Accessing The Dark Web On Your Smartphone Or Tablet
Understanding the Dark Web
In order to understand the dark web properly, you need to understand that the internet is a huge and sometimes disorganized place. It has billions of sites and addresses, it is amazing that we can both search for – and find – anything. Why else would the police in Brazil, Germany, and the United States need to raid dark web e-shops like the Wall Street Market and the Silk Road?
The dark web sites on Tor have .onion attached right at the end of the web address, and can only be accessed by said web browser. However, there are methods used to access dark web sites without using Tor. In this article, we will cover how we can access dark web sites with a regular browser, as well as the methods used to identify and research actual dark web sites belonging to hacker groups. Most people get confused between the Deep Web and the Darknet (or Dark Web). The Deep Web refers to all parts of the Internet which search engines can’t find.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific tools and configurations to access and navigate. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to browse the dark web safely and securely.
Make sure to download the Tor Browser only from the official website so as not to risk downloading malware, spyware, or some other virus to your device. The dark web, or dark net, is a small part of the deep web that is kept hidden on purpose. Websites and data on the dark web do typically require a special tool to access. Drugs, weapons, and stolen IP and data are all hot businesses on the dark web, with terabytes of information on offer. Traders cash in on stolen credit card data dumps, initial access points to vulnerable systems, credentials, and intellectual property belonging to companies compromised during cyberattacks. You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app.
What You Need
Before venturing into the dark web, it’s essential to gather the right tools:
Keep in mind what you’re looking for, find that information, and disconnect from the dark web. As enticing as it might be, don’t follow links to other parts of the dark web. Government cyber teams can take such websites down, arrest the owners and then use the website to track and follow users that show activity on the website. These high levels of anonymity increase the opportunity for the “bad guys” to sell drugs, stolen IDs, credit cards, weapons, and many more compromised products or information. Supreme Court will allow the FBI to search and seize any computer that’s using the Tor browser or VPN.
- It is simply a different section of the internet that is harder to access and less regulated.
- As the dark web provides several layers of encryption on both your files and connections, it’s a secure platform for file uploads and transfers.
- You will install Tails, and Tails only, directly on your storage device.
- Just like the Krypton anonymous browser, the Subgraph anonymous deep web browser is built using multiple layers, as are its internet connections to the Tor Network to help improve this.
- The advantages of I2P are based on a much faster and more reliable network.
- For a complete lists of tips and advice, have a look at our article on how to safely access the dark web.
- Tor Browser: The most commonly used tool for accessing the dark web.
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network to enhance your security and privacy.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a privacy-focused OS like Tails.
This can be anything from secure academic archives, library databases, members only websites and all the way up to the Darknet which I’ll talk about shortly. Crawling is the process by which search engines scour the internet for new content and websites. This .onion link directory comes highly recommended by users on Reddit and Daunt.
Virtual private networks (VPN) hide your real internet address in the event an attacker gains control of your VM. Items 1 to 5 below can be done using public wifi for better privacy protection. Fortunately, the Tor browser already has some built-in security and privacy features.
All Surfshark servers are RAM-only and support the Wireguard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols. The company operates a strict no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using AES-256-GCM encryption together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. While NordVPN is undoubtedly a great service, it’s not without fault. In 2018, someone gained access to a third-party data center in Finland. NordVPN responded aggressively by upgrading its entire infrastructure to RAM-only servers and ending its reliance on rented servers. It also introduced a bug bounty program, hired a cybersecurity consulting firm to test its infrastructure, and then carried out a third-party security audit.
How to Browse the Dark Web
Follow these steps to ensure a safe experience:
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to get the latest version of the Tor Browser.
- Install a VPN: Choose a reliable VPN provider to encrypt your internet connection.
- Configure the Tor Browser: Once installed, open the browser. It will prompt you to connect to the Tor network.
- Keep Security in Mind: Avoid downloading files and providing personal information on dark web sites.
- Use .onion addresses: Access dark web sites that typically end with .onion.
Safety Tips
To enhance your security while browsing the dark web, consider these precautions:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Keep your identity hidden to avoid potential risks.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Files may contain malware; avoid downloading anything unless absolutely necessary.
- Use Encrypted Communication: If engaging in chats or forums, use end-to-end encryption.
- Verify Information: Not everything on the dark web is trustworthy; verify sources before believing anything.
Common Dark Web Uses
The dark web serves various purposes, both legitimate and illicit. Here are some common uses:
- Privacy Protection: Activists and journalists may use it to communicate securely.
- Marketplaces: Some sites offer goods and services, often illegally.
- Forums: Users engage in discussions about a variety of topics, including politically sensitive issues.
FAQs
Is it illegal to browse the dark web?
No, browsing the dark web is not inherently illegal, but many activities conducted within it can be illicit.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While Tor and VPNs provide a level of anonymity, no method is foolproof. Always exercise caution.
What should I do if I encounter something suspicious?
If you come across illegal or harmful content, it’s better to exit the site immediately and avoid any interactions.
Conclusion
Knowing how to browse the dark web responsibly ensures a safer online experience. Stay informed, take precautions, and always prioritize your personal security.
