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Perhaps surprisingly, we don’t know of anywhere that using the Tor network is illegal. While you might think that Tor would be banned all over the place, many different types of people rely on it, including governments and law enforcement agencies. Only a minuscule portion of the internet is actually visible to regular users. While accessing the dark web isn’t necessarily wrong or illegal, it’s important to know how to navigate this part of the internet safely. Accessing the dark web isn’t like surfing the web everywhere else online. Antimalware and antivirus protections are equally crucial to prevent malicious actors from exploiting you.
Understanding the Dark Web
Another problem with this system is that there’s increasing evidence that law enforcement agencies — such as the FBI — run and operate large number of exit nodes. This means that if you do anything illegal on the dark web and are unlucky enough to be routed through one of these nodes, the authorities will be well aware of what you’re doing. Websites that exist purely on the deep web have different access, so there’s a level of privacy for the website hosts that isn’t possible on the regular internet. If your website is only accessible through the deep net, tracking down the physical location of your servers is much harder than it would be for a regular website.
Moreover, using the Tor browser – the primary tool for accessing the dark web – can be restricted or illegal in some countries. For example, China, Iran, and Russia block access to the Tor network. To access a dark web resource, you will need to know its web address to the letter. These websites will also use .onion top-level domain names, and many of them will be very long, random combinations of letters and numbers. You won’t be able to access .onion addresses using a standard search engine as they aren’t indexed by crawlers. The Tor Browser uses several layers of encryption to strengthen your anonymity and has integrated the DuckDuckGo search engine, a system that makes a point of not saving or logging your search queries.
To look at it in a different way, it makes up between 90% and 95% of the internet. The dark web and the deep web are often used interchangeably, but they’re two distinct concepts. Note that connections inside of the Tor network are end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning there is no separate encryption layer necessary as with regular websites. Fear not; the Tor Browser will show an onion instead of the familiar lock icon when your connection is secure. Many news websites (BBC), torrent sites (The Pirate Bay), and email services (ProtonMail) have onion websites. The idea behind these dark web versions is to provide people who can’t access the surface web version of the site access to the site.
First, you should know that very few providers support VPN over Tor. And if they do, you can’t just go for it because it requires additional setup which requires help from the provider. What happens, in this case, is that the Virtual Private Network encrypts your connection which prevents your ISP from seeing that you’re using Tor. Then, once you connect to Tor, your connection is encrypted once again, so you basically get a double layer of encryption. Since you now know how to access the dark web with Tor and VPN, I think I should clarify two very popular methods of doing so.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software to access and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it can also be a platform for privacy-conscious individuals and whistleblowers. If you are interested in how to go on the dark web, follow this guide.
Understanding Transport Layer Security (TLS) And Its Mechanisms
During normal browsing, information travels across the internet in packets. When a Tor user visits a website, however, their packets don’t directly move to that server. Instead, Tor creates a path through randomly assigned nodes that the packet will follow before reaching the server. While the internet has dramatically expanded the ability to share knowledge, it has also made issues of privacy more complicated. Many people are justifiably worried about their personal information being stolen or viewed, including bank records, credit card info, and browser or login history.
Prerequisites for Accessing the Dark Web
Before diving into the dark web, it’s essential to prepare properly. Here are the necessary steps:
To remain safe when searching the dark web, use an advanced search engine based on Tor that offers privacy extensions to stay safe while exploring. You may ask yourself now “Why would anybody be interested in the Dark Web aside from Criminals and Drug dealers/users?” – Well, the answer is simple. The dark web has numerous legitimate uses but is still home to various criminal activities.
This enables individuals to form groups and only share content in a highly anonymous network of darknet users who they know. The users of the dark web are typically aiming to block governments from snooping on them. This can often be for political reasons, but also because they may be involved in illegal activities, such as the ones listed above. The dark web is infamous for containing sites such as Silk Road and other marketplaces where users could potentially buy drugs and/or weapons, stolen credit cards, IDs, and much more. The dark web (often referred to as the “dark net”, “black web”, or “black net”) is a small section of the deep web that is hidden and kept inaccessible to regular internet users on purpose. The content of all these pages is stored on Google’s servers, but it’s mostly outdated, old content; smartphone app content; journals; court records; private social media profiles, and much more.
- Download Tor Browser: The most popular method of accessing the dark web is through the Tor network, which anonymizes your internet traffic.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an additional layer of security by masking your IP address and encrypting your connection.
- Secure Your Device: Ensure that your computer has up-to-date security software to protect against malware and other threats.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Once you have your prerequisites in place, follow these steps:
- Install Tor Browser: After downloading, follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.
- Connect to Tor: Launch the Tor Browser and connect to the network. This may take a moment while it establishes a secure connection.
- Browse Dark Web URLs: Access websites ending in “.onion.” These are exclusive to the Tor network. You can find directories of .onion sites online, but exercise caution and ensure you trust the sources.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, safety should be your top priority. Here are some tips:
- Protect Your Identity: Never share personal information, including your name or location.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Avoid downloading files, as they may contain malware.
- Use Cryptocurrency: If you choose to make transactions, use cryptocurrencies for added privacy, but understand the risks involved.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, including illegal marketplaces, forums, and information-sharing sites. Some areas may provide whistleblowing opportunities or privacy-focused services.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it is against the law.
- VPNs are also used for accessing geo-locked content hosted by streaming services.
- This process differs slightly from the desktop method and requires its own set of precautions.
- This prevents your personal details from being leaked when you’re connected to the Tor network.
- It may be wise to connect to a VPN server before browsing via Tor (though expect to experience a slower connection).
How do I ensure my safety on the dark web?
Use a VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and steer clear of downloading suspicious files. Always stay aware of the potential risks.
Conclusion
Learning how to go on the dark web opens the door to a different realm of the internet, but it comes with inherent risks. Always prioritize your safety and privacy while navigating this space. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to explore the dark web responsibly.
