Method 2: Use Tails & The Tor Browser
What’s more, you should always use a VPN (like ExpressVPN) with Tor to protect yourself from IP leaks. I also recommend using an antivirus (like Norton 360) to protect your device from malware infections. The speeds are decent, but ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost VPN were much faster.
Tor Over VPN servers are identified with an onion symbol and found in the country list. It’s important to note that the dark web should not be confused with the deep web, which is a part of the internet individuals access regularly. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different things. Deep web content — which isn’t picked up by search engines, either — includes pages that typically require additional credentials to access. Your online banking accounts and email accounts, for instance, are examples of deep web content. There are online repositories that include reliable dark web websites and keep the lists up to date.
- Perfect forward secrecy (PFS) is also available, which changes your encryption key for each VPN connection to prevent hackers from compromising past or future encryption keys to spy on your traffic.
- Note that Sci-hub is illegal in some countries because of copyright restrictions, so you might want to check the laws in your region before accessing or downloading Sci-hub’s papers.
- Its talent for keeping activity anonymous remains, but now protects malicious actors instead of innocent citizens of a given country.
- However, don’t expect to get the same kind of service and wide-ranging results as you do on Google.
- You may be able to search such pages but you do so using their own internal search function, not a search engine like Bing or Yahoo.
How to Browse the Dark Web
VPNs are great because they ensure no one can snoop into what you’re doing on the web. Once you have a VPN set up, simply connect to it and then visit any website on the dark web. NordVPN is ideal for protecting your privacy before visiting the deep web in my experience.
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. To navigate this hidden aspect of the web, certain precautions and tools are necessary. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to browse the dark web safely.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is often confused with the deep web, but they are not the same. The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, such as private databases and password-protected sites, while the dark web is a segment intentionally hidden and requires specific software to access.
This includes every website you access on a regular basis through your preferred web browser. This is where people can no longer see, is data that is stored on the internet. Although the deep web and the dark web may seem intimidating and dangerous, they’re actually surprisingly simple services to get started with and use. In order to properly understand how the deep web works, you first have to understand a few fundamentals of how the regular internet operates, especially as it relates to search engines. Websites that exist purely on the deep web have different access, so there’s a level of privacy for the website hosts that isn’t possible on the regular internet. If your website is only accessible through the deep net, tracking down the physical location of your servers is much harder than it would be for a regular website.
We do not recommend accessing the dark web unless absolutely necessary. It’s a dangerous area of the internet, so access it at your own risk. While the dark web itself is not illegal, participating in black markets is. Selling or buying goods and services on a black market can lead to legal repercussions, even if you’re unaware that the marketplace is illegal. The dark web is not illegal, and it’s not illegal to be on the dark web. After all, it’s only meant to provide anonymity, which isn’t illegal in most regions.
Remember only to make purchases using digital currencies and never provide any online banking login details. The dark internet is designed to provide anonymity by keeping communication private through encryption and routing online content through multiple web servers. While the dark web is often depicted as an anarchic forum for criminal activity, that’s not necessarily true. The darknet is simply an anonymous space on the web that can be abused or appreciated in turn.
EDR strengthens security through continuous monitoring and gathering of data from endpoints to identify and address cyberthreats in real time. Dark web sites are not indexed by search engines, so there are no search engines to guide users. Browsing safely on the dark web is most effective when users have the exact URL for the website they want to visit. Despite using a VPN, accessing the dark web still leaves users exposed to cyberattacks.
Essential Tools for Browsing the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you need some essential tools:
- Tor Browser: A specialized browser designed to facilitate anonymous communication over the internet.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Adds an extra layer of security by masking your IP address.
- Search Engines: Use dark web-specific search engines like DuckDuckGo or Not Evil to find resources.
Steps on How to Browse the Dark Web
Follow these steps to browse the dark web:
- Install Tor Browser: Download the latest version of the Tor Browser from the official website.
- Set Up a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service and connect to a server to encrypt your internet traffic.
- Open Tor Browser: Launch the Tor Browser and allow it to connect to the Tor network.
- Use Dark Web Search Engines: Begin your search using dark web search engines for .onion sites.
- Stay Safe: Limit personal information sharing and avoid engaging in illegal activities.
Safety Precautions
While learning how to browse the dark web, it is critical to prioritize safety:
- Keep Your Identity Private: Avoid using your real name or personal details.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for different sites.
- Avoid Downloading Files: Many files may contain malware or viruses.
- Be Cautious with Links: Only click on trusted links, as many can lead to harmful sites.
Common FAQ
Is browsing the dark web illegal?
Browsing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted within it may be. Always adhere to local laws.
Can I access the dark web without Tor?
No, Tor is essential for accessing .onion sites, which are only reachable via the Tor network.
What are .onion websites?
.onion domains are unique to the Tor network and can only be accessed through the Tor Browser.
Is it safe to use a VPN with Tor?
Yes, using a VPN adds another layer of security, but make sure to use a trustworthy VPN provider.
Conclusion
Understanding how to browse the dark web responsibly can open up a world of information and resources not available through standard browsing. By following the outlined steps and maintaining safety precautions, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet securely.
