Curious about the mysterious world of the dark web? While it is often portrayed as a hub for illegal activities, the dark web can also be a place for individuals to protect their online privacy and anonymity. If you are interested in exploring the dark web, here is a beginner’s guide on how to use it safely and effectively.
Firewall vs. VPN: What’s the difference?
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access. The dark web is known for its anonymity and encryption features, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to stay anonymous online.
How Criminals Use the Dark Web for Illicit Activities
How to Access the Dark Web
- Some hackers offer ransomware as a service (RaaS), where cybercriminals can “rent” a strain of ransomware from its creator in exchange for a fee or a percentage of their ransom payments.
- Many Dark Web sites may also exist ephemerally when their owners cash out their customers’ escrow money in exchange for cash.
- There are legitimate areas of the deep web, including mainstream sites like Netflix.
- The final relay before your traffic goes to the destination website is known as the exit node.
- That’s because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for people who buy and sell on the dark web.
- Download and install a Tor browser on your device.
- Launch the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the network.
- Once connected, you can start browsing .onion websites, which are unique to the dark web.
If you’re going to use the Tor Browser to access deep web sites, you better make sure that you’re as protected as possible. This means always updating your device’s OS, having a working firewall, and a reliable antivirus system. A more powerful version of this is “new identity.” This will close all windows and tabs and restart the Tor Browser itself.
Make sure your security measures are up to date
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
- Avoid sharing personal information or using your real identity on the dark web.
- Be cautious of the websites you visit and only interact with trusted sources.
- Use a VPN along with the Tor browser to add an extra layer of security.
Common Misconceptions About the Dark Web
There are several misconceptions surrounding the dark web, including:
- The Dark Web is Only Used for Illegal Activities: While there are illegal activities on the dark web, it is also used by journalists, whistleblowers, and individuals looking to protect their privacy.
- The Dark Web is Difficult to Navigate: With the right tools and knowledge, navigating the dark web can be relatively straightforward.
The easiest way to access Tor is through a special browser, known as the Tor Browser. You might want to hide your Tor Browser download using a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode. The dark web, or dark net, is a small part of the deep web that is kept hidden on purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
More seriously, free VPNs – particularly those offered as standalone services – sometimes make money by selling your data to third parties. These aren’t the type of products you should use to keep you safe while exploring the dark web. All Surfshark servers are RAM-only and support the Wireguard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols. The company operates a strict no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using AES-256-GCM encryption together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. While NordVPN is undoubtedly a great service, it’s not without fault.
Is it Legal to Use the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Because of the built-in anonymizing features and encryption, the Dark Net is also host of many criminal websites, marketplaces and networks. It can be found on the Play Store and allows you to access different onion links and explore the Tor network. A VPN server adds an extra layer of protection to your browsing data by encrypting it and changing your IP address. This prevents your personal details from being leaked when you’re connected to the Tor network. Signup for PureVPN to get complete online security and privacy with a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic. To access the Dark Net, users must download the TOR network, a decentralized network of servers that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.
Can I Access the Dark Web on my Smartphone?
Yes, you can access the dark web on your smartphone by downloading a Tor browser app.
With these tips in mind, you can safely explore the dark web and discover a whole new side of the internet. Remember to prioritize your safety and privacy while navigating this unique online space.
