Step 1: Download And Install A Dark Web Browser
Understanding the Dark Web
Beyond privacy risks, another main worry with the dark web is how it undermines egalitarian hopes of the early Internet. Just like drugs, the darknet offers a huge market for stolen debit and credit cards. One of the major advantages of using US credit cards is that no verification through mobile is done on the purchase, which easily allows cybercriminals to make purchases. In 2020, around 115 million debit and credit cards were stolen from the US. The premise of this story dates back to the 1990s when the US military began to look for a way to route secure, anonymous, and untraceable communication through a public network.
The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above. The deep web is the first level beneath the “surface” of the visible web — and it’s significantly larger than the surface web, accounting for an estimated 96% to 99% of the entire internet. Yes, accessing the dark web on Android is fairly straightforward.
Although this is accurate in terms of the underlying technology, there is a slight difference. The deep web refers to non-indexed webpages as a whole, while dark web refers more specifically to the parts of the deep web where you can engage in illicit activities. The reason why the deep net provides this level of privacy for website hosts is that the .onion address that you use to access the website obfuscates the actual IP address of the server.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software to access and is often associated with the anonymity it provides to its users. If you’re curious about how to access this obscure area of the internet, understanding its risks and the steps involved is crucial.
Estes agrees that there are legitimate purposes for using anonymizing tools like Tor. In some cases, some organizations create both a clear web and a dark web domain. “The most obvious reason for this is to allow users who don’t use Tor to access their website,” says Estes, citing FBI and X (formerly Twitter) as two examples. “We observe a handful of new ransomware double extortion pages a month; in some cases, these are rebrands of previously known ransomware groups.
- This makes it impossible to track down the physical server under ordinary circumstances.
- Through it, your ISP can see that you’ve entered the Tor network, although it has no ability to track your activities.
- “Threat actors increasingly request and share data that fit specific categories, leading to a more structured landscape for illicit data trading,” Boutboul says.
- Popularized by Edward Snowden, Tails runs as a discrete operating system on USB flash drives.
- After you get the Tor browser, make sure you only access sites from trustworthy sources, like the Hidden Wiki.
What You Need to Know Before Accessing the Dark Web
While the deep web usually requires just a username and password to be accessed (think of your email inbox), the dark web cannot be reached without the right software or hardware. While the deep web is chiefly used for legitimate day-to-day online activities, the dark web is mainly anonymous and known as a haven for conducting illegal transactions. The deep web is a section of the internet that cannot be indexed by web crawlers. The dark web is a subsegment of the deep web that can only be accessed with special tools, such as the Tor browser.
Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today. 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. Cybercriminals lurk in the dark web to methodically coordinate their attacks, sell illicit goods, distribute malware and phishing kits, and share other prebuilt exploits.
Before diving into how to get into the dark web, consider the following:
CleanMyMac X, mentioned in this article, is also among the Setapp apps. Try both for 7 days free and look into other tools you might need to improve your workflow. We tried to help you have a clearer idea of what a good deep/dark web browser is like. If you are at the beginning of this deep/dark web adventure, it might be difficult to pick one from a load of web browsers. You might be saying – Firefox is a regular browser, how come it is used for deep web surfing? You can see it grouped with Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, and more.
The terms “dark web” and “deep web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of the internet. The dark web has also been used for other nefarious activities, such as the sharing of child pornography and the planning of terrorist attacks. Law enforcement agencies have tried to track down and prosecute individuals involved in such activities, and there have been several high-profile arrests and convictions in recent years. While Tor by itself is a robust and secure privacy tool, combining it with a VPN is an ironclad way to ensure that your privacy isn’t compromised. Additionally, using Tor with a VPN lets you access the Tor Network in situations and locations where it is blocked.
- Privacy Concerns: Maintaining anonymity is essential on the dark web to avoid potential legal issues.
- Security Risks: The dark web can expose users to malware and scams, so implementing strong security measures is vital.
- Legal Implications: Accessing certain content on the dark web can be illegal, depending on your location and the content itself.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
1. Download a Secure Browser
The first step in learning how to get into the dark web is to download a secure browser, specifically the Tor Browser. Tor allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing your connection through multiple servers.
2. Install the Tor Browser
Once you have downloaded the Tor Browser, follow these steps:
- Run the installer and await installation.
- Open the Tor Browser after installation.
- Establish a connection by clicking ‘Connect’.
3. Adjust Security Settings
Upon launching the Tor Browser, you can adjust the security settings by:
- Clicking on the shield icon next to the URL bar.
- Choosing a security level. Higher security levels may block certain websites but provide better protection.
4. Accessing Dark Web Websites
To visit dark web sites, you need specific URLs ending in .onion. These are only accessible through the Tor network. A few resources to find these sites include:
- Dark web directories like ‘The Hidden Wiki.’
- Community forums focused on dark web navigation.
- Word of mouth from known users (exercise caution).
5. Stay Safe Online
While navigating the dark web, implement the following safety measures:
- Use a VPN: This adds an additional layer of security.
- Avoid Downloads: Downloading files can introduce malware.
- Be Wary of Links: Do not click on unknown links.
- Outing Personal Information: Never share personal information or financial data.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the surface web and the dark web?
The surface web is what most users interact with daily, consisting of sites indexed by search engines. In contrast, the dark web is intentionally hidden and requires specific software for access.
Is accessing the dark web legal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities that occur there can be. Engaging in illegal transactions or accessing prohibited content can result in legal consequences.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot use standard browsers such as Chrome or Firefox. Accessing the dark web reliably requires the use of the Tor Browser or similar software designed for anonymity.
In conclusion, navigating the dark web requires caution, proper tools, and an understanding of the risks involved. Following these guidelines on how to get into the dark web can help ensure your safety and anonymity while exploring this hidden aspect of the internet.
