How to Get onto the Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide

As mentioned above, much of the content on the dark web is the same as you might find on the normal internet (news, message boards, web services) but made accessible on a more anonymous platform. While technically not an onion site, we’re including Sci-Hub (sci-hub.se) as an interesting example of a site you can access via Tor. Sci-Hub gives access to millions of scientific papers, mostly ones from behind paywalls. However, due to copyright infringement, Sci-Hub is considered illegal and banned in many countries.

To access the dark web using a VPN, we recommend using the Onion over VPN method, which involves connecting to a VPN server before connecting to the Tor Browser. Unfortunately, you can’t use a VPN service at the same time as Orbot, so you won’t be able to use an existing VPN subscription for this method. Tails is a unique OS that works totally differently to ones you might be used to. By design, it removes the risk of third-parties accessing files on your hard drive (like your pictures, videos, and sensitive documents).

Step 3: Access DuckDuckGo On Tor Browser

To provide more secure access to the Tor network, in 2020 Brave launched its own Tor Onion Service. 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 Surface Web (also referred toy as the Visible Web, the Indexed Web, the Lightnet, and the Clearnet) is the part of the World Wide Web that most of us are familiar with. If you can find a page with a standard search engine (Google or DuckDuckGo) and visit it with a standard web browser (Chrome or Firefox), it is part of the Surface web. The encrypted network the Tor Browser uses to access the dark web is very hard to trace.

Dark Web Links To Visit For The Tor Network Experience

Tor browser also blocks plugins, JavaScript, and other potentially harmful elements by default, enhancing your security while browsing the dark web. The Dark Web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using specific software. These website are often used for illegal activity such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and child pornography.

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, such as protecting the privacy and security of users. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the dark web safely and securely.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a network of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. These websites are often associated with illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. However, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as protecting the privacy and security of users, providing a platform for whistleblowers, and enabling free speech in oppressive regimes.

How To Access Dark Web?

How to Access the Dark Web

To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. The Tor browser routes your internet connection through onion link a series of servers around the world, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the Tor browser: Go to the official Tor project website (https://www.torproject.org/) and download the Tor browser. Make sure to download it from the official website to avoid any malware or viruses.
2. Install the Tor browser: Once you have downloaded the Tor browser, install it on your computer. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it is installed correctly.
3. Launch the Tor browser: Launch the Tor browser by clicking on the icon. It may take a few seconds to connect to the Tor network.
4. Browse the dark web: Once you are connected to the Tor network, you can start browsing the dark web. You can use the Tor browser to access websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers.

Safety and Security Tips

Accessing the dark web can be risky, so it’s important to take safety and security precautions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure:

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
• Don’t use personal information: Avoid using personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number, when accessing the dark web.
• Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
• Be cautious: Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from the dark web. Malware and viruses are common on the dark web, so it’s important to only visit trusted websites and avoid downloading anything suspicious.
• Keep your software up to date: Make sure to keep your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities and threats.

• You won’t be able to access .onion addresses using a standard search engine as they aren’t indexed by crawlers.
• Dark Web websites can only be reached via Tor, making them harder to track or block.
• There are many different ways to access the dark web, but navigating it can be tricky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
• Finally, Tor’s encryption system is quite complex, meaning it can be a very slow process to navigate from A to B across the web.
• Cybercriminals and other malicious actors rely heavily on the capabilities of the Dark Web in various unlawful ways.

FAQs

What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?

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The deep web refers to all the parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that can only be accessed through the dark web search engine special browsers like the Tor browser. The deep web includes things like academic databases, corporate intranets, and other websites that require authentication to access.

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. It’s important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.

Can I get caught accessing the dark web?

While it is difficult for law enforcement to track activity on the dark web, it is not impossible. If you engage in illegal activities on the dark web, you can be caught and prosecuted. It’s important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in any illegal activities.

Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?

No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You will need to use a special browser like the Tor browser to access the dark web.

Is the dark web safe?

Accessing the dark web can be risky, as many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal and dangerous. However, if you take the necessary safety and security precautions, you can minimize the risks and access the dark web safely and securely.

Can I use a VPN to access the dark web?

Yes, using a VPN can help protect your privacy and security when accessing the dark web. However, it’s important to choose a reputable VPN provider and to use it in conjunction with the Tor browser for maximum protection.

Can I access the dark web on my phone?

Yes, you can access the dark web on your phone, but it’s not recommended. The Tor browser is not optimized for mobile devices, and accessing the dark web on a mobile device can be risky and expose you to security vulnerabilities.

What should I do if I suspect that my computer has been compromised?

If you suspect that your computer has been compromised, it’s important to take immediate action. Disconnect from the internet, run a full system scan with your antivirus software, and consider resetting your computer to its factory settings.

Can I use the Tor browser to access regular websites?

Yes, you can use the Tor browser to access regular websites. However, the Tor browser can be slower than regular web browsers, and some websites may not work properly due to the way the Tor network routes internet connections.