Most casual surfing of the Web takes place on a small piece (5-10%) of the total World Wide Web; this is sometimes called the Surface Web. 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. The specialized browser people use to access the dark web is the Tor browser.
- It’s in people’s nature to be thoroughly interested in hidden and obscure stuff.
- Those marketplaces – and the stories surrounding them – can make the dark web seem like a hive of criminality.
- This makes Brave much more convenient for casual trips into the darkness than the Tor browser.
- Transformative Healthcare was featured early on; their breach happened in February 2023 and may impact over 900k people, including patients and former FAS employees.
- It’s developed by Mike Tigas, with support from the Tor Project and the Guardian Project.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.
What is the Dark Web?
Paramount Parent Company, National Amusements, Announces Data Breach A Year Later
It is designed for anonymous web browsing, and has various features (and limitations) that help achieve this. You can connect to the Tor network using the Tor browser, a custom web browser designed specifically to work with this 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 dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, free speech, and privacy advocacy.
Stolen Data
How to Access the Dark Web
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
Access: Despite not being indexed by search engines, the Deep Web is accessible via traditional web browsers — i.e. you can access a Gmail page using Firefox, Chrome, etc. The Dark Web, on the other hand, is only accessible via special browsers that use Tor to protect anonymity.
Individuals may want to monitor sites for evidence of identity theft. Facebook’s encrypted site, located at facebookcore, is a feature-rich method of accessing the social network using end-to-end encryption. There are also number of legitimate reasons users may want to access the Dark Web. The web’s substratum is populated by mainstream web companies like Facebook, political activists, and journalists who need to communicate and share sensitive information.
Is Tor Illegal To Use?
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called Tor. Tor is a free and open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. Here’s how to get started:
- Download and Install Tor: Go to the official Tor website (https://www.torproject.org/) and download the latest version of the Tor browser. Follow the installation instructions carefully.
- Launch Tor: Once the installation is complete, launch the Tor browser. It will look and feel like a regular web browser, but all your internet traffic will be routed through the Tor network.
- Access the Dark Web: To access the dark web, you will need to use a special URL that ends in .onion. These URLs are not indexed by search engines, so you will need to know the exact address of the website you want to visit.
The final relay before reaching your destination is the IP address you’ll appear to have. Then in 2004, Tor was created by the US Naval Research Laboratory to give military personnel an anonymous way to use the internet without giving away their identity or location. This was intended to protect military personnel, while also giving them access to the full internet, even when serving from countries where the internet is heavily vetted by the local government. If you get an alert that Aura has discovered your data on Dark Web sites, the most effective action you can take is to contact Aura Customer Support.
Dark Web Sites To Visit On IPhone And Android
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it is often associated with illegal activities. Here are some tips to stay safe:
It is important to note that navigating the Dark Web can be different from browsing the surface web. Websites on the Dark Web may have unconventional layouts and may take longer to load due to the nature of the Tor network. Patience is key when accessing the Dark Web, as it may take some time for websites to respond.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic. This can provide an extra layer of security and anonymity.
- Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card details, on the dark web. This can make you a target for hackers and scammers.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your personal information.
- Be cautious: Be cautious of any websites or individuals that ask for personal information or money. The dark web is full of scams and frauds, so it’s important to be vigilant.
How to install Tor Browser?
- Navigate to the Tor Browser download page.
- Download the Windows .exe file.
- (Recommended) Verify the file's signature.
- When the download is complete, double click the .exe file. Complete the installation wizard process.
FAQs
Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal. It’s important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.
Q: Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web?
A: If you are accessing the dark web for legitimate reasons and are not engaging in any illegal activities, you should not get in trouble. However, if you are found to be engaging in illegal activities, you could face legal consequences.
Q: Do I need to use a VPN to access the dark web?
A: While a VPN is not required to access the dark web, it can provide an extra layer of security and anonymity. It’s up to you whether you want to use a VPN or not.
Q: Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
A: No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You will need to use a specialized browser, such as Tor, to access the dark web.
How many people are active on the dark web?
Takeaway #1: The Dark Web isn't just accessed by a small number of people. 2 million active users connect to the Dark Web through the TOR browser every day. 26% of North American and 17% of EU users access the Dark Web daily.
