The Best VPNs For Accessing The Dark Web Safely (Tested
When you connect to the internet using Tor, your data goes through multiple phases of encryption before it’s directed through a random series of servers called ‘nodes’. The dark web lives on the Tor ecosystem and can only be accessed through the Tor browser. It’s a free, open-source software using a global network of servers to help you stay anonymous online.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires specific tools and knowledge, mainly for privacy and anonymity purposes.
Tools Required
A study by researchers at King’s College London that examined the contents of over 2,700 darknet sites found that approximately 60% of them hosted illicit content. 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. You won’t find any “hidden” stories here—it’s the same content as the normal web edition—but users in countries with government censorship will appreciate having a secure way to access it.
The Dark Web is used by cybercriminals to buy and sell illegal goods and services, coordinate attacks, distribute malware and phishing kits, and share other prebuilt exploits. Specifically, bad actors could use the Dark Web to buy and sell stolen employee credentials from a business. A web browser used to access the Dark Web is designed to work with the Tor network to browse both the Dark Web and normal websites anonymously, without leaking user information.
Before diving into how to get on the dark web, it’s essential to have the right tools:
However, the dark web is known for hosting illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapon sales, hacking services, and child exploitation, among others. Despite what the name implies, it isn’t illegal to access the dark web. It actually provides individuals with privacy and anonymity that traditional websites don’t offer to individuals. For instance, people can go on the dark web and post their thoughts about political activity without any fear of being reprimanded by government officials and other groups. Traditional search engines return results because they contain indexes of links to websites. As such, most of the attention is placed on online marketplaces for drugs, exchanges for stolen data, and other illegal activities when people think of the dark web.
- Tor Browser – This is the most common tool used to access the dark web. It routes your connection through multiple servers to ensure anonymity.
- VPN – A virtual private network adds an extra layer of security, masking your IP address.
- Secure Operating System – Consider using an operating system like Tails, designed for anonymity.
Connecting to the dark web might draw unwelcome attention to your online activity, though, either from your ISP or your government. Approximately 90% of all websites are on the deep web, and many are used by entities such as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. What’s known as the dark web exists within the deep web; it’s an area of the internet that is only accessible by users who have a Tor browser installed. In general, most average internet users will never need to access content on the dark web, although it is perfectly legal to use Tor.
Ross Ulbricht, Silk Road’s founder, was convicted and is now imprisoned for the rest of his life. Websites on the Dark Web bear the .onion extension rather than the top-level domains of .com, .net, .org, and so on. This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.
Released to the public in 2004, Tor later became a browser offering easier access to the dark web. You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app. Install a mobile dark web browsing app — like Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iPhone — and enter a [dot] onion URL to start browsing.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps for a safer experience accessing the dark web:
- The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor.
- According to the Privacy Affairs Dark Web Price Index, attackers can make a lot of money from stolen personal information on anything from credit cards to Netflix accounts.
- You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting.
- To access the dark web, users need a special browser, the most common of which is Tor, short for “The Onion Routing” project, which launched in 2002 and serves millions of users.
- Here are a few quick tips for safely browsing the Dark Web while protecting your privacy.
- Download Tor Browser: Go to the official Tor Project website and download the browser.
- Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service and enable it before opening the Tor Browser.
- Open Tor Browser: Launch the browser, which will connect you to the Tor network.
- Access .onion Sites: Use search engines specific to the dark web to find .onion sites.
- Exercise Caution: Be aware that illegal activities exist. Always prioritize your safety and legal boundaries.
Essential Guidelines
When accessing the dark web, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Protect Your Identity: Avoid sharing personal information.
- Beware of Scams: Many sites are fraudulent; verify information and user reviews.
- Stay on Legal Grounds: Engaging in illegal activities can have serious repercussions.
Common FAQs
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is commonly associated with anonymity-focused activities, such as privacy advocacy, forums, whistleblowing, and yes, unfortunately, illegal trade.
Is it safe to browse the dark web?
While tools like Tor and VPNs enhance privacy, risks remain. Some sites may contain malware or scams. Always proceed with caution.
Can I access the dark web with a regular browser?
No, a regular browser cannot access dark web content. You need specialized software like the Tor Browser.
Will using a VPN protect me on the dark web?
Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security, but it is still vital to exercise caution and not engage in risky behavior.
Conclusion
Learning how to get on dark web requires an understanding of the technologies involved and a commitment to safety. Always prioritize your privacy and security while navigating this hidden side of the internet.
