How Do I Access Dark Web

Additional Security – Using A VPN

How Do I Access the Dark Web?

The *dark web* is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines. Accessing it involves specific tools and methods that protect your identity while navigating through its hidden aspects.

• Before accessing the dark web, install strong security software to keep your device protected.
• The BBC Tor Mirror is an international version of the BBC that focuses on world affairs, and it’s extremely useful for those who live under strict censorship laws.
• While the primary purpose of the Tor browser is to provide anonymity on the Dark Web, it can also be used to access regular websites.
• Everything else, from academic journals to private databases and more illicit content, is out of reach.
• Now, the reverse phenomenon can be seen, with people using the internet for voice calls (Voice over IP to be precise), and the telephone network is turning into an overlay over the internet.

Originally, the internet used telephone network for communication. My first internet connection was a “dial-up” connection which used the telephone network at my house to connect to my ISP. This is what an overlay network is, and in that case, internet was an overlay over the telephone network. Now, the reverse phenomenon can be seen, with people using the internet for voice calls (Voice over IP to be precise), and the telephone network is turning into an overlay over the internet. Computer viruses are not just illegal software that can affect the performance of your device; they could pose serious risks… A better understanding of what the dark web is and the possible threats it contains can help you protect yourself, though.

Understanding the Dark Web

For example, many file-sharing websites on the Dark Web don’t care about the nature of your file content. Information found on the Deep Web is usually safeguarded behind powerful firewalls and kept away from search engines, such as medical records, government reports, financial records, and so on. Within a website, you can use the website’s search feature to find content that the web crawler wasn’t able to index. A website may have lots of material that’s located by searching for a keyword (e.g. on the example.com blog). Web crawlers don’t enter words into input fields like search boxes, so they may never get to this material. This is particularly true of information-heavy sites, like government resources or online publication sites.

Before learning how do I access dark web, it’s important to grasp what it is:

The dark web sites on Tor have .onion attached right at the end of the web address, and can only be accessed by said web browser. However, there are methods used to access dark web sites without using Tor. In this article, we will cover how we can access dark web sites with a regular browser, as well as the methods used to identify and research actual dark web sites belonging to hacker groups. There are plenty of reasons companies and individuals may want to access the Dark Web. SMBs and enterprise companies in particular may want to monitor Dark Web portals for stolen corporate account information.

That’s “a special-use top level domain suffix designating an anonymous hidden service reachable via the Tor network,” according to Wikipedia. Browsers with the appropriate proxy can reach these sites, but others can’t. The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Deep web refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google. Deep web content includes anything behind a paywall or requires sign-in credentials.

Accessing the Dark Web requires careful consideration and adherence to safety measures. Using the Tor browser, combined with a virtual private network (VPN), can enhance anonymity and protect sensitive information. It is essential to keep software updated, exercise caution with links and downloads, and maintain a mindful approach to communication and personal information. Nevertheless, it is crucial to exercise caution and recognize that the hidden nature of the Dark Web can make it a breeding ground for malicious activities and individuals. Scammers, hackers, and criminals are known to operate within the Dark Web, posing a threat to unsuspecting users. By being aware of these risks and avoiding engagement with illegal activities, you can reduce the chances of encountering legal problems on the Dark Web.

Download AVG Secure VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy wherever you go on the web. The Silk Road — one of the most famous dark web marketplaces — was known for these types of illegal items. Even though the website was shut down in 2013, the Silk Road’s founder, Ross Ulbricht, will spend the rest of his life in prison. The story of the Silk Road has been adapted into films, podcasts, and a book.

The dark web and deep web are not the same — all sites on the dark web are technically part of the deep web, but much of the deep web is not part of the dark web. The deep web is simply the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, such as email inboxes, banking portals, or any site that requires authentication or a password. There’s plenty of illegal content, products, and services available on the dark web. Anonymity doesn’t make carrying out illegal acts any more permissible, so be cautious about making purchases or downloading content. Using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor (The Onion Router) browser is the best way to access the dark web safely. A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser.

The dark web is a hive for criminal activity due to its anonymous nature and the fact that it is extremely hard to track down anybody who accesses it. In fact, research performed at the University of Kent in 2015 revealed that 57% of the dark web hosts illicit material. What’s more, in addition to providing anonymity for surfing websites, Tor also allows website publishers to remain anonymous thanks to the strong encryption provided by the Onion Router system. Check out our what is Tor page for information about it and the steps you need to follow to install it. Knowing how to access the dark web can be of significant benefit if you are trying to bypass censorship and gain access to information that has been blocked by the government. And it can allow you to exchange information securely if you are a whistleblower who wants to remain anonymous.

• Hidden Content: The dark web contains sites that require specific software to access and are often used anonymously.
• Legal and Illegal Uses: While the dark web is famous for illegal activities, it also serves legitimate purposes such as privacy-focused forums and activism.
• Access Restrictions: Not all websites can be accessed using standard browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

Steps to Access the Dark Web

To safely access the dark web, follow these steps:

1. Download the Tor Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser. This browser routes your connection through multiple servers, providing anonymity.
2. Install a VPN: For additional security, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This encrypts your internet traffic, enhancing your privacy.
3. Start the Tor Browser: Once installed, open the Tor browser. It looks similar to standard browsers but connects to the dark web.
4. Access .onion sites: Use specific *onion* addresses to visit dark web sites. These addresses end with “.onion” and are only accessible through the Tor browser.
5. Stay Safe: Be cautious about sharing personal information, and avoid engaging in illegal activities.

What to Expect on the Dark Web

While navigating the dark web, you may encounter:

• Forums: Discussions about various topics, sometimes related to privacy rights or software development.
• Marketplaces: Some sites sell goods and services, but many are illegal.
• Resources: Guides and documentation on enhancing privacy and security online.

FAQs

Is accessing the dark web illegal?

No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on it can have legal consequences.

Can I be tracked on the dark web?

While the dark web provides a level of anonymity, no method is 100% foolproof. Using a VPN alongside Tor enhances your privacy.

What should I avoid while on the dark web?

Avoid sharing personal information, clicking on suspicious links, or engaging in illegal transactions.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how do I access dark web comes with responsibilities. Prioritize your safety and remain cautious as you explore this hidden part of the internet.