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NordVPN — Best VPN For Dark Web
Understanding the Dark Web
You can also find dissident or banned literature, troves of archived media and censorship-free discussion boards that are truly anonymous and encrypted. Despite its heavy encryption and mysterious nature, getting on to the Dark Web is actually fairly easy. All you need are the right tools and knowledge of where you’ll be navigating. There’s much more to the internet than you might expect on the surface.
This is probably going to be one of the longest posts I’ve written on 99Bitcoins, but also the most interesting of them all. If you just want to go ahead and learn how to access the Darknet, you can skip to the bottom of the post and watch the video tutorial. I’m assuming you’ve heard the terms Darknet, Dark web or Deep web before. If you have, then you’re probably wondering how one can access these hidden corners of the Internet. There are a few websites like HaveIBeenPwned.com and Experian that allow you to look yourself up for free using an email address. When you read in the news about hackers stealing information from banks, tech companies, and hospitals, often that stolen information eventually ends up on the dark web.
Now that you are ready to go, you need to sign up for an untraceable email address. A known email service provider like Gmail or Outlook are certainly out of the question. To do this, you need an email address to register for many .onion websites. Moreover, the completion of a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive. Most items ordered from the darknet websites may need to cross international borders. It is also checked by customs officials, which may crackdown on suspicious parcels.
Remember to connect to a VPN server before launching the Tor browser for maximum security. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it harder for anyone to trace your online activities. Even if someone uses malicious nodes on the Tor network to uncover your IP address, they’ll only see the VPN IP instead of your real one. The dark web is the third layer of the internet and the hardest to find. It consists of websites that use the “.onion” top-level domain instead of “.com”, “.net”, etc. You can’t access “.onion” sites through regular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access. It is often associated with various illegal activities, but it also serves as a space for privacy-focused communications and information exchange, especially in regions where freedom of expression is limited.
What You Need to Get Started
Before learning how to browse the dark web, you need a few essential tools:
You cannot access the dark web through conventional browsers and search engines — it’s only accessible with special browsers like Tor. This decentralized browser has unique configurations to mask your identity and make it harder for anyone to see your online activities. More specifically, in the 1990s, they invented onion routing, a protocol that makes anonymous communication in a network possible. Messages are protected by multiple layers of encryption, then passed through multiple servers (called nodes). Each node peels away another layer of encryption, like peeling an onion before finally being sent to its final destination.
Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground on the dark web looking for stolen data from recent security breaches that might lead to a trail to the perpetrators. Many mainstream media organizations monitor whistleblower sites looking for news. Medical records, fee-based content, membership websites, and confidential corporate web pages are just a few examples of what makes up the deep web. Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet. Only a tiny portion of the internet is accessible through a standard web browser—generally known as the “clear web”. The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines and requires the use of an anonymizing browser called Tor to be accessed.
Sites on the Dark Web are safely accessed by using dedicated software. The TOR Browser uses complex algorithms to anonymize a site’s IP address. It is imperative to download the browser from the TOR Projects dedicated site and no other.
- For example, some of our favorite social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, have set up mirror sites on the dark web for people who don’t want to be watched by the government.
- But I had much faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
- Only a minuscule portion of the internet is actually visible to regular users.
- If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
It’s more complicated to set up, but it offers a higher level of protection. If you do anything illegal on the dark web, you can still be prosecuted. If you want to be 100% sure you won’t install any malware on your PC while on the dark web, you can use a virtual machine (VM).
- Tor Browser: This is the most popular tool for accessing the dark web. It anonymizes your web traffic by routing it through various servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a VPN adds an additional layer of security and anonymity.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a live operating system like Tails, which can be run from a USB drive and leaves no trace on the computer.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Browse the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely navigate the dark web:
- Install the Tor Browser: Download it from the official Tor Project website to ensure it’s legitimate.
- Set Up a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service and connect before launching the Tor Browser.
- Open the Tor Browser: After installation, launch the Tor Browser. The connection process may take a little time.
- Navigate to .onion Sites: Unlike regular websites, dark web sites often use the .onion domain. You can find directories or links to such sites through various forums or websites known within the dark web community.
- Practice Safe Browsing: Avoid sharing personal information, clicking on unknown links, or downloading files that may compromise your security.
Safety Tips for Dark Web Browsing
When exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some tips:
- Remain Anonymous: Always protect your identity by using pseudonyms and not sharing personal information.
- Stay Aware of Scams: Many sites are set up to scam users; only navigate trusted sites.
- Use Strong Security Practices: Keep your security software updated and avoid downloading anything unless absolutely necessary.
- Be Informed: Educate yourself about the potential risks associated with dark web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to browse the dark web?
Yes, browsing the dark web itself is legal in most countries. However, engaging in illegal activities is against the law.
What can you find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, including forums, marketplaces, and blogs. Some sites focus on privacy and freedom of expression, while others may facilitate illegal activities.
Can I get hacked while browsing the dark web?
There is a risk of encountering malicious software or scams on the dark web. Always use security measures like a VPN and the Tor Browser to minimize risks.
How can I access the dark web safely?
Always use a VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and stick to trusted sources to minimize risks while browsing.
Conclusion
Knowing how to browse the dark web requires a combination of the right tools and a strong understanding of safety practices. While this part of the internet can be intriguing, it is essential to approach it with caution and responsibility.
