How Is The Dark Web Accessed?
We reported on Mr. Cooper—one of the nation’s largest mortgage providers—a month ago. Mr. Cooper was featured as they dealt with the throws of a cybersecurity event. Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) serves a population of about 13,000 across two campuses and dispersed locations. BHCC offers over 100 degrees, including arts, sciences, business, health, law, and STEM opportunities. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCC) is a three-location care network that delivers solutions for cancer patients.
Understanding the Darknet
Not a problem if you use a trusted VPN provider, perhaps, but it should generally be a case of VPN vs. Tor? In essence, the deep web is made up of any content that isn’t available via an internet search engine, as it hasn’t been indexed. Whilst it’s legal to visit these sites, it’s important to practice warning and illustrate awareness of the actual consequences. Much better aforementioned porn material, extreme content and dubious sales of stolen goods or info can lead to piquante, prosecution, or even just imprisonment. The internet may be a vast marine of information, but navigating it takes some digital lifejackets. Accessing the Dark Web requires careful consideration and adherence to safety measures.
The darknet refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities but also hosts legitimate discussions and communities. Accessing the darknet requires specific tools and knowledge to ensure safety and anonymity.
This guide covers everything you need to know on accessing the dark web via your iPhone safely and anonymously. It’s a place where illegal activities are not uncommon, and there are ill-intentioned individuals who are ready to exploit unsuspecting users. So, download your chosen VPN app on your phone, install it, and make sure it’s connected before you even think about accessing the dark web.
The Silk Road, a popular online marketplace for drugs, was completely infiltrated and removed by federal agents. Antimalware and antivirus protections are equally crucial to prevent malicious actors from exploiting you. The dark web is filled with information theft from malware-infected users.
Setting up a VPN is easy, and there are plenty of commercial VPNs for PC and other devices available. In most places, Tor is completely legal to use, though there are some exceptions, like in China and Venezuela. That doesn’t mean you can legally partake in the dark web’s illegal offerings; just that having or using Tor itself is no reason for you to get in trouble. If you want to explore the dark web, head to the Tor Project’s website to download Tor. Even commercial websites that may have existed for years can suddenly not available if the owners decide to escape with the escrow money they are holding on behalf of customers. Deciding whether to explore the Dark Web or not relies on a few different factors.
What You Need to Access the Darknet
You can find out a lot more about the ways these two systems work in our VPN vs Tor comparison. Unlike the “normal” web, almost every other website on the Darknet has the “Bitcoin accepted” sign displayed on it. Because of Bitcoin’s pseudo-anonymous nature, it’s the perfect currency to power such an ecosystem. You can use TOR to surf the pedestrian web (the everyday Internet you and I know and love) anonymously, or you can use it to access the Darknet.
Researchers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other groups continued its development and launched the Tor project in 2006 as a tool for journalists, activists, and whistleblowers. Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results. You can’t just Google “Silk Road” and hope to land on the dark website. Officially, the Tor Browser is only available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Many experts advise against using third-party mobile browsers that utilize the Tor Network. There are no standard web browsers that can be used to access dark web content.
To safely access the darknet, consider the following:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) for anonymity
- Tor Browser to access .onion sites
- Security Tools to protect your device
As long as there’s a demand for the ability to privately browse the internet and, more importantly, host websites anonymously, the deep web will exist. Due to its decentralized structure, there is no real way to “shut down” the deep net, just like you can’t really shut down the regular internet. In theory this should make your deep web browsing (as well as your regular web browsing) entirely private from interlopers.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Access the Darknet
- Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers.
- The default browser that ships with Ubuntu is Firefox, which is what we’ll use.
- To prove its commitment to privacy, PIA has implemented RAM-only servers, regular third-party audits, AES-256 encryption, and effective VPN kill switches in its apps.
- It’s important to note that just because this type of content isn’t on the surface doesn’t mean it’s nefarious or has ill intent.
Follow these steps to access the darknet safely:
- Download a VPN: A reputable VPN encrypts your internet connection, masking your IP address.
- Install the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download and install the Tor Browser.
- Connect to the VPN: Activate your chosen VPN before launching the Tor Browser.
- Launch Tor Browser: Open the Tor Browser and allow it to connect to the network.
- Browse Carefully: Use specific .onion links to navigate within the darknet.
Safety Precautions
When accessing the darknet, it’s crucial to take various safety precautions:
- Don’t reveal your identity: Use a pseudonym and avoid sharing personal information.
- Be cautious of downloads: Files from the darknet may contain malware.
- Stay informed: Understand the potential risks and legal implications of your activities.
Common Uses of the Darknet
The darknet is not solely a hub for illicit activities. It can also provide:
- Whistleblower platforms: Secure ways to share sensitive information.
- Anonymized forums: Spaces for discussing controversial topics.
- Cryptocurrency transactions: Enable transactions without tracing.
FAQs about Accessing the Darknet
1. Is accessing the dark net illegal?
Accessing the darknet itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities is against the law. Always exercise caution.
2. Do I need special software to access the dark net?
Yes, the Tor Browser is necessary for accessing .onion sites on the darknet.
3. Can my ISP track me if I use a VPN to access the dark net?
A VPN helps mask your online activity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but it is essential to choose a trustworthy VPN provider.
4. How do I find .onion websites?
You can find lists of .onion sites on various forums, but always verify the credibility of those sources.
Conclusion
Accessing the darknet requires careful planning and adherence to safety measures. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet more securely.
