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Understanding the Dark Web and TOR
In 2016, the FBI successfully investigated and identified owners and users of a Tor-hosted website called Playpen, which was considered the largest child pornography website on the Internet. Though Tor is best known for its illicit uses, many Internet users can have different, valid reasons for accessing the Internet via Tor. This same process is reversed to enable the destination website to communicate with you, the Tor user. The encryption process that the Tor software uses obscures users’ identities, requests, communications, and transactions while still enabling them to use the Internet as they normally would. To access the privacy and security features of Tor, you need to install the Tor browser.
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing these areas typically requires specific software, the primary one being TOR (The Onion Router).
What is TOR?
It receives donations from the public, as well as funding from the U.S. government and assorted human rights organizations. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Another disadvantage of using a proxy server is that the server’s host can see exactly what you’re doing online. Theoretically, they could even log this information, compromising your online privacy. As such, we don’t advise visiting the dark net unless you know what you’re doing. Similarly, journalists use the Tor browser to protect their sources.
TOR is a specialized browser designed to provide anonymity and privacy while surfing the web. It directs internet traffic through a free, worldwide volunteer network consisting of more than seven thousand servers. This helps obscure a user’s location and usage, making it difficult to track online activities.
While the surface web may represent most of what the average user sees, there are many more layers of hidden content to be found on the dark web. Using a special browser known as The Onion Router (Tor), users can explore these hidden sites and engage in both legal and illicit activities under the cover of an anonymous IP address. Here’s a look at how the dark web works and the many ways in which people use it, both legally and illegally.
It’s important to understand that Tor is not a guarantee of complete anonymity, and you should take steps to protect yourself beyond just using the browser. But if you’re looking for other features like sandboxing file encryption, secure IM, and email clients you can check for other dark web browsers listed above. Whonix is so powerful that even malware that has root privileges will not be able to track down users’ IP addresses thanks to the TOR connections. Most of the basic frameworks with the TOR network, provide full privacy and anonymity for users. Just like I2P, Subgraph operates on different layers assisting users with non-interrupted access internet by retaining their privacy and anonymity.
How Does TOR Work?
Before clicking any of the dark web links below, you’ll need to get the Tor Browser (also called the Onion Browser) or another service that provides dark web access, such as the Brave browser. When you try to connect to a .onion website, your traffic gets routed around the internet, bouncing three times to random servers before it reaches your destination website. Each server adds a layer of encryption, and these layers give rise to the name The Onion Router.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory funded a project called The Onion Router (TOR). TOR offered intelligence sources a way to communicate easily and safely, especially in hostile areas where personal safety is key. It is now one of the most common browsers used to access the dark web, using databases to help people make their way around and find the information they need. As with the early internet, the dark web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activities and is frequently implicated in illicit and criminal activity. While the dark web has played a hand in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who may otherwise be persecuted for their identities or political beliefs.
- In other words, every part of the web you can see and access by browsing normally.
- Tor is safe to download and operate; however, it’s not 100% secure.
- You probably picture chat rooms full of shady characters hocking stolen credit card numbers.
- Deep web and dark web sites can have bad reputations, but that’s partially because they’re surrounded by so much mystery, leading to confusion and misinformation.
The basic functioning of TOR involves:
- Encryption: When a user enters the TOR network, their traffic is encrypted multiple times.
- Routing: The encrypted data is sent through a series of volunteer-operated servers, known as nodes, before reaching its final destination.
- Decryption: Each node decrypts a layer of encryption, revealing only the next node in the path and never the original source of the data.
Accessing the Dark Web
To access the dark web, users must download the TOR browser. Once installed, users can navigate websites with the .onion domain, which are only accessible through the TOR network.
Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web serves various purposes, including:
- Privacy: Individuals seeking privacy from government surveillance or institutional censorship.
- Whistleblowing: Platforms for whistleblowers to share information safely.
- Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, it is also known for the trade of illicit goods and services.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
While the dark web can provide anonymity, it is fraught with risks:
- Scams: Many sites operate as scams or carry malicious content.
- Legal Issues: Visiting certain sites can lead to legal repercussions.
- Malware: Increased risk of encountering malicious software that can compromise personal security.
FAQs About Dark Web and TOR
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities within it is against the law.
Do I need a VPN to use TOR?
While TOR provides anonymity, using a VPN can add an extra layer of security, making it harder to trace user activities.
Can the dark web be accessed with regular browsers?
No, traditional browsers cannot access dark web sites, which requires the use of the TOR browser.
Conclusion
The dark web presents a unique section of the internet where privacy can be maintained but also poses significant risks. Understanding how TOR works and the potential dangers associated with the dark web is crucial for anyone considering exploring this hidden part of the internet.
