Best VPN For Dark Web
Accessing dark web websites requires specific software or special network configurations. The best way to access the dark web is to install the Tor Browser. However, thanks to Tor’s onion routing, your online activity is encrypted and hidden from view. This means your ISP can’t see that you’re accessing the dark web (or indeed, the specific sites you’re accessing). You can now safely browse dark web websites and hidden wikis, but if you plan to do anything more than that, you’ll need to take several precautions.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It is often associated with illicit activities, but it also hosts a variety of legitimate uses that are not often discussed.
What You Need to Know
Before delving into how to get the dark web, it’s important to understand its structure and the tools needed for accessing it:
- Others sell software exploits that other cybercriminals can use to infect victims with malware and steal personal data.
- Similarly, logging on to the Tor browser in order to browse the dark web doesn’t mean you’re breaking any laws.
- A study conducted by the University of Surrey in 2019 found that harmful dark web listings accounted for around 60% of all listings.
- Even though the dark web is touted as being private and secure, there are still risks involved.
The Dark Web is a fascinating place where you can find all sorts of illegal activity going on. From drug dealing to arms trafficking, the Dark Web is a hotbed of criminal activity. Another problem with this system is that there’s increasing evidence that law enforcement agencies — such as the FBI — run and operate large number of exit nodes. This means that if you do anything illegal on the dark web and are unlucky enough to be routed through one of these nodes, the authorities will be well aware of what you’re doing. However, if you’re planning to use it for illegal activities, there are significant risks involved.
- Surface Web: The part of the internet most people use daily.
- Deep Web: Portions of the internet not indexed by search engines, such as private databases.
- Dark Web: A small segment of the deep web, requiring specific software to access.
The deep web is basically all the content that you can’t find using Google or Yahoo search. So, that means that the number of pages increased by over 100 trillion in just over three years. Hypothetically speaking, Google may be aware of well over 200 trillion individual pages (these are obviously NOT all indexed in the search engine). It might sound weird that Google doesn’t index these pages, but it does carry some logical sense. Google’s purpose is to show the most relevant information to all of its users quickly and easily.
Just note that although you’ll be anonymous, you won’t have the speed or convenience of a direct connection, and some sites might block you outright. Many dark websites are perfectly legal and safe to use and, in many cases, are better for your privacy than clear websites. Alternatively, users can connect in opennet mode, which automatically assigns peers on the network. Unlike darknet mode, opennet uses a handful of centralized servers in addition to the decentralized peer-to-peer network.
A popular Surface web browser called Brave browser now also has the ability to connect to the Tor network, so we’ll look at that too. 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. Ultimately, the Dark web has the allure of a place that most people can’t visit. Since you are reading this, we suspect that you feel the pull of this place and want to take a look for yourself. But you’ll have to be careful not to wander into something you don’t want to see.
Whited’s rule of thumb is to use the Tor Browser instead of Private Browsing Mode or Incognito Mode. “Contrary to what most people think, these modes do not actually protect your privacy,” she says. When people go on about the so-called dark web, they’re usually talking about onion sites, which aren’t searchable via Google or accessible via standard browsers. On the regular web, domains such as are translated into their actual IP addresses via the domain name system (DNS). There are numerous directories that host .onion links and websites, but you should always exercise caution. Accessing the dark web is not necessarily riskier than browsing the surface or deep web.
Tools Required to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will primarily need two tools:
Tor over VPN requires you to place some trust in your VPN provider but not your ISP, and is best if you want to access .onion websites. VPN over Tor requires you to place trust in your ISP but not your VPN and is best if you want to avoid bad Tor exit nodes. 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. Tor over VPN also doesn’t protect users from malicious Tor exit nodes.
- Tor Browser: The most common method for accessing the dark web. It anonymizes your IP address and allows you to browse websites with the “.onion” domain.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): While not mandatory, using a VPN enhances privacy and security when accessing the dark web.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get the Dark Web
Follow these steps for a safe browsing experience on the dark web:
Step 1: Secure Your Device
Before accessing the dark web, ensure your device has:
- Updated antivirus software.
- A secure firewall.
- Necessary security updates installed.
Step 2: Download Tor Browser
Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Ensure you are on the correct site to avoid malicious software.
Step 3: Install and Configure Tor
Follow the installation prompts. Once installed:
- Open the Tor Browser.
- Connect to the Tor network.
Step 4: Use a VPN
If you choose to use a VPN, connect to it before launching the Tor Browser for added anonymity.
Step 5: Start Browsing
Now you can start accessing dark web sites. Use directories like the Hidden Wiki for links to .onion sites.
Safety Tips When Accessing the Dark Web
Staying safe is crucial. Consider these tips:
- Do not share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files or opening attachments.
- Be cautious of scams and malicious links.
- Stick to well-known sites and communities.
FAQs
Is the Dark Web illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities that take place on it can be. Always stay aware of the laws in your jurisdiction.
Can I be tracked on the Dark Web?
While the dark web offers enhanced anonymity, complete privacy is never guaranteed. Using a VPN can help mitigate tracking risks.
What kind of content can I find on the Dark Web?
The dark web hosts a mix of legal and illegal content, including:
- Forums and discussion boards.
- Whistleblowing sites.
- Marketplaces for various goods.
- Political activism resources.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web requires careful preparation and adherence to safety protocols. By following the outlined steps and precautions, you can navigate this unique segment of the internet securely.
