The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood corner of the internet, accessible only through specialized software and protocols. While it has a reputation for illicit activity, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as secure communication and privacy protection. If you’re interested in exploring this hidden part of the web, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get into the dark web in 2024.
Download The Tor Browser
Step 1: Choose a Secure Operating System
But the dark web is not the easiest place to navigate; dark web links are long, and the sites are generally not household names. To search the dark web, you’ll need to first head to a dark web search engine. That may seem an extreme way to browse the web, but such protections are increasingly worth considering, says Sarah Jamie Lewis, executive director of the Open Privacy Research Society.
What’s on the deep web?
The deep web gives users access to far more information than the surface web. This information may simply be pages that aren't important enough to be listed. However, it also includes the latest TV shows, databases that are essential for managing your personal finances, and stories that are censored on the surface web.
The first step in accessing the dark web is to choose a secure operating system. While it’s possible to use a standard operating system like Windows or MacOS, these systems are vulnerable to malware and other security threats. Instead, consider using a Linux-based operating system like Tails or Whonix, which are specifically designed for secure browsing and privacy protection.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
Tails
Tails is a live operating system that can be run from a USB drive or CD. It routes all internet traffic through the Tor network, which helps to protect your privacy and anonymity. Tails also includes a number of security features, such as automatic encryption of files and secure deletion of data.
Whonix
Whonix is another Linux-based operating system that is designed for secure browsing. Unlike Tails, Whonix is a virtual machine that can be installed on your computer. This means that it runs within your existing operating system, but is isolated from the rest of your system. Whonix also routes all internet traffic through the Tor network, and includes a number of security features, such as automatic updates and secure file sharing.
The TOR Network
Step 2: Install the Tor Browser
Once you’ve chosen a secure operating system, the next step is to install the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a modified version of the Firefox browser that is designed to route all internet traffic through the Tor network. This helps to protect your privacy and anonymity by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
Installing the Tor Browser on Tails
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to access the Dark Web responsibly and securely, whether you’re on a computer, an Android phone, or an iPhone. Remember, knowledge is power; being aware of what you’re getting into can help you navigate the Dark Web safely and legally. Apart from these activities, there are several other activities that take place on the Dark Web. Just like drugs, the darknet offers a huge market for stolen debit and credit cards. As per the annual report by Gemini Advisory, a cybersecurity firm that tracks underground marketplaces and forums, details of 87 million stolen credit and debit cards on the Dark Web came from the US. One of the major advantages of using US credit cards is that no verification through mobile is done on the purchase, which easily allows cybercriminals to make purchases.
If you’re using Tails, the Tor browser is already included in the operating system. To launch the Tor browser, simply click on the Tor Browser icon in the application menu.
- It safeguards the user’s online activities and identity by encrypting internet traffic and directing it through a series of TOR servers.
- It also provides extra details about search results, such as page sizes.
- This protocol encrypts and relays internet traffic through multiple layers of servers, known as onion routers, making it difficult to trace the origin of web requests.
- With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access.
- The Silk Road was a marketplace on the dark web that launched in 2011, where you could purchase all sorts of illegal goods.
Installing the Tor Browser on Whonix
If you’re using Whonix, you can install the Tor browser by following these steps:
- Open the Whonix-Gateway terminal.
- Type the following command and press enter: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install torbrowser-launcher
- Once the installation is complete, open the Whonix-Workstation terminal.
- Type the following command and press enter: torbrowser-launcher
- The Tor browser will now launch automatically.
However, it’s important to understand that no system or practice can offer absolute security. Always exercise caution and stay informed about the latest security practices to mitigate risks effectively. Using Tor Browser, individuals can browse the internet with a higher level of privacy and anonymity. It masks the user’s IP address, making it difficult for websites, internet service providers, and other entities to track their online behavior. The deep and dark web may sound similar, but they are not the same entities. The deep web is a part of the internet not prompted by search engines like private social media content, e-bank statements, or health records.
Step 3: Access the Dark Web
Now that you have a secure operating system and the Tor browser installed, you’re ready to access the dark web. To do this, simply type the following address into the Tor browser address bar:
http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion
In which country dark web is used most?
The United States has the current highest count of dark web users. That is of 34.81% that ultimately means a daily user count of roughly 831911. The U.S based darknet users mostly engage in buying and selling drugs, fake documents, malware, and data.
This will take you to the Hidden Wiki, a directory of dark web sites. From here, you can browse the dark web and access the sites and services that you’re interested in.
Important Note
It’s important to remember that the dark web can be a dangerous place, and there are many scams and fraudulent sites. Always be cautious when accessing the dark web, and never share your personal information or financial details with anyone.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web can be a challenging and technical process, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s possible to explore this hidden part of the web safely and securely. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get into the dark web in 2024 and start discovering the sites and services that are only available on the dark web.
Is my password on the dark web?
Other Ways to Check if Your Email and Password Are on the Dark Web: Use a Reputable Dark Web Scan Tool: There are several reputable platforms available online that can scan the dark web for your data. Some examples include HaveIBeenPwned, Experian, and IdentityGuard.
