Exploring the Dark Web: How to Access It Safely

The dark web is a mysterious part of the internet where users can access hidden websites and forums that are not indexed by traditional search engines. While it can be a hub for illegal activities, it can also be a place for whistleblowers, activists, and researchers to share information anonymously. If you are curious about how to access the dark web, here are some steps to do so safely:

Despite this seemingly small percentage, it contains a vast trove of hidden data and websites. Many are eager to access the dark web on phones, not for nefarious reasons, but out of pure curiosity or sometimes for research purposes. By monitoring the dark web, security teams can gain information that will enable them to stay ahead of the threats.

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

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A VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, making it harder for anyone to track your online activity. This extra layer of security is crucial when accessing the dark web.

2. Download the Tor Browser

The websites you visit every day represent just a small fraction of the whole internet. Beyond this “surface web” is the deep web, and within the deep web is the dark web. Then get a data-monitoring tool like Avast BreachGuard to keep your personal information safe. Even though the dark web is touted as being private and secure, there are still risks involved.

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The Tor Browser is a free and open-source web browser that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It routes your connection through multiple servers, making it almost impossible to trace your online activities back to you.

• These websites may look similar to any other surface or deep website you’d encounter.
• Others may act in ways that are illegal for the protection and safety of others.
• The Tor browser is based on Firefox and makes use of extensions like ‘NoScript’ to prevent harmful code from loading and there’s a built-in ad blocker (see below).
• The high volume of unlawful activities and explicit content on the dark web also creates a risk of suffering psychological harm.
• Each peer can then reshare and distribute themselves once they have downloaded it.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Onion Sites

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On the dark web, websites have .onion URLs instead of traditional domain names. These sites are only accessible through the Tor network, so make sure you know how to navigate them before exploring.

FAQs

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Dark web search engines don’t quite resemble the search engines you’re used to seeing, like Google. Plus, they’re not as efficient in helping you navigate to where you want to go. This is due to the ever-evolving nature of the dark web — search engines there simply can’t keep up with the changes, often providing irrelevant or repetitive results. You can access Tor on your phone or iPad (not advised) — but not on Chromebook. Should you decide to access the dark web from your mobile phone, I highly encourage you to protect yourself with a VPN. While such stories can cast the dark web in a negative light, it’s worth noting that there are numerous legal and beneficial activities accessible through it.

How do you get to the dark web?

So, always use strong passwords and never use your name, birthdate, or anything else that cybercriminals can guess using information available online. Suppose you take a proactive approach to security and take every step to protect your data, and you notice some lapses. In that case, your personal information is probably on the dark web. In this case, signing up for credit monitoring and checking your rating regularly is also a good idea. It’s also a good idea to take it a step further and leverage a dark web monitoring service. If your data is actively being bought and sold online, there are some signs that will alert you to identify theft.

• Install a VPN on your device.
• Download the Tor Browser.
• Access onion sites using the Tor Browser.

Is it legal to access the dark web?

While accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law. Make sure to use caution and stay informed about the risks involved.

By following these steps and exercising caution, you can explore the dark web safely and responsibly. Remember to always prioritize your online security and privacy when accessing any part of the internet.