The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
Best Dark Web Sites In 2024 + How To Stay Safe
What is the Dark Web?
- Less technically savvy people could evade censorship through the new browser.
- In addition, using a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN helps keep you anonymous and protects your personal information.
- Onion links are important gateways to access hidden dark web sites.
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through special software. These websites are often used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. However, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, journalism, and political activism.
What Are The Three Levels Of The Internet?
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called Tor. Tor is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Can I Find My Data On The Dark Web?
To get started with Tor, follow these steps:
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).
Since the Dark Web is gated and impossible to access by accident, it’s a haven for illegal sales. With the right kind of money, users can purchase anything from drugs, to guns, to other people’s identities, to other people. Using the Dark Web for things of this nature isn’t a foolproof way to get away with crime, but it does make things easier. Because the content is continuously changing and moving, your results will be erratic and most likely result in a lot of 404 errors.
- Download and install the Tor browser from the official website.
- Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can use the Tor browser to access dark web websites by typing their .onion URLs into the address bar.
It is now one of the most common browsers used to access the dark web, using databases to help people make their way around and find the information they need. As such, most of the attention is placed on online marketplaces for drugs, exchanges for stolen data, and other illegal activities when people think of the dark web. Despite this, there are often very legitimate reasons why people choose to use the dark web, including political dissidents and people who want to keep certain information private.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Can I tell if my email has been hacked?
If your normal email password isn't working, there's a good chance you've been hacked. There are strange messages in your “Sent” folder. In other cases, a hacker wants to use your email without alerting you that you've been hacked. Look for strange emails in your sent folder that you didn't send.
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often used for illegal activities. To stay safe, follow these guidelines:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.
- Only visit websites that have a good reputation and are known to be safe.
- Avoid sharing any personal information or engaging in illegal activities.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Regularly update your antivirus software and run full system scans.
How do I access Tor Browser?
You can download the Tor Browser for your desktop from the official download page. The link for the Android version will take you to a page with downloads for . apk files. On that same page, you'll find a link to the Google Play Store Tor entry.
Infiltrations can put you at risk of monitoring for other types of activity as well. Evading government restrictions to explore new political ideologies can be an imprisonable offense in some countries. China uses what is known as the “Great Firewall” limit access to popular sites for this exact reason. The risk of being a visitor to this content could lead to being placed on a watchlist or immediate targeting for a jail sentence. On the software end, the use of Tor and other anonymized browsers is not strictly illegal. In fact, these supposed “dark web” browsers are not tethered exclusively to this portion of the internet.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a valuable experience, but it is important to do so safely and securely. By using the Tor browser and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can explore the dark web without putting yourself at risk. Remember to always use a VPN, only visit reputable websites, and avoid sharing any personal information.
How do I access .onion sites?
- Download Tor Browser from here.
- Install Tor Browser on your computer by opening the file you downloaded and following the prompts.
- Open Tor Browser.
- Click “Connect” on the Tor startup page.
- Wait for a connection to be established.
- Surf the dark web!