ProPublica — Investigative Journalism On Tor
The other benefit of using a VPN is to prevent hackers from stealing your identity and or personal files and photos from your computer. Dark Web or DarkNet is a subset of the Deep Web where there are sites that sell drugs, hacking software, counterfeit money, and more. We explain this further down the article if you are not up to speed.
Understanding the Dark Web
These websites have unique URLs that are only reachable by using the Tor browser. The “.onion” domain is derived from the way the Tor network routes traffic, adding an additional layer of anonymity to the websites hosted on it. The darknet web operates with a high degree of privacy as it hosts safe activities and content and criminal ones. Another might be a type of book club that makes eBooks more professional. It also offers a forum for people who believe their freedom of speech is threatened. However, the dark web is best known for dark content, which is illegal and sometimes disturbing.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts forums, privacy-centric sites, and other content that values anonymity.
How to Access the Dark Web
The Privacy Policy is published on the Organization’s website () and made accessible to relevant individuals upon request. This one is a Russian forum that offers PII – Personal Identifiable Information and CC – Credit Card data, botnets, exploit, malware and so much more. Once you go to this website, you will be able to find the .onion extension. Different from other forums, here is the fact that users can not actually communicate with each other, all they can do is see and get different materials related to hacking. You may not be able to access some of the extensions here because they are constantly changing.
Not to mention the fact that you’ll get exposed to some stuff that will definitely make you take several cold showers. Fortunately, in Hidden Wiki, every website is followed by a brief description so that the user knows what to expect. You can also take a look at the blogs & essays section if you want to find some nifty coding resources. Well, VPN over Tor is basically its opposite – instead of going through the VPN first, the signal passes through the Tor network, before going through the VPN. There’s no broad consensus on dark web safety, but you at least need to use Tor and VPN together.
Accessing the dark web can be a complex process, but here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it securely.
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. While NordVPN is undoubtedly a great service, it’s not without fault. In 2018, someone gained access to a third-party data center in Finland. NordVPN responded aggressively by upgrading its entire infrastructure to RAM-only servers and ending its reliance on rented servers. It also introduced a bug bounty program, hired a cybersecurity consulting firm to test its infrastructure, and then carried out a third-party security audit.
- As the Dark Web operates on the principle of anonymity, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure your online activities remain untraceable.
- Plus, the dark web relies on randomized network infrastructure, creating virtual traffic tunnels.
- Tor Browser is the easiest — and often the only — way for almost everyone to reach the dark web.
- You’ll have to visit sites using their onion URLs or search with an onion search engine.
Step-by-Step Guide
Not because it’s dark or dangerous, but because it’s not available to see without proper login credentials. Deep web content makes up most of the internet — by some estimates, 96 percent or more, says CSO Daily. The dark web is an unregulated and popular environment for illegal activity. As above, make sure you’re only visiting .onion sites you trust and don’t share any personal information. All you need to do is download and install Tor browser from the Play Store and connect to the Tor network. When you activate Onion Over VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a NordVPN server and then via the Tor network.
- Get a VPN: Before you connect to the dark web, it’s crucial to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your identity and location.
- Download Tor Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser. You can download it from the official Tor Project website.
- Install the Tor Browser: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Make sure to verify the download to ensure it’s the legitimate version.
- Connect to the Tor Network: Open the Tor browser and connect to the network. This will take a moment, and you’ll see a confirmation when connected.
- Browse Carefully: Use .onion links to access dark web sites. Remember to stay cautious and know that not all sites are safe.
Safety Precautions
When accessing the dark web, take these safety precautions:
- Never share personal information: Ensure that your personal data remains confidential.
- Use encrypted communication: Consider using secure messaging services for communication.
- Avoid downloading files: Be wary of downloading files, as they may contain malware.
- Be cautious of scams: The dark web contains many scams and fraudulent schemes; exercise extreme caution.
Common Misconceptions
There are several myths surrounding the dark web:
- Only for Criminals: While illegal activities exist, many use it for privacy and free speech.
- It’s Untraceable: While it provides anonymity, law enforcement agencies have ways to track illegal activities.
- All Dark Web Sites Are Dangerous: Some sites offer valuable information and community support.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on it can lead to criminal charges.
Can I use regular search engines to find dark web sites?
No, dark web sites use the .onion domain, which is only accessible through the Tor browser.
How can I stay anonymous on the dark web?
Using a VPN, the Tor browser, and avoiding personal information helps maintain anonymity.
Are there safe dark web sites to visit?
Yes, there are safe sites dedicated to privacy discussions and forums, but always exercise caution.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web involves specific steps and precautions. By following the outlined guide and focusing on safety, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet effectively.
