How To Get Into The Dark Web

Malicious Software:

Understanding the Dark Web

The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines, creating a hidden space for various activities. While it can provide anonymity and privacy, it is also filled with illegal activities and risks. Understanding how to navigate this realm safely and effectively is crucial.

The dark web is a subsection of the deep web that you can only access with a special browser like Tor that masks your IP address. It includes illegal markets, but also other less-objectionable websites. Because of its anonymity, the dark web is filled with illegal services and is used by numerous criminal groups, including ransomware gangs. It is also used by whistle-blowers, journalists, and other individuals who are not involved in illegal activity but need to protect their communications and identities. Through the dark web, users in places of high censorship can also access information and news. To make its journalism more accessible to readers around the world, the New York Times launched its onion service in 2017.

What is the Dark Web?

The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others.

One significant yet often unexplored avenue for enriching threat intelligence is the dark web, a concealed segment of the internet notorious for harboring illicit activities. Onion Routing was developed by Naval Intelligence in 1996 to create anonymous communication over a computer network. TOR requests and messages are wrapped in multiple layers of encryption and sent through a specific internet routing mechanism on the dedicated TOR network.

The issue lies in its nodes, especially the entry node which is all but anonymous. While Tor is perfectly legal to use, it’s common knowledge that a lot of criminal activity does happen on it. Rather than weeding out the genuine web users from the criminals, many website owners find it easier just to block all Tor users. While Tor gives you access to sites on the .onion ecosystem, you can also use Tor to browse the surface web, taking advantage of its encryption to enjoy additional security and privacy. However, be warned, this will not be an enjoyable user experience. There are many good and legitimate reasons to step into the dark web, but you should always do so with caution.

The platform offers truly uncensored and unfiltered web search results. Along with offering an unrestricted search engine list, Torch also prevents web tracking. These include VPNs, proxy servers, and anonymizing networks such as Tor, which are used to hide a user’s online activity and location. Almost all sites on the so-called Dark Web hide their identity using the Tor encryption tool. You may know Tor for its ability to hide your identity and activity. You can use Tor to spoof your location so it appears you’re in a different country to where you’re really located, making it much like using a VPN service.

Before discussing how to get into the dark web, it is important to understand what it encompasses:

Below you’ll find a selection of those sites—though you’ll need to download Tor to actually access them. Let’s start with a classic installation, by accessing the Tor Project website, via a browser. The default browser that ships with Ubuntu is Firefox, which is what we’ll use. Contrary to popular belief, entering the dark web is a simple process. You only need to install a dark web browser like the Tor browser.

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. Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs. If you can’t get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, verify the URL from multiple different sources. If you want to use Tor privately, you can use either a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed). Tor users in the USA, in particular, may want to use a VPN, which will be faster and more reliable. Officially, the Tor Browser is only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux.

• The dark web is a small section of the deep web, which contains all content not indexed by search engines.
• Accessing the dark web typically requires specific software, the most common being Tor.
• It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech.

How to Get Into the Dark Web

Getting into the dark web involves several steps designed to protect your identity and data. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safer experience:

Step 1: Download and Install Tor Browser

The first step in accessing the dark web is to download the Tor browser:

1. Visit the official Tor Project website.
2. Download the Tor browser suitable for your operating system.
3. Install the browser like any standard application, ensuring you follow all safety protocols.

Step 2: Set Up a VPN

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is advisable to add an extra layer of security:

• Research and choose a reputable VPN service.
• Install the VPN application and connect it before launching the Tor browser.
• This helps mask your IP address and keeps your online activity secure.

Step 3: Launch Tor and Adjust Security Settings

Once you have installed Tor and set up your VPN, follow these steps:

1. Open the Tor browser.
2. Adjust the security settings by clicking on the shield icon.
3. Select your desired security level. The highest setting disables scripts and certain multimedia to protect against potential threats.

Step 4: Understand the Risks

Before diving into the dark web, it is vital to recognize and mitigate potential risks:

• Stay aware of phishing scams and malicious websites.
• Avoid sharing personal information or making transactions.
• Be cautious about what you click on; some sites can lead to illegal content or dangerous downloads.

Step 5: Accessing Dark Web Sites

To explore the dark web:

1. Use specific URLs ending in .onion, which are unique to the Tor network.
2. Refer to directories and forums that list active .onion sites.
3. Always validate the legitimacy of a site before interacting with it.

• Still, wherever you have anonymous traffic on hidden networks, the criminal activity will follow.
• The deep web refers to any web content that is not indexed – or pages that can’t be found with a search engine.
• It is a realm that has piqued the curiosity of many, offering a hidden network of websites that exist beyond the surface of the everyday internet.
• The first thing you need to understand is that you’ll probably find Tor a lot slower than conventional web browsers.
• Aside from being isolated from the everyday internet, most of the Tor network isn’t indexed, rendering it invisible to search engines.

FAQs

Is it legal to access the dark web?

Accessing the dark web is legal in most countries, but engaging in illegal activities (like buying drugs or weapons) is not.

Can I be tracked while using the dark web?

While Tor provides anonymity, using a VPN and practicing safe browsing significantly decreases the chances of being tracked.

What types of content can I find on the dark web?

The dark web hosts a wide range of content, including forums, blogs, and marketplaces, some legal and others illegal.

How can I protect my identity on the dark web?

Do not share personal information, use a secure VPN, and adjust your Tor security settings to the maximum level.

Exploring the dark web can be both intriguing and risky. Always remember to prioritize safety and legality when considering how to get into the dark web.