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In 2002, the dark web grew significantly when researchers supported by the US Naval Research Laboratory built and released the Tor network. At the time, the internet was still young, and tracking people was easy while staying anonymous was not. The Tor network was created to open safe communication channels for political dissidents and American intelligence operatives around the world. The quickest way to access the dark web is to download and install Tor Browser, which will route your traffic through the Tor network and let you access the dark web. On Tor, you can type in any URL you’d like to visit, including .onion domains on the dark web. Dark web websites look pretty much like any other site, but there are important differences.
- Onion Over VPN servers automatically route your traffic through the Tor network, so they allow you to visit dark web sites in regular browsers like Firefox and Chrome, which is very convenient.
- In addition to the possibility of making big money on these Dark Web marketplaces, people seek the Dark Web for other reasons as well.
- Tails is designed to leave no trace of your online activity on the computer you are using.
- You are actually counting on your VPN to keep you safe because what this connection basically means is that – you browse anonymously on the deep web with Tor, and your only secret-keeper is your VPN.
- This negates the need to download, install, and run the Tor browser separately, and lets you access the Tor network without your ISP knowing.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional 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.
Hacking Groups And Services
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 special software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, political activism, and secure communication.
Can I Access Websites On The Dark Web On My Phone, IPad, Or Chromebook?
How to Access the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires the use of a special browser called Tor. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing internet traffic through a network of servers, making it difficult to trace the origin of the traffic. Here’s how to access the dark web using Tor:
- Download and install Tor: You can download Tor from the official website (https://www.torproject.org/). Follow the instructions to install the software on your computer.
- Launch Tor: Once Tor is installed, launch the browser. You will notice that the Tor browser looks and feels like a regular web browser, but it routes your internet traffic through the Tor network.
- Access the dark web: To access the dark web, you need to know the URL of the website you want to visit. Dark web websites use the .onion top-level domain. For example, a popular dark web marketplace is called Silk Road, and its URL is silkroad6ownowfk.onion.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
About This Article
Accessing the dark web can be risky, and it’s important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. Here are some tips to stay safe on the dark web:
Is my email on the dark web?
Other Ways to Check if Your Email and Password Are on the Dark Web: Use a Reputable Dark Web Scan Tool: There are several reputable platforms available online that can scan the dark web for your data. Some examples include HaveIBeenPwned, Experian, and IdentityGuard.
It is vital that you only ever download the Tor browser from the official Tor website because there are malicious versions circulating online that contain malware. If you download Tor from anywhere but the Tor website, it is possible that you could become infected. Although Mullvad has a detailed and independently audited no-logs policy, it is nevertheless based in Sweden, which is a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance. For its part, Mullvad says that it would “cease operation of our service” if forced by legal means to spy on users.
As previously stated, people use the dark web to view and publish content not permissible by their government. A US journalist may not be able to publish content through normal means, if staying in a foreign country on assignment. Although there are many pages and websites on the deep web, relatively little are used for illegal purposes. Websites purposely don’t index these pages for Google to find because only certain people should have access to them. Playpen, a widely used dark website for the distribution of child pornography, amassed as many as 150,000 users at one point. Thankfully, the site was shut down in 2015 following a collaborative sting effort from the FBI and related agencies in other countries.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
- Don’t use personal information: Avoid using your real name, address, or other personal information when creating accounts or making transactions on the dark web.
- Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for each account you create on the dark web.
- Beware of scams: The dark web is full of scams and frauds. Be cautious of any website or individual that asks for personal information or money.
- Keep your software up to date: Make sure your operating system, web browser, and other software are up to date to protect against vulnerabilities and malware.
Who created the dark web?
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.
Conclusion
Is Tor free?
Tor has installers available for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Connecting to the Tor network entails more than just installing a browser and loading websites. You need to install support code, which sounds daunting, but the free Tor Browser bundle streamlines the process.
Accessing the dark web can be a valuable tool for research, activism, and secure communication. However, it’s important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. By using Tor, a VPN, and following best practices, you can safely and securely access the dark web and explore its hidden corners.
Should I worry if my email is on the dark web?
This level of anonymity is why so many criminals use the Dark Web to buy, sell, and trade stolen and leaked information. If your email address is circulating on the Dark Web, it's almost certainly due to a data breach.
