Privacy Protection
Your Wi-Fi network is another handy access point that hackers use to infiltrate your computers, steal your identity, and grab your personal details. This week caps off our year of cyber breaches; in this week alone, we saw millions of records stolen, targeted health providers, mortgage servicers crumble, and the return of a year-old breach. This week in cybersecurity saw billions of records fall into the hands of criminals. The week began with a report of 132k records compromised from an Indiana healthcare system. However, it is unlawful to access sites to view child abuse and pornography, promote terrorism, or sell illegal weapons.
If the surface web is the visible part of an iceberg above water, the deep web is the part submerged beneath – much larger but hidden from plain view. Some people use the terms ‘dark web’ and ‘deep web’ interchangeably; however, significant portions of the deep web are completely legal and safe to use. We provide 24/7 IT support, cybersecurity and business phone system management to small and midsize businesses throughout the Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs metro areas. One of the most common items sold on the dark web includes credit card numbers.
How Do People Get on the Dark Web?
Used to access the Darknet, I2P is an anonymous network that provides point-to-point (P2P) access. It contains layers that allow anonymous and secure applications to transmit messages to each other. The network is messaging-based and uses a library to ensure secure streaming.
The deep web has some barriers to accessibility while being adjacent to the surface web and is typically accessed via the same browsers. It may not be illegal to access the dark web, but doing so comes with considerable risks. The dark web is a place where stumbling into the wrong place (including illegal places) is easy to do.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also hosts legitimate forums and resources. Understanding how do people get on the dark web involves several steps and precautions.
If you ever need to download and use Tor, a VPN will help prevent your ISP or anyone else from knowing about it. Removing your personal information from the dark web is difficult. Once the data is available on dark web marketplaces, it’s nearly impossible to track down the individuals responsible. To avoid theft of your personal data in the first place, use a data protection tool that helps you keep your data in your own hands. You can buy a wide range of legal goods and services on dark web marketplaces.
Search engines “crawl” the surface web for new websites and pages, and index their findings. When you search for a website or term, the search engine shows you results from its index that it thinks best match your query. Even though it has the name “dark web”, its access isn’t that secretive; most can be reached through traditional web browsers like Google or DuckDuckGo. To remain safe when searching the dark web, use an advanced search engine based on Tor that offers privacy extensions to stay safe while exploring. Deep web databases containing hotel bookings, online purchases and medical records could be compromised for criminal use.
Some consider VPN over Tor more secure because it maintains anonymity throughout the entire process (assuming you pay for your VPN anonymously). Although the official Tor Project advises against VPN over Tor, both methods are superior to not using a VPN at all. If you connect to your VPN and fire up Tor Browser, you’re using Tor over VPN, this is by far the most common method. All your device’s internet traffic first goes to the VPN server, then it bounces through the Tor Network before ending up at its final destination.
- Whistleblowers often come to the dark web to find allies who can take their secrets and share them more publicly elsewhere.
- Also, in some countries, governments may actively monitor or block access to the Tor network.
- As above, make sure you’re only visiting .onion sites you trust and don’t share any personal information.
- There are different tools you can use to see if your information is on the dark web, has been leaked in a data breach or is easily accessible on the surface (in other words, not dark) web.
1. Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the methods of accessing the dark web, it’s essential to grasp what it entails:
- Dark Web: A segment of the internet that requires specific software to access
- Deep Web: Includes parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, such as databases and private websites
- Clearnet: The portion of the internet that is accessible to everyone and indexed by search engines
2. Tools Required
Accessing the dark web typically requires specialized software. The most popular option is:
- Tor Browser: This browser allows users to access .onion websites, which are exclusive to the dark web.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Enhances privacy by masking IP addresses and encrypting internet traffic.
3. Steps to Access the Dark Web
Here are the typical steps involved in accessing the dark web:
- Download and Install Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download the latest version.
- Set Up a VPN: Choose a trustworthy VPN service for added anonymity.
- Connect to the VPN: Always connect to the VPN before opening the Tor Browser.
- Open Tor Browser: Launch the Tor Browser and adjust the security settings according to your preference.
- Access .onion websites: Enter the URLs of websites designated for the dark web.
4. Ensuring Security and Anonymity
When exploring the dark web, taking precautions is crucial to remain safe and anonymous:
- Keep personal information private
- Do not download unverified files
- Be wary of suspicious links
- Regularly update Tor Browser and VPN software
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web can be used for various purposes, including privacy-focused discussions, whistleblowing, and accessing illegal marketplaces. It’s vital to understand the risks and ethical implications involved with these activities.
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can you be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web offers a degree of anonymity, users can still be tracked by sophisticated methods and law enforcement. Employing tools like VPNs and being cautious can reduce this risk.
Are there safe sites on the dark web?
Yes, there are forums and resources on the dark web that promote privacy and free speech, but caution is still necessary due to the unpredictable nature of the content available.
Conclusion
Understanding how do people get on the dark web involves a combination of specific tools and security measures. While the dark web can offer anonymity and unique resources, it is essential to approach it with caution and awareness of potential risks.
