Accessing the dark web can be a risky endeavor if not done properly. However, with the right precautions and knowledge, it is possible to navigate the dark web safely. Here are some tips to help you access the dark web securely:
1. Use a Secure VPN
From there, choose “Tor Network Settings.” This will bring up a window where you need to confirm that you want to use Tor as your default browser and enable your Tor Browser security settings. The use of the dark web usually means that you are attempting to engage in activity that you could not otherwise carry out in the public eye. Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today. If you do anything illegal on the dark web, you can still be prosecuted. The dark web was originally created as an anonymity tool and is still used this way by many.
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Before accessing the dark web, it is crucial to use a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, making it more difficult for third parties to track your online activities.
- That’s not to say that the entire deep web consists of these difficult-to-find websites.
- A VPN sends your web traffic to a server, which transmits it to the internet.
- “There are many dark webs already,” says Douglas Lubhan, VP of threat intelligence at BlackFog.
- If you are a resident of a country where Tor is blocked, a Tor bridge can be used to access the Tor network.
Put simply, the deep web is all of the information stored online that isn’t indexed by search engines. You don’t need any special tools or a dark net browser to access most of the deep web; you just need to know where to look. Specialized search engines, directories, and wikis can help users locate the data they’re looking for. You can now safely browse dark web websites and hidden wikis, but if you plan to do anything more than that, you’ll need to take several precautions.
2. Utilize Tor Browser
What is the Tor Browser?
Dark web sites can track your location (using GPS or WiFi location tracking) and access other information easily when you’re using a mobile device. While NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN feature allows you to access the dark web on any browser (including Google Chrome), we recommend using a pro-privacy browser like DuckDuckGo. This is important to block trackers and protect your privacy from snooping third parties. We’ve already covered how to get on the dark web using a computer. In this article, we’ll explain how you can access the dark web safely on a phone — both iPhone and Android.
To access the dark web, it is recommended to use the Tor Browser. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. It routes your internet traffic through a series of servers, making it challenging for anyone to trace your online activities.
VPN Over Tor or Tor Over VPN: Which Is Better?
3. Disable JavaScript
Removing your personal information from the dark web is difficult. Once the data is available on dark web marketplaces, it’s nearly impossible to track down the individuals responsible. To avoid theft of your personal data in the first place, use a data protection tool that helps you keep your data in your own hands. In 1989, Ian Clarke launched the Freenet project, which aimed to allow anonymous online interactions at a time when internet anonymity was difficult to achieve.
Disabling JavaScript in your browser can enhance your security while browsing the dark web. Some malicious websites may exploit JavaScript vulnerabilities to track your online behavior or even install malware on your device. By disabling JavaScript, you reduce the risk of encountering such threats.
Legal.Cases lets you pick court decisions from 10+ country categories (including the US, the UK, and Russia). There’s also an International category, where you can find cases from tons of other countries like Austria, Romania, and Portugal. Dark web domains are generated in a cryptographically secure way, so they look like random strings of 16 characters or more (like 3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion, for example). SecureDrop is an open-source submission system that nonprofit organizations (NGOs), journalists, and news organizations can use to share and receive sensitive files securely. It’s used by 50+ news organizations, including ABC, Bloomberg News, CBC, and The New York Times.
4. Be Cautious of Links and Downloads
When navigating the dark web, exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading files. Malicious actors often use fake links or downloads to infect devices with malware. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and only download files from reputable sources.
5. Keep Your Identity Anonymous
It is essential to maintain your anonymity while browsing the dark web. Avoid sharing personal information or using identifiable usernames. Additionally, consider creating a separate email account and using pseudonyms to further protect your identity.
Alternatives to the Tor Browser
6. Stay Updated on Security Measures
As the dark web landscape constantly evolves, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest security measures and threats. Regularly update your security software, educate yourself on potential risks, and be vigilant while browsing the dark web.
In conclusion,
Accessing the dark web can be done safely by following these precautionary measures. By using a secure VPN, utilizing the Tor Browser, disabling JavaScript, being cautious of links and downloads, keeping your identity anonymous, and staying updated on security measures, you can navigate the dark web without compromising your online safety.
