How To Access The Dark Web On Phone Safely In 2023
FBI, Europol, Interpol, and many other national police agencies regularly police the Dark Web. The Dark Web is not accurately indexed or searchable, which makes it difficult to quantify the overall safety of Dark Web sites. Some people and groups (like law enforcement agencies) consider the Dark Web to be dangerous.
How to Access the Darknet
As previously mentioned, more than 90% of the traffic on the Net is already on the deep web, so the keys to accessing it safely are virtually the same as for the open web. While you obviously don’t have to perform a penetration test on every website you log into, you should ensure that it runs on a secure framework that uses HTTPS encryption. For instance, when you log in to your favorite video streaming site or check your bank account balance online, that’s the deep web at work. Darknet websites are also known as Tor hidden services, and you can see the difference between normal websites by their URLs.
But on the other hand, the Dark Web also serves legitimate purposes. You’ve probably heard whispers about this mysterious realm of the internet, but do you know what it really is? The Dark Web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines like Google.
What makes these websites part of the surface web is that they can be located via search queries and have recognizable endings like .com, .edu, .gov, or .org. You are able to find websites on the surface web because they are marked as “indexable,” meaning search engines can index and rank them. The sites are readily available on the search engine results pages (SERPs).
The darknet refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines.
Google’s purpose is to show the most relevant information to all of its users quickly and easily. That means that Google wants to minimize the amount of time users spend searching for certain queries. Did you know that Google only shows you a glimpse of all the websites that actually exist? The last time I checked, it’s estimated that the entire web is roughly 500 times larger than what Google returns in Google Search. Bitcoin is the most common currency on the Dark Web, especially for its anonymity.
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.
It includes various hidden networks and resources that require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access.
The “dark web” refers to websites that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google and Bing. This might seem strange since most people want their websites to be found through specific searches. Practices like search engine optimization (SEO) are specifically implemented to help websites perform well and rank higher in search engine results. For most of us, the internet begins and ends with websites we can find on Google.
In 2015, the founder of a website called the Silk Road was sentenced to life in prison. Browser fingerprinting and online tracking are virtually impossible when you’re connected to the dark web via Tor Browser. That means your browsing behavior and traffic patterns can’t be collected and used by third-party advertisers. While it’s not illegal in many places to simply get on the dark web, the dark web is used for some illegal purposes. Many things for sale on dark web marketplaces are illegal, like ransomware or other strains of malware, illicit drugs, weapons, and in some cases, even human organs.
Important Reasons to Access the Darknet
- Privacy: Many users seek anonymity and enhanced privacy while browsing.
- Access to Restricted Information: Certain information may be censored or restricted in various regions.
- Community: The darknet hosts forums and communities that discuss numerous topics.
- Only at the end of this “chain” of onion nodes does your data become decrypted and sent to the final destination.
- You could also use NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN and visit the dark web on any browser, like Safari.
- These can include the previously mentioned illegal offerings, but can also include ultra-private information designed to be shared only with certain parties.
- “Threat actors increasingly request and share data that fit specific categories, leading to a more structured landscape for illicit data trading,” Boutboul says.
Steps to Access the Darknet
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access the darknet safely:
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Download and Install Tor Browser
- Visit the official Tor Project website to download the Tor Browser.
- Install the browser following the provided instructions.
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Configure Security Settings
- Once installed, open the Tor Browser.
- Adjust the security settings to the highest level for enhanced protection.
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Connect to the Tor Network
- Click the “Connect” button to establish a connection to the Tor network.
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Access .onion Websites
- Use specific URLs that end with “.onion” to navigate to sites only accessible through Tor.
- Consider using directories or forums to find links to .onion sites.
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Practice Safe Browsing
- Avoid revealing personal information on the darknet.
- Be cautious of downloads, as they may contain malicious software.
FAQs About Accessing the Darknet
Q1: Is it legal to access the darknet?
A1: Accessing the darknet is legal in many countries; however, engaging in illicit activities is against the law.
Q2: What dangers should I be aware of?
A2: The darknet can host illegal activities, scams, and harmful content. Users should exercise caution and protect their identity.
Q3: Can I use a regular web browser to access the darknet?
A3: No, you need to use the Tor Browser or another special software designed to access darknet resources.
Q4: Are there alternatives to Tor?
A4: Yes, other methods include using I2P (Invisible Internet Project) or VPN services, but Tor is the most widely used.
Conclusion
Learning how to access the darknet can provide you with a wealth of information and communities.
However, it is crucial to prioritize your privacy and safety while navigating this hidden part of the internet.
Follow the outlined steps and remain informed about potential risks to ensure a safer experience in the darknet environment.
