How To Access Onion Sites
Understanding the Dark Web and How to Access It
- Officially, the Tor Browser is only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux.
- Let’s say you’re in New York and you want to search a site hosted in New Jersey.
- The vast majority of transactions consisted of illegal drugs, but you could also find weapons, personal information, child pornography and stolen credit card details.
Should you decide to access the dark web from your mobile phone, I highly encourage you to protect yourself with a VPN. The US military created the dark web to protect US intelligence communications online. It was later released to the public, where its ability to offer a high level of anonymity has led to various use cases. While it has legitimate uses, the dark web’s anonymity also makes it a hotbed for illicit activities, contributing to its infamous reputation. While such stories can cast the dark web in a negative light, it’s worth noting that there are numerous legal and beneficial activities accessible through it. I advise sticking to well-known, reliable sites and taking extra precautions to ensure your security.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also serves as a haven for privacy advocates and those seeking to communicate anonymously.
There are many reasons why a search engine would not index a page—perhaps it is an old page with no identifiable keywords, or it is part of an organization’s members-only site. The deep web could also be used to house private information and information that needs to remain secret, such as legal or scientific documents, medical records, or competitor information. Tor is an open-source browser that allows people to access web pages on the dark web. The name “Tor” is an acronym that stands for The Onion Router, and the term “onion” isn’t as random as it sounds. This special browser uses layers of connections—like an onion—to keep the actions of its users secret while exploring the web. The threats of online browsing can extend into the unplugged world if your computer or network connection can be exploited.
What is the Dark Web?
When thinking about the Dark Web, we usually think about the websites that you can’t access using your conventional browsers. Indeed, this part of the internet isn’t indexed by traditional search engines and doesn’t use typical domains you see online. Using Tor Browser is a good start, but it’s also important to be aware of the content you access and avoid illegal activities. Additionally, it’s important to anonymize your identity by using a VPN and avoiding providing personal information on any dark web sites.
In this case, your traffic will first pass through the Tor network and then through the VPN server. With the app in place, open it up and sign in with the credentials you provided when subscribing. Usually, it’s your email and password, but on some platforms, ExpressVPN allows you to use the activation code which you can see on the download page. Don’t forget that it supports ALL systems, so you can install it wherever you like. But since Tor only works on Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac, I suggest choosing one of these platforms. The first one is that, to get to the dark web, you need to use Tor.
The dark web is often confused with the deep web, which encompasses all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines. The dark web represents a small portion of the deep web, specifically sites that require special tools to access, such as:
The company allows patients to compare copay pricing, get status notifications on pill orders, and request refills. Welltok operates an online wellness program various organizations use to encourage healthy lifestyles. They’ve been in our news frequently as the global MOVEit breach continues. Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S.
You can use TOR to surf the pedestrian web (the everyday Internet you and I know and love) anonymously, or you can use it to access the Darknet. And then there’s the bad stuff – contract killers, child porn, drugs, and other nasty stuff which share the same benefits of anonymity as the good sites. NordVPN is particularly important as it encrypts your data and ensures malicious elements on the dark web can’t cause harm to you. You can try all of NordVPN’s features by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you do anything illegal on the dark web, you can still be prosecuted.
As I’ve mentioned, the dark web isn’t just a place of eternal torment, teeming with drug dealers, human traffickers, and a hitman. It’s also used by journalists, advocacy group members, and political refugees in hiding. Reuters, Fox, NBC, CNN – all of them keep open dark web channels to receive anonymous tips from whistleblowers.
- Tor Browser
- I2P
- Freenet
Reasons to Access the Dark Web
While many associate the dark web with illicit activities, there are legitimate reasons why individuals might access the dark web, such as:
- Privacy concerns and protection of personal information
- Accessing censored information and news
- Communicating anonymously in oppressive regimes
- Research purposes, such as studying cybersecurity threats
How to Access the Dark Web Safely
Before you access the dark web, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and privacy. Here are steps to follow:
- Download the Tor Browser – This is the most common method to access the dark web. Tor anonymizes traffic using a volunteer overlay network.
- Use a VPN – A virtual private network adds an extra layer of security and privacy before connecting to Tor.
- Keep your software updated – Ensure that your operating system and any applications are regularly updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Be cautious – Avoid sharing personal information and be wary of links; many can lead to dangerous sites.
Common Misconceptions about the Dark Web
Several myths surround the dark web, including:
- The dark web is only for illegal activities
- Accessing the dark web is difficult and requires extensive technical knowledge
- It is entirely dangerous and harmful
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
2. Can my ISP see that I’m using the dark web?
Your ISP won’t easily see what you’re doing on the dark web if you’re using tools like Tor because of the encryption they provide.
3. What should I avoid while on the dark web?
- Sharing personal information
- Downloading files from unknown sources
- Accessing sites that appear suspicious or are known for illegal activities
Conclusion
While the dark web has a reputation for being a hub for illegal activities, it also provides a necessary platform for privacy and free speech. By following safe browsing practices, one can access the dark web responsibly and securely.
