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If you’ve heard about the dark web and are curious to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place. The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. While it has a reputation for being a hub of illegal activity, it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals seeking privacy and anonymity.
Why is the dark web called the wild west of the internet?
The dark web may be the Wild West of the internet — a place without rules, gatekeepers, or censorship — but there are still reasons to visit.
We highly recommend a top VPN like NordVPN if you are considering accessing the dark web. NordVPN offers a number of dark web-specific features, such as Onion over VPN servers and robust AES 256-bit encryption. Keep in mind, using VPN over Tor is not advised — even by the Tor browser itself. In this case, your traffic goes through Tor’s network first before going through a VPN. Your internet service provider still won’t see your IP address, but they will know that you are using Tor.
Can I Access The Dark Web On Mobile?
Getting Started
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But while it certainly is a place where illegal activities are facilitated, it can also be a force for good. It’s important to use a VPN when accessing the dark web to protect your online safety and identity. While there is no official naming convention for these things, a common definition of the Dark web is that part of the Deep web that you need specialized tools to visit. You can’t just look up some Dark web page in your regular search engine and dive head first into the darkness.
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1. Download Tor Browser
Tor Browser is the most popular tool used to access the dark web. It allows you to browse websites anonymously and securely. Simply download and install the browser from the official website.
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2. Familiarize Yourself with Onion Sites
On the dark web, websites have .onion domains instead of traditional .com or .net. These sites are not indexed by search engines, so you’ll need to know the exact URL to access them.
Staying Safe
What are the rules of the dark web?
You should remember that in most countries, accessing dark web resources is legal. However, conducting criminal activities via the dark web is illegal.
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1. Use a VPN
While Tor Browser provides anonymity, using a VPN adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. This helps protect your identity and data while browsing the dark web.
2. Avoid Suspicious Links
Be cautious of clicking on any links that seem too good to be true or lead to illegal content. Malware and scams are prevalent on the dark web, so it’s essential to exercise caution.
- The dark web gets a bad reputation as a haven for illegal activity, but there are in fact benefits of the Dark Web that are often overlooked.
- During traffic analysis, an analyst builds networks, observing who is going where and who is talking to whom.
- Antivirus will ensure that any viruses or malware downloaded from the dark web are removed.
- The hidden and encrypted internet enables hackers and activists and criminals.
- Maintain a complete record of activities while on the dark web and have a policy in place for “rules of engagement” when on sites where criminal activity may occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on it is against the law. - Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you need specialized software like Tor Browser to access the dark web safely.
- Are there legitimate uses for the dark web?
Yes, the dark web can be used for whistleblowing, journalism, and maintaining privacy.
And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English. Sites on the dark web don’t come with easy-to-remember URLs, and many disappear suddenly. A dark web search engine can help you surf sites on the Tor browser. Many who access the dark web do so by first connecting to it with the Tor (an acronym for the “The Onion Router”) browser. Navy and made public in 2004, Tor is the most popular dark web browser because of its unrivaled security and privacy.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can explore the dark web safely and responsibly. Remember to always prioritize your online security and privacy while navigating this complex network.
What are the dangers of the dark web?
Other illicit marketplaces on the Dark Web
Besides personal information yielded from data breaches and various other types of cyber attacks and online scams, these black markets also offer illegal drugs, access to emerging cyber threats and viruses, and even hitmen for hire [*].
