In recent years, the dark web has gained notoriety for being a mysterious and hidden part of the internet where illegal activities take place. While there are certainly risks involved in accessing the dark web, it is possible to do so safely and anonymously if you take the right precautions.
What are Onion Services?
There are online repositories that include reliable dark web websites and keep the lists up to date. You can also search for dark web sites via specific search engines made for the dark web, like Ahmia, Torch, and DuckDuckGo. But just like when you’re online normally, the risks increase depending on what you do while visiting dark web websites. It’s dangerous to buy or download anything from illegal marketplaces — the downloaded files may contain malware and the police can trace illegal purchases. The open web, also called the surface web, includes any public web content that is indexed by search engines. Web pages on the open web will show up in search results on sites like Google and Bing.
What is the Dark Web?
Consider using a VPN
The dark web is essentially a network of websites that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. These sites can only be accessed using special software that allows users to remain anonymous. While the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, it is also home to legitimate websites and forums that value privacy and anonymity.
- The fact that you are using it to visit the Dark web probably makes you even more interesting.
- The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor.
- The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews.
- So your dark web use may draw unwanted scrutiny from your ISP or law enforcement.
Use of PureVPN will keep you assured that safety comes on top priority when you are on the dark web. Using the dark web is completely legal until and unless you engage in criminal activities happening there. If you are dealing in illegal activities like drug dealing, pornography, or hate propaganda, then you are sure to be doing illegal acts. Also, in some countries, governments may actively monitor or block access to the Tor network.
Keep your data in the dark — and off the dark web
How to Get to the Dark Web
Again – results consist of only indexed content by that search engine. I personally recommend Tor over VPN because it’s the safer option — the VPN encrypts your traffic and changes your IP address, so the Tor network can’t see them. That’s helpful because Tor can suffer IP leaks and malicious actors can run Tor servers. Basically, if a Tor IP leak occurs before you connect to the VPN, your real IP address will be exposed. But if you connect to the VPN before connecting to Tor and an IP leak occurs, only the VPN’s IP address will be exposed. In addition to the Tor browser, you should use an antivirus program (like Norton 360) to protect your device from malware infections, and a VPN (like ExpressVPN) to secure your IP address and traffic.
If you’re interested in exploring the dark web, here are some steps you can take to access it safely:
Not sure yet? Learn more about VPN
- Download a Tor Browser: The Tor browser is a free software that allows you to access the dark web anonymously. Simply download and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- Connect to the Tor Network: Once you have the Tor browser installed, open it and connect to the Tor network. This will allow you to browse .onion websites that make up the dark web.
- Start Exploring: With the Tor browser up and running, you can start exploring the dark web by entering .onion URLs into the address bar. Remember to exercise caution and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.
Importantly, before you venture into the Dark Web, it’s essential to understand the legal and ethical considerations. While the Dark Web itself isn’t illegal, many activities conducted there can be. Moreover, its nature can also expose you to some cyber threats, so safety is key. Dark Web browsers, like TOR, are primarily used by people who prefer (or need) to browse the internet without revealing their locations or identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few main competitors, each of which offers distinct advantages and drawbacks over the more popular browser. So, now you know the basics the next questions are obvious – how to search the dark web and how to safely browse the deep web? The first thing you need to understand is that you’ll probably find Tor a lot slower than conventional web browsers. Downloading the Tor Browser is no more complicated than downloading Google Chrome.
How does Tor browser work?
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, using it to engage in illegal activities is against the law.
Can I be traced while using the dark web?
While the Tor network provides a high level of anonymity, it is not foolproof. With the right tools and resources, it is possible for someone to trace your activity back to you. Therefore, it’s important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid sharing personal information.
By following these steps and exercising caution, you can safely explore the dark web and experience a different side of the internet. Remember to always prioritize your safety and anonymity while browsing the dark web.
