
The Tor Browser bundle is a good way for beginners to use Tor since it comes preconfigured in a way that is designed to maximize your privacy and security. If you are a CreditWise user and get an alert, you’ll get tips about things you can do to help protect your personal info. Some journalists use the dark web to protect the identity of sources or whistleblowers.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts a variety of legitimate content that is not available on the surface web.
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. This browser encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a series of servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
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Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser
If you are dealing in illegal activities like drug dealing, pornography, or hate propaganda, then you are sure to be doing illegal acts. Explore the free world, full of information, and knowledge inaccessible anywhere else. Although you will find mostly illegal and criminal sites, some of them are surely something we would not want to miss. Also, in some countries, governments may actively monitor or block access to the Tor network.
The first step to accessing the dark web is to download and install the Tor browser. You can download it from the official Tor Project website. Once you have downloaded the installer, run it and follow the prompts to install the browser on your computer.
To access it securely, use the Tor browser, specially introduced for the dark web, as it provides encryption and anonymity. You can use Tor to access the surface web since it only provides an encrypted network and transfers your data through random nodes, making it hard to track you. However, the Dark web is a portion of the deep web that can only be acquired through special tools.
Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network
Once the Tor browser is installed, open it and click on the “Connect” button. This will connect you to the Tor network and encrypt your internet connection.
- The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites.
- Accessing it via a Tor browser gives you a layer of anonymity and security and allows you to bypass country blocks.
- Its talent for keeping activity anonymous remains, but now protects malicious actors instead of innocent citizens of a given country.
- For VPNOverview he conducts research in cybersecurity, internet censorship, and online privacy.
- It’s a multiplatform problem-fixer that protects your entire digital life through a single app.
- Use anti-malware software that is up to date and of a high quality, and perform regular scans on your device.
While the dark web is often depicted as an anarchic forum for criminal activity, that’s not necessarily true. The darknet is simply an anonymous space on the web that can be abused or appreciated in turn. Dark web sites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to so much illegal activity. Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons. It’s legal to use the dark web in most countries, but there are places where using the dark web might be against the law. I strongly advise doing your own research to make sure you’re not breaking any local laws by visiting the dark web.
Step 3: Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a special URL that ends in “.onion”. These URLs are not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed through the Tor browser.
It is important to note that the dark web can be a dangerous place, and you should exercise caution when accessing it. Only visit websites that you trust, and avoid sharing any personal information.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a fascinating and educational experience, but it is important to do so safely and responsibly. By using the Tor browser and exercising caution, you can explore this hidden corner of the internet without putting yourself at risk.
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).
