Dark Web Tools & Services
Understanding the Dark Web
All information, including rates and fees, are accurate as of the date of publication and are updated as provided by our partners. Some of the offers on this page may not be available through our website. While there’s no way to ensure all your information stays private, putting protective measures in place can help. Knowing if and when your information is compromised can also help you respond quickly—before too much damage is done.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access, making it somewhat of a hidden repository for information, goods, services, and more. While it has gained a reputation for illicit activities, the dark web also offers avenues for free speech and privacy.
Torch is one of the oldest and most popular onion search engines on the dark web, serving over 80,000 requests per day. Torch is funded primarily through advertising—purchased in BTC, of course—which is why you’ll find the front page blanketed with old-school banner ads of dubious origins. In this article, learn more about dark web links (also called Tor links or onion sites), then check out some of the best Tor sites.
The dark web and Tor are often used by journalists and whistleblowers, including Edward Snowden himself, to exchange sensitive information. The Ashley Madison data dump, for instance, was posted to a site only accessible to Tor users. Let’s say you want to go on the dark web to see what information of yours, if any, is floating around. You can install the TOR browser on your system by using a virtual private network. A VPN allows people to use a public network as if they were transmitting information on a private one.
Accessing the Dark Web: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re curious about how to get to the dark web, it’s essential to proceed with caution and understand the potential risks involved. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Criminals frequently use it for purchasing weapons, drugs and fake IDs on illicit markets. Protect yourself against malicious actors by installing antimalware and antivirus protection on your computer and mobile device. Malware can steal personal data from any surface or deep web website and then sell it to identity thieves and scammers, who use it for illicit activities. The Dark Web is a section of the Deep Web that is inaccessible via traditional web browsers. To access Dark Web sites, it is necessary to use a Tor-enabled browser. Additionally, many Dark Web sites are discoverable only via special search engines, following links from one site to another, or word of mouth.
My recommendation is Universal USB Installer, which is very intuitive. Choosing Tor over standard browsers is crucial for dark web navigation due to its unique privacy features. That’s when Freenet, a peer-to-peer sharing network focused on anonymity, was launched. The dark web is quite small when compared with the internet as a whole. No one truly knows the size of the dark web, but some estimate that it accounts for just 5% of the total internet.
- Download and Install Tor Browser:
The primary method to access the dark web is through the Tor network. Download the Tor Browser from its official website to ensure you have the latest and safest version.
- Install VPN Software:
For an additional layer of security and anonymity, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) along with Tor. This will mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic.
- Connect to the Tor Network:
Open the Tor Browser and allow it to connect to the Tor network. The connection process can take a few moments.
- Navigate to .onion Sites:
Once connected, you can start exploring. Remember that .onion sites are exclusively accessible via Tor. You won’t find them on standard search engines.
- Example sites include:
- Hidden Wiki – a directory of various hidden services
- SecureDrop – a platform for whistleblowers to send documents anonymously
- Example sites include:
Most dark web users feel anonymous and engage in illegal activities without fear of being identified or held accountable. You never know when a minor negative comment about another user will trigger them to cyberbully or hack you personally. Moreover, using the Tor browser – the primary tool for accessing the dark web – can be restricted or illegal in some countries. For example, China, Iran, and Russia block access to the Tor network. Indeed, Facebook, The New York Times and now even the CIA have sites on the dark web, hosting “onion” versions of their pages that can be accessed via the Tor browser.
Users can form their own private groups for content sharing, called darknet mode. Or, they can use opennet mode to be randomly assigned to other peers on the network. However, you won’t be able to use I2P to access as many sites as Tor.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and privacy. Here are some recommendations:
- Never share personal information, including your real name or address.
- Be wary of downloads as they can contain malware.
- Use cryptocurrency for transactions if you decide to make any purchases.
- Keep your software up-to-date to minimize security vulnerabilities.
FAQs about the Dark Web
Is the Dark Web illegal?
- What makes the dark web distinct from the broader deep web is the fact that dark web content can only be accessed via a special browser.
- Scammers and criminals are lurking everywhere to take advantage of the unwary.
- With the cover of ExpressVPN, using Tor to get on the dark web is an easy task.
- 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.
No, the dark web itself is not illegal. However, many activities that occur on the dark web, such as drug trafficking and illegal marketplaces, are illegal.
Can I access the Dark Web from my mobile device?
Yes, there are applications available that allow you to access the dark web on mobile devices. Ensure you use a secure VPN in conjunction with Tor browser apps.
What can I find on the Dark Web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, including forum discussions, news portals, and illegal marketplaces, but it also contains whistleblowing platforms, privacy-focused services, and encrypted email services.
How do I stay safe on the Dark Web?
To enhance safety while exploring the dark web, always use a VPN, refrain from sharing personal information, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Conclusion
Learning how to get to the dark web requires understanding both the tools necessary for access and the importance of maintaining safety. By following the outlined steps and precautions, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet more securely and responsibly.
