Legitimate Reasons Why People Use The Dark Web
Understanding the Dark Web
It runs automatically in your web browser, so I recommend using a different browser than you normally do to ensure privacy. While Tor is an open-source project, your activity can still be traced back to your IP address. The best way to prevent your browsing activity from alerting authorities is to avoid sites with illegal activity altogether — another reason to only visit sites you’ve researched and trust. A VPN also helps protect your privacy by preventing your ISP from monitoring your connection.
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing these areas requires specific tools and knowledge, which often raises questions about their safety and purpose. Below, we will explore how to find the dark web, the tools required, and considerations for navigating this hidden realm safely.
Fake versions of Tor breach users’ security before they even access the dark web or monitor the behavior of a user while on the dark web. The dark websites above may link to webpages with illegal content, such as black market items, child pornography, or narcotics. The links above may also change without notice, as onion links get updated often.
Why Access the Dark Web?
Hidden Wallet is a hidden wallet in which you can store your bitcoins. It promises to have high-grade security and never access your passwords or private information. “To avoid traceability we mix all your bitcoins together so tracking is impossible,” they say on their website, and it aims to keep the real identity of any user who uses it safe. A search engine with a design or appearance that will catch our attention as soon as we enter, as it is much more careful than the vast majority of search engines or sites that we find on the Deep Web. It also offers great speed, so searches are quite agile and it does not offer a long waiting time for results and a blacklist system. Hackers are not shy about offering their services freely to all those who require their help to achieve certain objectives, even if they have to cross the line of legality to do so.
If your information has been compromised, then it’s likely that your phone number is also on the dark web. For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network. You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here. The dark web has no shortage of criminal activity, scams, phishing sites, suspicious links, and malware designed to trick newbies. And because there’s very little use of HTTPS on the dark net, verifying whether or not a website is genuine using an SSL certificate is not feasible.
- That said, anonymity comes with a dark side since criminals and malicious hackers also prefer to operate in the shadows.
- Tor Browser, short for “The Onion Router,” is a free and open-source web browser that enables anonymous communication by directing internet traffic through a worldwide volunteer network of servers.
- Once you’re there, you’ll be able to enjoy 360-degree protection against hackers or other malicious entities on this part of the internet.
- Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications.
- If you exercise due caution and use a combination of the Tor browser and common sense in which sites you access on the dark web, yes, the dark web is safe to use.
The non-profit newsroom is funded by organizations such as the Sandler Foundation and has made countless contributions in the fight for free speech and privacy. If you need a great Tor VPN, I recommend ExpressVPN — all its servers allow Tor traffic, it has excellent security and privacy features, and it provides fast browsing speeds. You also get strong security features, as the VPN has RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, an audited no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. But I think it’s a shame how it’s missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection (ExpressVPN has full leak protection) — still, I never experienced any leaks in my tests. Surfshark is also really user-friendly, as its apps are all intuitive and make it very simple to find and connect to servers.
That’s why family identity theft protection and financial fraud protection are key security layers needed to keep your life safe and secure. The Tor Browser is currently available only for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Once connected, you’ll have access to dark net websites called “Tor hidden services”. Instead of “.com” or “.org”, Dark Web addresses trail with a “.onion“. Most of the digital content in the world is not accessible via web search engines. Deep web, conversely, refers to non-indexable parts of the internet—content that’s only accessible through the use of passwords, encryption, or situationally with specific software.
People might seek out the dark web for various reasons, including:
- Privacy and anonymity online.
- Accessing restricted or censored content.
- Finding specialized forums and communities.
- Exploring research and findings that are not publicly available.
Tools Required to Access the Dark Web
To begin your journey into the dark web, you will need specific tools. Here are the steps on how to find the dark web:
- Install the Tor Browser:
The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser. This browser encrypts your traffic and helps maintain your anonymity.
- Ensure Security Settings:
Before connecting to the dark web, ensure that the Tor browser’s security settings are adjusted to the highest level to prevent tracking.
- Use a VPN:
For an additional layer of security, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) alongside Tor. This can further anonymize your online activities.
- Find Relevant Links:
Unlike the surface web, the dark web doesn’t have conventional search engines. Use directories, forums, or lists to find .onion sites. Some examples include:
- Ahmia.io – a search engine dedicated to the dark web.
- Darklinkdirectory.com – a directory of .onion sites.
Precautions When Exploring the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to take precautions:
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid revealing personal information or using identifiable usernames.
- Be Cautious of Downloads: Files downloaded from the dark web may contain malware.
- Avoid Illegal Activities: Engaging in illegal activities can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, exit the site immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dark Web Illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities that occur there can be. It’s important to understand the law in your area before proceeding.
Can I Access the Dark Web on a Regular Browser?
No, standard web browsers cannot access .onion sites. You must use the Tor browser or similar tools to do so.
Aren’t There Risks Associated with the Dark Web?
Yes, there are significant risks, including exposure to illegal content, scams, and cyber threats. Users should be extremely cautious and informed.
What Should I Do If I Encounter Illegal Content?
If you come across illegal content, it is advisable to exit the site immediately and report it to the appropriate authorities.
Conclusion
Learning how to find the dark web opens up a unique realm of information and communities. However, this exploration must be approached with caution and knowledge. Equip yourself with the right tools, maintain your anonymity, and always be aware of the potential risks involved.
