Using Onion Over A VPN — All You Need To Know
However, it is crucial to remember that the Tor browser, while excellent for maintaining anonymity, is not a guarantee of absolute security. It is still possible for advanced adversaries or government agencies to track and identify users engaging in certain activities on the Dark Web. When venturing into the Dark Web, anonymity becomes a crucial aspect to safeguard your identity and privacy. As the Dark Web operates on the principle of anonymity, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure your online activities remain untraceable. Understanding the complexities of the Dark Web allows users to navigate its hidden corners responsibly.
The best VPN options are paid-for and subscription-based, as many free options will either throttle your speed or collect your data. No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable high-speed internet connection a critical element of our daily lives. We pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, find information, and maintain a presence on social media. ZDNET’s recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping.
Onion routing is the original technology developed in the 1990s that made the Dark Web possible. The company may not have a large server network and access to much in the way of geo-restricted streaming content, but it does have plenty going for it in terms of privacy. You can sign up for the service completely anonymously, use a cryptographically signed installer, and double up on encryption using MultiHop servers. The most common way to safely access the dark web is by connecting to a VPN and then opening the Tor browser.
Accessing the Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide
As you are now familiar with the three different sections within the entire world wide web, let’s take a closer look at how you can access the dark web anonymously. We’ve also previously mentioned the “dark users” that use the dark web for illegal reasons, but the less said about them, the better. The release of Freenet in 2000 is considered by many as the start or founding of the dark web.
If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. 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.
Using the Tor browser for dark web access is legal in most countries. You may accidentally reveal personal information or click on the wrong link and infect your computer with malware. These hidden sites provide services such as selling stolen credit card and bank account information, hacking tools, and weapons. The US military created the dark web to protect US intelligence communications online.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific methods and tools to access. How do you access the dark web? Here, we will guide you through the basic steps and considerations.
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. The dark web is a part of the internet that can usually only be accessed using a specialized browser. While it’s infamous for drug-slinging and other criminal activities, people also turn to the dark web for valuable anonymous activities like bypassing censorship, journalism, and whistle-blowing.
Basically, it’s an intentionally hidden part of the internet that can only be accessed using Tor. Tor stands for The Onion Router and it’s a browser based on Firefox, specifically made with accessing “.onion” websites in mind. You can’t just start surfing the dark web by typing something into Google. You’ll have to visit sites using their onion URLs or search with an onion search engine. A Hidden Service (also known as an ‘onion service’) is one where not only the user, but also the website itself, have their anonymity protected by Tor. This means that the IP address of the site cannot be identified, meaning that information about its host, location or content is hidden.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is often misunderstood and associated with illegal activities. However, it also serves legitimate purposes, including:
- Privacy protection
- Whistleblowing platforms
- Support groups for marginalized individuals
Essential Tools for Accessing the Dark Web
Before delving into the dark web, you’ll need certain tools:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common method for accessing the dark web. It anonymizes your browsing by routing traffic through several servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): It adds an additional layer of privacy and security. Always use a reliable VPN before accessing the dark web.
- Secure Operating Systems: Consider using an OS like Tails or Qubes, designed for privacy and security.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- Download and Install Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Avoid third-party websites to prevent downloading malicious software.
- Connect to a VPN: Activate your VPN to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet connection.
- Open Tor Browser: After installation, launch the Tor Browser. Follow the initial connection instructions.
- Access .onion Sites: To navigate the dark web, you will primarily access websites that end with the .onion domain. Use trusted directories or forums to find links.
- As said, it’ll route your traffic through multiple nodes, which will decrease your internet speed but add to your anonymity.
- Since you’ve now installed the Tor browser, you can safely browse dark web websites and other (previously) hidden websites.
- The latter uses ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, which is authenticated with Poly1305.
- PrivateVPN allows torrenting and has dedicated servers in its home country for just that purpose.
- It’s important to use a VPN when accessing the dark web to protect your online safety and identity.
Safety Precautions
While accessing the dark web, ensure to follow these safety tips:
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information.
- Be Cautious of Downloads: Files may contain malware. Only download from trustworthy sources.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords.
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on the latest security practices.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
2. What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, from forums and marketplaces to blogs and news sources catering to privacy-conscious individuals.
3. How do I stay safe while on the dark web?
Use a reliable VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and be cautious with downloads and links to protect your safety.
4. What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small subset of the deep web that requires specific software like Tor to access.
In conclusion, understanding how do you access the dark web involves knowing the right tools, following appropriate steps, and adhering to safety precautions. While it offers a layer of anonymity, it’s crucial to navigate carefully and stay aware of potential risks.
