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, such as protecting the privacy and security of users. If you are interested in accessing the dark web, here are the steps you need to follow.
If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web.
Use a Dark Web Browser
NordVPN — Good For Surfing Dark Web Sites In Normal Browsers
When using dark web search engines, it’s important to exercise caution and refrain from clicking on suspicious links or accessing illegal content. While the surface and deep web can be accessed this way, the dark web requires special software. Tor (The Onion Router) is the most commonly used browser for the dark web; however, it’s also accessible through networks like Freenet, Riffle, and I2P.
The first step to accessing the dark web is to use a specialized browser that is designed to protect your anonymity and security. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which you can download for free from the official Tor Project website. Other options include the I2P and Freenet browsers, but these are less user-friendly and have smaller user bases.
When you use a dark web browser, your internet connection is routed through a series of volunteer-run servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. However, it is important to note that using a dark web browser does not make you completely anonymous, and you should still take other precautions to protect your privacy and security.
Find Dark Web Sites
Riseup — Tools For Activists And Organizers
Once you have installed a dark web browser, you can start exploring the dark web by visiting websites that have a .onion domain. These websites are only accessible through the Tor network, and they are not indexed by search engines like Google. This means that you will need to find the specific URLs of the websites you want to visit.
Verizon is a top-performing communications organization with clients and influence worldwide. They offer various electronic services, including physical technology, Internet services, entertainment programs, communications plans, etc. This week, around 643k data records were announced as lost in the cyber wars.
What Is The Dark Web, How It Works, And How To Stay Safe
There are a few ways to find dark web sites. One option is to use a dark web search engine, such as Ahmia or Candle. These search engines index a small fraction of the dark web, but they can still be useful for finding websites that are relevant to your interests. Another option is to use a directory of dark web sites, such as the Hidden Wiki or the Onion URL Repository.
It is important to exercise caution when visiting dark web sites. Many of these sites are fraudulent or malicious, and they may attempt to steal your personal information or infect your computer with malware. You should only visit sites that have a good reputation and that you trust.
Do launch the Super Onion from the outer layers and work your way inward. For example, connect to the VPN only in the surfer account; power on the VM only after the VPN is fully connected. As we wrap up this exploration into the Dark Web, it’s important to take a moment and reiterate the crucial nature of safety and anonymity when venturing into this realm. Before you embark on your journey to the Dark Web, it’s crucial to understand the importance of internet safety. The Dark Web can be a treacherous place, and precaution is the name of the game.
Is Tor legal in the US?
Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.
Protect Your Privacy and Security
The Deep Web refers to all parts of the Internet which search engines can’t find. This can be anything from secure academic archives, library databases, members only websites and all the way up to the Darknet which I’ll talk about shortly. On the dark web, secure file uploads and transfers are commonplace since the onion network offers multiple levels of encryption for your files and connection. File transfer services are used mostly by journalists and informants to share sensitive information-containing files. The Tor browser’s layered encryption system makes tracking the identity and location of users impossible. People can share files, talk, and blog anonymously in a highly encrypted environment.
When accessing the dark web, it is essential to take steps to protect your privacy and security. This includes using a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address. You should also use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts, and you should consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
It is also a good idea to use a separate email address for your dark web activities, and to avoid using your real name or other personal information when interacting with others online. You should also be cautious about the files you download and the links you click on, as these can contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
Finally, it is important to remember that the dark web is not a safe place. It is full of scams, frauds, and other illegal activities. If you decide to explore the dark web, you should do so with caution and with a clear understanding of the risks involved.
Specifically, bad actors could use the Dark Web to buy and sell stolen employee credentials from a business. Notorious ransomware groups are the ones that use onion.ly links most often. This is because when a victim’s computer is infected by ransomware, attackers demand ransom through dark websites. Therefore, they provide onion.ly links so victims can access dark websites with regular browsers. Please refer to our article on LockBit 3.0 ransomware case study, where we determine how ransomware is distributed and what must be done to prevent it. The onion.ly domain is a proxy server domain address provided by Tor2Web.
Conclusion
- Many users now leverage Tor to browse both the public Internet and the deeper parts of the web privately.
- See if your address, email and more are exposed on people finder sites.
- With that said, any regular internet user can visit the dark web, which is not illegal to use.
Accessing the dark web can be a fascinating and educational experience, but it is not something to be taken lightly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can protect your privacy and security while exploring the hidden corners of the internet. Just remember to be cautious, to use a dark web browser, to find dark web sites through search engines or directories, and to protect your privacy and security at all times.
Why not to use Tor Browser?
Tor's encryption tries to keep your identity and destination secret, but bad actors can still find a way to identify you. Plus, Tor's lack of regulation allows for illicit activity and the proliferation of cybercriminals.