The dark web, a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet, is not as easily accessible as the surface web. In order to access it, you need to take some precautions and follow specific steps. Here’s a guide on how to get to the dark web safely.
Who owns Tor?
Today TOR is a not-for-profit organisation run by Roger Dingledine, Nick Mathewson and a number of volunteers. TOR volunteers are responsible for hiding the users' IP address by acting as an 'exit node' and using their IP address in the place of the TOR user.
Using Tor Browser
If you want to access the dark web, the most popular way to do so is by using the Tor Browser. Tor stands for The Onion Router, and it allows users to browse anonymously and access websites that are not indexed by traditional search engines.
Contents
To access the Dark Web effectively, a VPN compatible with Tor is your best bet. This will encrypt your connection, hiding your IP address and geo-location tags from view while passing through several exit nodes so your end destination cannot be tracked back to you. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and running at all times. This will help protect your device from any potential threats you may encounter on the dark web.
Steps to Get to the Dark Web:
Quick Guide: How To Access The Dark Web Safely In 3 Easy Steps
- Download and install the Tor Browser from the official website.
- Open the browser and connect to the Tor network by clicking “connect” or the onion icon.
- Once connected, you can start exploring the dark web by entering .onion URLs in the address bar.
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. Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser lets you surf both the clear web and the dark web.
Is Tor free?
Tor has installers available for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Connecting to the Tor network entails more than just installing a browser and loading websites. You need to install support code, which sounds daunting, but the free Tor Browser bundle streamlines the process.
That’s because free providers usually sell this information to earn money, not caring about keeping you anonymous online. Not to mention their lackluster performance and limited monthly bandwidth that will, in conjunction with Tor, severely decrease connection speeds. For one, free providers aren’t as secure and they often fail in bringing the highest level of encryption to the table. Many of them are known for storing logs of your personal information, which is pretty dangerous and can infringe on your privacy. Since you now know how to access the dark web with Tor and VPN, I think I should clarify two very popular methods of doing so. Namely, you can first connect to a VPN and then connect to Tor – or vice versa.
PRIVACY ALERT: Websites You Visit Can See These Details About You:
Precautions to Take
While accessing the dark web can be exciting, it’s important to remember that it is also a dangerous place filled with illegal activities. Here are some precautions you should take:
While the TOR browser is frequently employed to access the dark web, it can also be used to browse the regular web more securely and privately. The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines and requires specific software or configurations to access. The goal was to create a secure and anonymous communication system for government agencies.
Anonymity Is In Your Hands
- Use a VPN: To add an extra layer of security and protect your identity, use a virtual private network (VPN) while browsing the dark web.
- Avoid Illegal Activities: Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can have serious consequences. Be cautious of what you do and click on.
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information or using your real name while on the dark web to protect yourself from potential threats.
That content is indexed by different search engines like Google, Bing, Yandex, Duckduckgo, Yahoo, Baidu, etc. Again – results consist of only indexed content by that search engine. Making sure you’re connected via HTTPS is one solution to this problem, as is using a virtual private network.
- Thus, if you want to know how to get on the dark web safely, using a premium provider is my recommended choice.
- It’s essential to use caution and follow security best practices to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime or malware.
- When starting up a Tor session, you’ll be asked to either ‘connect’ or ‘configure’.
- It’s like an iceberg – The visible tip above water, known as the “surface web” represents the familiar, searchable content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Google take you to the dark web?
How can you access the dark web? To access the dark web, you can't use Google Search or browsers, such as Chrome or Safari. Instead, you need to use software designed specifically for this purpose, such as Tor or I2P.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Can I get in trouble for browsing the dark web?
If you follow the precautions and avoid illegal activities, you should not get into trouble for browsing the dark web. However, it’s always best to proceed with caution.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can explore the dark web safely and responsibly.
Can I download Tor Browser?
There are two options to download Tor Browser. Tap on 'Send me Tor Browser' and choose your operating system. GetTor will respond with a downloadable Tor Browser file and the signature which can be used to verify the download. Tap on 'Send me other mirrors for Tor Browser' to download from one of the official mirrors.
