How to Access the Dark Web
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific tools and methods to access. This section of the web is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for privacy-conscious individuals and activists. If you are interested in learning how to access the dark web, here are the essential steps and precautions to consider.
“The actors behind an attack may not access the organization’s network directly themselves. They may pay someone else to do that because that person has bought a vulnerability on the dark web to gain the access,” he says. Botnets are cheap and easy to use, so they continue to be among the most common cybercrime commodities sold on the dark web. “These large networks of compromised computers and IoT devices can be used for a variety of malicious cyber activities, including DDoS attacks, e-commerce click fraud, ransomware and crypto mining.
The Tor network, used to access the dark web, provides a certain level of anonymity. It does this by routing your internet traffic through three random servers across the globe and encrypting it three times. Dark web monitoring refers to the process of searching for and tracking down specific information found on the dark web. While the dark web itself is not illegal, it often facilitates illegal activities.
You can find both legal and illegal websites/activities on the dark web, as it isn’t regulated in any way. The deep web is the private layer, and it’s often password-protected. It’s the biggest part of the web, taking up about 96% of the internet. Deep web pages can’t be accessed through a simple search, as search engines do not index them — it’s a layer of the internet only accessible to people with a specific link or login credentials.
Essentially, it adds an extra layer of anonymity and security, making it harder for malicious actors to track your activities. Using a VPN is especially important when accessing the Dark Web because it helps keep your identity concealed. The dark web is a complex place where a lot can go wrong when you don’t do proper research on how to access the dark web safely. It is full of scammers, malware, and phishing websites — and these are just a few of the dangers. The main risks of visiting the dark web can be found in the table below.
While the dark web can be accessed by various browsers, Tor (The Onion Router) is the most popular and well-known. Get Avast BreachGuard for Mac to protect your privacy and keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. Get Avast BreachGuard for PC to protect your privacy and keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. Avast BreachGuard monitors the dark web for data breaches around the clock. If a breach is detected, BreachGuard will notify you right away and help you take the steps you need to secure your data immediately. If you become a victim, report the identity theft as soon as possible.
1. Understand the Dark Web
To use the dark web, you can search .onion websites on Tor privately. The dark web is not invented for wrong use but to provide privacy and anonymity to whoever needs it for transferring confidential data. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security. Accessing the dark web on Tor makes it much more difficult for police to track your online activity. In the last few years, international crime agencies have successfully worked together to shut down dark web marketplaces and arrest criminals.
Before attempting to access the dark web, it’s important to grasp what it is:
It’s important to note that the dark web should not be confused with the deep web, which is a part of the internet individuals access regularly. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different things. Deep web content — which isn’t picked up by search engines, either — includes pages that typically require additional credentials to access. Your online banking accounts and email accounts, for instance, are examples of deep web content. So, why would someone not want their website to be picked up by a search engine?
- The dark web is part of the deep web, which encompasses all web pages not indexed by traditional search engines.
- It requires specific software to access and is often used for anonymous browsing.
- Safety and legality should be paramount during your exploration.
There’s plenty of illegal content, products, and services available on the dark web. Anonymity doesn’t make carrying out illegal acts any more permissible, so be cautious about making purchases or downloading content. Depending on where you are, accessing the dark web might be illegal. But unless you engage in illegal activity on the dark web, you shouldn’t have to worry — at least in the US.
2. Download the Tor Browser
To access the dark web, you’ll need a special browser. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official Tor Project website to download the Tor Browser.
- Install the browser on your computer, ensuring that you use official sources to avoid malicious software.
- Once installed, open the Tor Browser to start your browsing experience.
3. Configure Your Security Settings
Does A VPN Protect You On The Dark Web?
- The free plan comes with Tor-friendly servers in the US, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan.
- DefCon, ProPublica, the CIA, various libraries, and open-source software providers also feature in this area of the internet.
- Great life advice, but it’s even more valuable where the darknet is concerned.
- And check your local laws to find out if accessing the dark web is legal.
- Many mainstream companies also maintain ‘onion’ versions of their websites to protect user privacy.
- There is nothing inherently illegal about accessing the dark web, as it is simply a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using special software.
Before you start browsing, enhance your privacy and security:
- Set the security level to “Safer” or “Safest” in the Tor Browser settings.
- Disable the use of JavaScript, as it can be used to compromise your anonymity.
- Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for an additional layer of security.
4. Accessing .onion Sites
Websites on the dark web often have the .onion domain. Here’s how to find these sites:
- Use .onion search engines like DuckDuckGo, notEvil, or The Hidden Wiki for access to links.
- Be cautious about the sites you visit, as some may host illegal or dangerous content.
- Review site reputation and user feedback where possible before engaging.
5. Stay Safe and Secure
Follow these guidelines to maintain your safety while accessing the dark web:
- Avoid sharing personal information or engaging in transactions.
- Use strong, unique passwords and consider using password managers.
- Regularly update your software, including the Tor Browser, to protect against vulnerabilities.
FAQs
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small segment of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can my activities on the dark web be traced?
While the dark web offers a degree of anonymity, it is not completely untraceable. Law enforcement agencies monitor certain activities, so caution is necessary.
Conclusion
Learning how to access the dark web requires understanding the risks and employing methods to protect your identity and data. With the right tools and knowledge, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet responsibly. Always prioritize your safety and remain aware of the legal implications of your online activities.
