It does provide some Dark Web monitoring to all paid accounts, but it saves the most valuable features for its business accounts. The world wide web is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is online. Beyond all the websites indexed by Google and other common search engines is the deep web—and buried within that is the dark web. Using a VPN also means your ISP can only see that you’re using a VPN — not Tor. Your ISP can still see your original IP address, but everything else stays concealed by the VPN connection. This keeps you safe from any ISPs or authorities trying to detect Tor traffic.
If you’re curious about the dark web and want to explore its hidden corners, you’ve come to the right place. The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it a haven for anonymity and privacy. However, accessing the dark web can be tricky and requires some knowledge and precautions. In this guide, we will walk you through how to get on the dark web in 2024.
What is the Dark Web?
Can A VPN And Tor Make The Dark Web Completely Private And Secure?
The website can see your IP address and your ISP, government, advertisers, and malicious actors can easily track you. When you use the Tor browser, it adds several layers of encryption — like an onion. Then, it sequentially sends your request through three random relay servers. Find our round-up of the 15 best dark web websites, alongside the specific .onion links you need to start browsing on Tor.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is only accessible through special software or configurations, such as Tor or I2P. It is often associated with illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and illegal goods and services. While there is legitimate content on the dark web, users should proceed with caution due to its unregulated nature.
How to Access the Dark Web
How To Download And Use Tor
Here are the steps to access the dark web in 2024:
How does Tor work?
Tor aims to conceal its users' identities and their online activity from surveillance and traffic analysis by separating identification and routing. It is an implementation of onion routing, which encrypts and then randomly bounces communications through a network of relays run by volunteers around the globe.
- Download a privacy-focused browser: To access the dark web, you will need a browser like Tor or I2P that allows you to browse anonymously.
- Install the browser: Once you have downloaded the browser, follow the installation instructions to set it up on your device.
- Connect to the network: Open the browser and connect to the Tor or I2P network to start browsing the dark web.
- Explore carefully: When browsing the dark web, exercise caution and avoid engaging in any illegal activities. Be mindful of your online security and privacy.
But, like I2P, Freenet won’t give you access to.onion links — only content uploaded to Freenet. While the surface and deep web can be accessed this way, the dark web requires special software. Tor (The Onion Router) is the most commonly used browser for the dark web; however, it’s also accessible through networks like Freenet, Riffle, and I2P. You can find both legal and illegal websites/activities on the dark web, as it isn’t regulated in any way.
Norton 360 would be a great option if it had a simpler pricing structure and more comprehensive services. It’s hard to recommend in its current form because the company doesn’t offer much support or assistance after alerting customers that their data has been found on the Dark Web. Norton is well known for securing endpoints with antivirus software, but it also includes Dark Web monitoring in its Deluxe and Premium plans. Customers can continuously scan for 35 different pieces of information on Dark Web forums and e-commerce sites. While free Dark Web monitoring is an attractive option, LastPass simply isn’t doing enough to earn back its customers’ trust and provide top-notch services.
Onionname
Frequently Asked Questions
However, there are illegal sites and content on the dark web, like child pornography and black markets, and partaking in those sites/content is illegal no matter your reason. Protecting yourself from malicious exit nodes is why I strongly advise making sure you have a reputable, updated antivirus and antimalware program. All three providers I recommended above use RAM-only servers that prevent logging and have a proven no-logs policy.
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.
However, surfing the Dark Web is not the same as surfing the Surface Web. The Dark Web refers to the collection of websites that cannot be indexed on traditional search engines. It is the opposite of the Surface Web, which is the version of the internet most of us are using right now, the one that can be indexed by Google, Bing, etc., and, perhaps more importantly, tracked. SOCRadar provides a thorough Dark Web Monitoring solution that enables organizations to identify and mitigate threats across the surface, deep and dark web. Most of the data collected from deep web sources do not represent any value from the cybersecurity perspective.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
- Scientific journals often put their articles behind a paywall or charge high fees for access, but Sci-Hub offers open-access to read or download research papers.
- Have you ever wondered how strange the secret world of the Internet is in its superficial existence?
- Moreover, if ProtonMail gets blocked in your country, Tor can circumvent this block.
While using Tor or I2P provides anonymity, it is still possible for users to be tracked through various means. Taking precautions like using a VPN can enhance your privacy.
Is my password on the dark web?
Other Ways to Check if Your Email and Password Are on the Dark Web: Use a Reputable Dark Web Scan Tool: There are several reputable platforms available online that can scan the dark web for your data. Some examples include HaveIBeenPwned, Experian, and IdentityGuard.
Conclusion
Exploring the dark web can be a fascinating experience, but it comes with risks. By following the steps outlined in this guide and being cautious while browsing, you can safely navigate the dark web in 2024.
What is the dark web called now?
The dark web, also known as darknet websites, are accessible only through networks such as Tor ("The Onion Routing" project) that are created specifically for the dark web. Tor browser and Tor-accessible sites are widely used among the darknet users and can be identified by the domain ".onion".
