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Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing this hidden part of the web requires specific software and knowledge. For those curious about how to navigate this mysterious realm, understanding the process is crucial. So, how do you find the dark web?
Deep web content makes up most of the internet — by some estimates, 96 percent or more, says CSO Daily. The Tor browser uses the Tor network, which was developed in the mid-1990s by US Naval Research Laboratory employees. The browser is open-source software that is free to download and enables anonymous communication online.
If you set up a private and secure network with a group of friends, that could be an example of a darknet. And just as there are reasons to remain anonymous in real life, there may be reasons you wish to remain anonymous on the internet. The dark web is a network of secret websites that you can’t find without a special anonymous browser. The internet—and the devices we use to access it—are more interconnected than ever. In the real world, there are ways to remain anonymous and secretive by, say, paying with cash rather than a credit card.
Requirements for Accessing the Dark Web
It is designed for anonymous web browsing, and has various features (and limitations) that help achieve this. The Surface Web (also referred toy as the Visible Web, the Indexed Web, the Lightnet, and the Clearnet) is the part of the World Wide Web that most of us are familiar with. If you can find a page with a standard search engine (Google or DuckDuckGo) and visit it with a standard web browser (Chrome or Firefox), it is part of the Surface web. Even with Tor, third parties can track your activities and uncover your identity and location.
Still, wherever you have anonymous traffic on hidden networks, the criminal activity will follow. The deep web refers to any part of the internet that isn’t discoverable by a search engine. But that doesn’t mean it’s suspicious — there are plenty of sites you visit in your day-to-day browsing that fall into this category. We have prepared this blog post to clear some misconceptions and guide you on how to safely browse the Deep Web.
Where access to popular social media or news sites is censored, dark web links of the same sites can help you stay informed. Much of the dark web isn’t shady, illegal, or used for criminal purposes. Dark web browsing is often motivated simply by keeping your real identity secure and your online activity private. Depending on where you are, accessing the dark web might be illegal.
To access the dark web, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Also, you risk infecting your device with viruses by visiting some websites on the dark web.
- One site alone generated an estimated $219 million in annual revenue as of 2017, according to a new NIJ-supported report by the RAND Corporation (RAND).
- There’s no regulation or assumption of safety on the dark web to protect your personal information.
- You can see why this ecosystem would be so attractive to those involved in criminal activity.
- Aleksandar Kochovski is an expert in cybersecurity with a pronounced emphasis on secure cloud storage, a key component of modern cloud computing.
Using Tor makes it more difficult to trace internet activity to the user, including the websites visited and the user’s physical location. Tor is the recommended way to access the dark web because it is specifically designed to protect the privacy of its users and make it difficult to track their online activity. Google may be synonymous with online search but the internet is much larger than a single search engine. The vast majority of the web lies hidden, unindexed on traditional search engines.
The other 90-95%—the Deep Web—is basically all the content not indexed by search engines. The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate. To access the dark web, you’ll need special search engines like Candle, Not Evil, and SearX, all of which require a specialized browser like Tor to work. On the dark web, neither users nor web administrators reveal themselves to each other, including their identity or their location. Hence, it’s very hard to shut down dark web servers or place geo-restrictions on users.
The basic code of the browser is actually based on Mozilla’s Firefox browser, so anyone who has spent time with that classic browser will be well at home here. The first thing you need to access the dark web is a browser that essentially opens up the dark web for you, and the most popular dark web browser of them all is Tor. Now you’ve got your VPN and Tor Browser, you’re ready to access the dark web on your phone. Proton VPN has a really good free plan for browsing dark web links since it allows unlimited data.
- Tor Browser: This is the most popular and recommended method for accessing the dark web. It allows users to browse anonymously.
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of security and anonymity while you surf the dark web.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a live OS such as Tails, which runs from a USB stick and leaves no trace on the host machine.
Steps to Find the Dark Web
Once you have the necessary tools, follow these steps to explore the dark web:
- Download and Install the Tor Browser: Go to the official Tor Project website to download the software safely.
- Set Up a VPN: Before opening Tor, start your VPN to ensure your IP address is masked.
- Open Tor Browser: Launch the browser, and let it connect to the Tor network.
- Navigate and Search: Use .onion sites or directories to find dark web content. Some popular directories include:
- Ahmia
- Dark Search
- Not Evil
- Exercise Caution: Always be aware of what sites you are visiting, and avoid sharing personal information.
Safety Tips While Exploring the Dark Web
Exploring the dark web can be dangerous, so it’s essential to take precautions:
- Remain Anonymous: Don’t use personal information or share identifiable data.
- Avoid illegal activities: Understand the laws in your country regarding dark web usage.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Files can contain malware or viruses that harm your device.
- Verify Sources: Ensure that the websites you visit are legitimate and known in the community.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the surface web and the dark web?
The surface web includes all websites indexed by search engines, while the dark web consists of websites that require specific software to access and are not indexed.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, it is legal to access the dark web in many countries. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can you be tracked while using the dark web?
While the Tor Browser and VPNs offer anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked if you are not careful. Always protect your identity and be cautious about the information you share.
What kind of content is available on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a wide range of content, including forums, marketplaces, and blogs. While some are legal, many sites may engage in illegal activities, so approach with caution.
Exploring the dark web can be intriguing, but it requires careful consideration and proper tools. Always prioritize safety and understand the risks involved.
