It’s divided into commercial links (from crypto services to gambling sites) and non-commercial links (like social media). As always, use Tor Links with care, as it includes onion links to dubious or illegal activity. You can’t access these .onion sites from your normal web browser—the one you’re probably viewing this page on.
Identity Theft Reporting Guide: Key Steps To Protect Your Identity
The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet. It’s a hidden network of websites that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google, and can’t be accessed using regular web browsers like Chrome or Firefox. In this guide, we’ll show you how to access the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a network of websites that can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. 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 news sites, forums, and blogs.
How To Access The Dark Web Without Using Tor
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you’ll need to download and install the Tor browser. Tor (short for “The Onion Router”) is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of servers around the world, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
- The dark web is a small part of the much larger “deep web,” which also isn’t indexed by search engines — but authorized users can access it using common web browsers.
- Other programs like I2P and Freenet can moreover allow mysterious web get to, but Tor remains the foremost well-known and usable alternative.
- Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is very popular with cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
- You can’t just look up some Dark web page in your regular search engine and dive head first into the darkness.
Here’s how to download and install the Tor browser:
This technology was later released to the public, again to support secure, anonymous communication. The concept of untraceability naturally appealed to people and sites who wanted to stay anonymous online. The Dark Web is the portion of the Internet that can only be accessed through specific software.
The Bottom Line: Recognize And Protect Yourself From Online Threats
- Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/).
- Click on the “Download Tor” button.
- Choose the version of Tor that’s compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.).
- Follow the instructions to install Tor.
You could also use NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN and visit the dark web on any browser, like Safari. The dark web is a section of the deep web that can be accessed only through the Tor network. Unlike the surface and deep web, the dark web uses “.onion” links, which do not appear on Google or Bing. Furthermore, no entity has authority over the dark web or can impose regulations. This is precisely why the dark web is often linked with unlawful activities.
Once you’ve installed Tor, you can use it to access the dark web by typing in a special URL, such as http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion (note that this is just an example, and not a real dark web website). These URLs are known as “onion addresses”, and can only be accessed using the Tor browser.
Is it Safe to Access the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as there are many scams and illegal activities taking place. However, if you take the necessary precautions, it is possible to browse the dark web safely and securely.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.
- Only visit websites that have a good reputation and are known to be safe.
- Don’t download any files or software from the dark web, as they may contain malware or viruses.
- Never give out any personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card details.
How To Access The Dark Web On An IPhone
And while plenty of cybercrime does take place, the dark web is used legally as well. The dark web can certainly be dangerous — with no regulation, it’s a riskier place to hang out than the surface web. Malware and scams are scattered like landmines around the dark web. And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim. To access the Dark Web effectively, a VPN compatible with Tor is your best bet.
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all the websites that aren’t indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. The deep web includes websites that require a login or subscription, such as online banking sites and email services, while the dark web is often used for illegal activities.
Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal. If you engage in illegal activities on the dark web, you could be charged with a crime. Additionally, some countries have laws that make it illegal to access the dark web without a valid reason.
Is it legal to install Tor Browser?
Yes, using Tor is legal provided you don't use it for illicit activities such as buying drugs and weapons. Browsing the internet or streaming content using the Tor browser is unlikely to get you into trouble with law enforcement. Some countries, like China and Russia, have also blocked the Tor network.
Can I use a regular web browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot use a regular web browser to access the dark web. You’ll need to download and install the Tor browser, which is specifically designed to access the dark web.
Is the dark web really as dangerous as people say it is?
The dark web can be dangerous, as there are many scams and illegal activities taking place. However, if you take the necessary precautions, it is possible to browse the dark web safely and securely.
Can Google search the dark web?
To find out what info is on the dark web, Google uses a third-party vendor. This vendor has access to databases that show what content is currently available on the dark web.
