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Browse the Dark Web: A Beginner’s Guide
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll show you how to browse the dark web safely and anonymously.
Although the deep web and the dark web may seem intimidating and dangerous, they’re actually surprisingly simple services to get started with and use. Aleksander Hougen, the managing editor at Cloudwards, is an expert in cloud storage and related technologies. His expertise extends to cloud backup solutions, Heineken Express link secure data storage and the broader spectrum of cloud services. His educational background enables him to demystify technical topics, making them accessible and empowering for technology enthusiasts. Antimalware and antivirus protections are equally crucial to prevent malicious actors from exploiting you.
What is the Dark Web?
How To Safely Access The Dark Web
A Hidden Service (also known as an ‘onion service’) is one where not only the user, but also the website itself, have their anonymity protected by Tor. This means that the IP address of the site cannot be identified, meaning that information about its host, location or content is hidden. Hidden Services are sometimes called “onion addresses” because the website name often ends .onion. The ‘Dark Web’ uses complex systems that anonymise a user’s true IP address, making it very difficult to work out which websites a device has visited. It is generally accessed using dedicated software, the best known is called Tor (The Onion Router). This is the part of the internet which is generally hidden from public view.
The Dark Web may be used by people wishing to carry out illegal activities online, such as selling weapons or drugs. These kinds of operations, and the websites offering dark deep web them, are often referred to as Hidden Services (above). However it is generally believed that the majority of Hidden Services contain illicit material.
- They have ‘.onion’ extensions, and you’ll need a special browser to view them.
- ¹ The score you receive with Aura is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your credit.
- Policing involves targeting specific activities of the private web deemed illegal or subject to internet censorship.
- Sadly, free providers aren’t considered quality given their annoying limitations that reduce their usability.
Download the Tor browser, connect to a VPN server, open the app and start browsing. For iPhone users, it might be a little difficult as there is no official Tor app for iOS. Sci-hub provides dark web surfers with millions of research papers from publications for free. If you’re unable to find information about a specific topic on the internet, Sci-hub may be the way to go. However, do not that accessing the site could be illegal in some countries so make sure to go through the rules and regulations prior to visiting the website.
Dark Web Search Engines
The surface web makes up only about 10% of the entire internet, and includes anything you can find by entering terms into a search engine like Google. All the websites you visit that don’t require login credentials are part of the surface web. Your internet service provider and the websites you visit can detect when Tor is being used because Tor exit IP addresses are public.
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. It’s often used for illegal activities, active darknet markets such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for whistleblowers and journalists to communicate anonymously.
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you’ll need to download and install the Tor browser. Tor (The Onion Router) is a free, open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers around the world, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Warning: Always Use A VPN On The Dark Web!
Once you’ve installed Tor, you can browse the dark web by typing in the URL of a dark web site, which will typically begin with “http://” followed by a series of random characters. Keep in mind that many dark web sites are scams, so it’s important to be cautious and only visit sites that you trust.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Browsing the dark web can be dangerous, as it’s home to many illegal activities and scams. To stay safe, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt your internet connection and help protect your privacy.
- Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card number, while browsing the dark web.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.
- Beware of scams: Be cautious of any sites or individuals that ask for money or personal information.
Conclusion
Browsing the dark web can be a fascinating and informative experience, but it’s important to do so safely and anonymously. By using the Tor browser and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can explore the dark web while protecting your privacy and staying safe.