- Without a VPN, you could be putting yourself at risk of being hacked or scammed.
- Sadly, the promise of encrypted online activity creates opportunities for illicit behavior.
- Dark web websites look pretty much like any other site, but there are important differences.
- Just because you can’t get there by popular search engine, doesn’t automatically make it nefarious.
The Dark Web is a mysterious realm of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it difficult to access for the average user. Despite its shady reputation, the Dark Web can be a fascinating place to explore if you know how to navigate safely.
What is the Dark Web; How to Access Dark Web Websites?
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software, such as Tor, to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, activists, and individuals seeking privacy.
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How to Access the Dark Web
In October 2021, law enforcers in nine countries carried out Operation Dark HunTOR, in which Europol simultaneously arrested 150 alleged suspects in Europe and the US. A hacked Uber rider account goes for just $4, and a Netflix account with a paid one-year subscription is worth $44. More out-of-reach commodities such as a French passport can cost up to $4,000. While personal information may seem invaluable to you, cybercriminals trade personal information for a mere few dollars on the black markets that exist on the Dark Web.
How to Use the Dark Web to Communicate Safely
To get to the Dark Web, you first need to download and install the Tor browser, which allows you to browse anonymously. Once you have the Tor browser set up, you can access .onion websites, which are only available on the Dark Web.
Steps to Access the Dark Web:
Is Tor illegal to use?
- Download the Tor browser: Visit the official Tor website and download the browser for your operating system.
- Install the Tor browser: Follow the installation instructions provided on the website to set up the Tor browser on your device.
- Connect to the Tor network: Open the Tor browser and connect to the Tor network to start browsing anonymously.
- Explore .onion websites: Use search engines like DuckDuckGo or directories like The Hidden Wiki to find .onion websites and discover content on the Dark Web.
The US government developed the dark web so that spies would have a place to communicate secretly. The US military developed the Onion Router, also known as Tor, and made it available to the public in 2004. By encrypting data at multiple stages, the Onion routing technology ensures that users remain hidden when browsing the web. Similar to the open web, the dark web is populated by groups and individuals that construct and run websites, not all of which promote or facilitate unlawful activity. The dark web may be the Wild West of the internet — a place without rules, gatekeepers, or censorship — but there are still reasons to visit.
It’s become more diversified and more comprehensive, and one area that is seeing growing interest is ransomware attacks that are spurring criminal activity on the dark web. However, one of the challenges for law enforcement in taking out these groups is that they rotate their infrastructure. A recent law enforcement crackdown saw a coordinated takedown of many, many servers because if they miss one single server, the whole thing stays running, says Owenson. “So, if all enforcement goes after one server, they’ve got servers all over the world that automatically fill in and replace when those servers are taken down,” he says. SecureDrop is one of the most reliable file-sharing sites on the deep web. SecureDrop lets whistleblowers anonymously send sensitive material to media outlets via a unique SecureDrop URL.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
How does Tor browser work?
Anyone can download the Tor browser onto their machine, but like any other browser, there are still ways to track activity and hacking risks. The dark web’s role as an anonymous and reliable source of information to dissidents in foreign countries, alongside privacy enthusiasts, is important and legitimate. Many reputable websites have mirrored dark web versions of their website, including news organizations like the BBC, The New York Times and ProPublica. Just because you can’t get there by popular search engine, doesn’t automatically make it nefarious. But it’s important to know the legal, security and privacy implications that come with before attempting to logon to the dark web for research or any other reason.
While exploring the Dark Web can be intriguing, it is essential to take precautions to protect your identity and security. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from sharing personal information, and consider using a VPN for an added layer of anonymity.
Is it legal to use the Tor network?
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can safely navigate the Dark Web and uncover a hidden world unlike anything found on the surface web.
