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Browsing The Dark Web With Tor
Illegal activities damage the dark web’s reputation, even though they’re only a small part of what happens on the dark web. But if you are going to buy something through the dark web, make sure all transaction-related communication happens through your dedicated, anonymous email address. Remember, just as there are safe, legitimate uses for the dark web, there are also malicious parties willing to take advantage of naive users. Not your age, not what country you’re in, not even your gender identity. If you do need to create or use any dark web accounts, use dark web email addresses.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by standard search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities due to its anonymity. However, it also hosts legitimate uses such as privacy-focused discussions and activism.
Experian websites have been designed to support modern, up-to-date internet browsers. If you are currently using a non-supported browser your experience may not be optimal, you may experience rendering issues, and you may be exposed to potential security risks. It is recommended that you upgrade to the most recent browser version. The separation between the surface web and deep web is essential for how we use the internet. After all, you don’t want your bank statements appearing in someone’s search results.
Why Access the Dark Web?
The Onion Browser is far from ideal, but that’s entirely thanks to Apple’s policy of policing what iOS users can and cannot do on their own devices. Although there’s a Google Play Store entry for the Tor Browser’s Android app, you’re always safer going the slightly longer way around. Once the installation process is complete, you’re ready to start setting up your overlay network. If you’ve never used APK downloads before, I recommend sticking to the Google Play Store method for now.
Before learning how to get to the dark web, it’s important to understand why individuals choose to access it:
In particular, you will need a VPN connection and a secure web browser (such as the Tor Browser). Depending on your needs, you may want to use your VPN to download the secure browser of your choice. In general, the rules for accessing the deep web and the dark web safely are very similar to the best practices for accessing the surface web. However, you cannot simply browse to sites on the dark web—you have to take steps to ensure privacy first. The deep web and the dark web have a lot of uses, but they also aren’t without their risks. If you know anything about data privacy and protecting yourself from identity theft, it’s easy to mitigate these risks on the deep web.
It depends on who you are, what you’re doing, and how tech savvy you are. While Tor will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, your ISP can still see that you are connecting to the Tor network. Your ISP may get suspicious and decide to throttle your bandwidth. ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on.
The only difference is that you will likely find more marketplaces on the Dark Web that offer illegal goods. If you’ve ever heard of cybercrime, you’ll probably know that the cyber criminals of today are after more than just money. They take literally anything of value, which means credit card information, personal information, and more. All of these things are commodities on the Dark Web, to be bought, sold, or traded.
A VPN will give you an extra layer of protection and anonymity, making it much safer to explore the dark web. Like I2P, Freenet is a self-contained network within the network that can’t be used to access sites on the public web. It can only be used to access the content uploaded to the Freenet, which is a peer-to-peer distributed data store.
- Privacy: Many individuals seek out the dark web to maintain their privacy and anonymity.
- Activism: Whistleblowers and activists may use it to communicate sensitive information without fear of repercussion.
- Access to Restricted Information: Certain forums or documents unavailable on the surface web can be found here.
How to Get to the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires specific tools and precautions. Follow these steps:
- Download a Secure Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser. Download it from the official site to ensure security.
- Install a VPN: Before using the Tor Browser, consider installing a VPN. This adds an extra layer of anonymity and security to your connection.
- Configure Security Settings: Once installed, open the Tor Browser and adjust the security settings to the highest level for safer browsing.
- Use .onion Websites: Only access sites ending in .onion, as these are specifically designed for the Tor network.
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information, and be cautious about the information you encounter.
Safety Precautions
- But unless you engage in illegal activity on the dark web, you shouldn’t have to worry — at least in the US.
- The Tor network is operated by thousands of volunteers worldwide who maintain the proxy servers that protect your identity.
- Most people get confused between the Deep Web and the Darknet (or Dark Web).
- Following the principle of “safe rather than sorry,” assume every site you encounter on the dark web is a phishing site designed to steal your personal data and/or money.
When navigating the dark web, consider these safety measures:
- Keep Your Identity Safe: Do not use personal or identifying information.
- Avoid Suspicious Downloads: Beware of files or links that seem dubious.
- Be Aware of Scams: Understand that scams are prevalent, and exercise caution while making transactions.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the surface web, deep web, and dark web?
The surface web is what most users access daily, while the deep web includes any content not indexed by search engines (like databases). The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that requires special software.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, accessing the dark web is legal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it is not.
Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
While your identity is significantly masked, advanced tracking technologies may still potentially compromise your anonymity. Using a VPN adds a layer of security but doesn’t guarantee complete anonymity.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be risky but also offers valuable resources for those interested in privacy or sensitive information. By following proper procedures and precautions, individuals can safely navigate this hidden part of the internet.
