That being said, the probability of such incidents is low given the secure nature of this OS. Do NOT perform other activities using the surfer account aside from running the VPN and VM. Enter absolutely no personal information in the surfer account and particularly in the VM. The chance that some of your information is on the dark web is high. Too many data breaches happen, with email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords getting leaked every day.
Understanding the Dark Web
It connects you to a network of servers rather than a particular server. This makes it slower than a VPN and also very difficult to try and get a new IP address in a specific country, which is easy to do with a VPN. Because the Tor network is run by volunteers, there’s also little in the way of accountability. Bad actors can compromise nodes, with exit nodes being of particular concern. Mullvad is one of the few providers that offer the VPN Over Tor configuration to access the dark web.
Gain full context of an attack to connect the dots on how hackers are attempting to breach your network. To be sure your activity on the dark web is protected, using a reputable VPN that doesn’t keep logs is recommended. Internet traffic is protected using 256-bit AES encryption, together with a SHA384 hash and 4096-bit RSA keys for OpenVPN and IKEv2. The company enforces a strict no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland, which has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.
The deep web includes all internet content protected by passwords, authentication forms, and firewalls — like subscription services, banking information, and email accounts. Most of the web is actually the deep web, and whenever we enter login credentials and passwords to view web content, we’re accessing a part of the deep web. So, you’ve heard of the “dark web” or “darknet”, a hidden internet infamous for hosting illegal activities. Or your organization recently got hit by data breach and you want to look into it yourself.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access, which is key to maintaining anonymity.
The Hidden Wiki — Collection Of Popular Dark Web Links
Officially, the Tor Browser is only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Many experts advise against using third-party mobile browsers that utilize the Tor Network. There are no standard web browsers that can be used to access dark web content. The dark web and Tor are often used by journalists and whistleblowers, including Edward Snowden himself, to exchange sensitive information.
Why Access the Dark Web?
- To access the dark web from a country where the Tor Network is banned or restricted, we suggest using obfuscated servers.
- But whether or not visiting the Dark Web is worth your time is another matter altogether.
- Another problem with this system is that there’s increasing evidence that law enforcement agencies — such as the FBI — run and operate large number of exit nodes.
- Keep in mind, using VPN over Tor is not advised — even by the Tor browser itself.
- This can be anything from secure academic archives, library databases, members only websites and all the way up to the Darknet which I’ll talk about shortly.
People have various reasons for wanting to access the dark web, including:
Specialized search engines, directories, and wikis can help users locate the data they’re looking for. Dark web browsers such as Tor are designed to offer anonymity and access to hidden services not listed by standard search engines. Surfing the dark web is usually slower than the regular internet, with websites having limited functionality.
- Privacy and anonymity.
- Accessing information in restrictive countries.
- Research purposes.
How to Access the Dark Web Safely
When exploring the dark web, safety should be your top priority. Follow these steps to ensure a secure access:
1. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for protecting your identity. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address.
- Choose a reliable VPN provider.
- Ensure it does not keep logs of your activity.
2. Download the Tor Browser
The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser, which allows you to browse anonymously.
- Download from the official website to avoid malware.
- Follow the installation instructions carefully.
3. Configure Tor for Enhanced Security
After installing, make sure to adjust the settings for better privacy:
- Enable ‘NoScript’ to prevent scripts from running.
- Access websites only through .onion links.
4. Be Cautious with Personal Information
Never share personal or financial information while browsing the dark web. It is crucial to maintain your privacy.
5. Avoid Suspicious Links
The dark web can be rife with scams and illegal content. Stick to trusted sources. If in doubt, do not click on a link.
6. Use Additional Security Measures
Consider employing additional software for security:
- Antivirus or anti-malware to protect your device.
- Ad-blockers can help reduce risks from malicious ads.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the surface web and the dark web?
The surface web is accessible to anyone and indexed by search engines, while the dark web requires special tools to access and is often associated with anonymity.
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted there can be illegal. Always adhere to local laws.
Can I access the dark web on my mobile device?
Yes, there are Tor-compatible browsers for mobile devices, but using a VPN is recommended for enhanced security.
What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
Immediately exit the site and do not engage. It is advisable to report it to authorities.
Final Thoughts
Accessing the dark web can be an intriguing venture for many, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and privacy. Following the steps outlined will help you explore this hidden part of the internet with reduced risk.
