How to Access the Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide

Aside from revealing just how widely unused Tor is (data suggests barely more than 1.5 million daily users), you can also see the scope of the network. When using such websites, especially if you plan on asking some personal questions yourself, an extra layer of security is always welcome. If you use a VPN, your data gets encrypted before it even reaches the Tor Network. Check out the video below to find out exactly how and why you should use a VPN with Tor. Riseup provides email and chat services that keep no record of your activity.

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 providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.

Are There Any Other Darknets?

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also many legitimate websites on the dark web, such as forums for free speech and whistleblowing.

How To Access The Dark Web Safely

How to Access the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web requires the use of specialized software, such as the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a free, open-source 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.

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. If a hacker manages to get into your system via the dark web, all of this information is in danger. Comparatively, portable operating systems like Tails, Whonix, ZeusGuard, and Qubes OS prevent unwarranted data collection and surveillance, limiting the data at risk in case of a breach. Revealing personal information about yourself on the dark web can have serious ramifications by allowing hackers to identify and target you.

How To Change Your Location: VPNs, Proxies, And Tor

Step 1: Download and Install the Tor Browser

The first step in accessing the dark web is to download and install the Tor browser. You can download the Tor browser from the official Tor Project website. Once you have downloaded the Tor browser, install it on your computer by following the instructions provided.

The extent of the problem became clear in 2015, when the FBI shut down a dark web site on Tor named Playpen that hosted 23,000 sexually explicit images of minors. In addition to traditionally forbidden trade, the dark web became a hub for the sale of stolen information. Credit card and social security numbers are routinely purchased, as are passwords for e-mail accounts—sometimes en masse. In July 2016, passwords for roughly 200 million Yahoo! accounts appeared for sale. There is only one way to access the dark web, and that’s through an onion router.

Step 2: Connect to the Tor Network

Once you have installed the Tor browser, launch it and connect to the Tor network. This will route your internet connection through the Tor network, which will allow you to access the dark web.

Step 3: Navigate to Dark Web Websites

Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can navigate to dark web websites by typing in their .onion URLs. These URLs are unique to the dark web and are not accessible through standard web browsers. It is important to note that many dark web websites are scams, so it is important to be cautious when navigating the dark web.

Staying Safe on the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web can be dangerous, as it is often associated with illegal activities. It is important to take precautions to protect yourself when accessing the dark web. Here are some tips for staying safe on the dark web:

• Everyone’s heard some form of the age-old adage, “Information is power. ” Today, managing data is what gives organizations huge advantages over their competitors.
• This is because cybercriminals like identity thieves buy, sell, and trade this information in dark web marketplaces and forums.
• But remember, it’s essential to take all the necessary and important security steps before entering such sites on the dark web.
• Searches or messages sent via the Tor browser do not go directly to their intended destination.
• This enables individuals to form groups and only share content in a highly anonymous network of darknet users who they know.

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address.
• Do not use personal information: Do not use your real name, address, or other personal information when accessing the dark web.
• Do not download files: Many files on the dark web contain malware or viruses, so it is important to avoid downloading files.
• Be cautious: Be cautious when navigating the dark web and avoid websites that seem suspicious or fraudulent.

Conclusion

Accessing the dark web can be a useful tool for free speech and whistleblowing, but it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can access the dark web safely and securely.