Can I Use Tor To Browse The Surface Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access. Many use it for legitimate purposes, such as securing privacy, while others explore its illegal offerings. If you are interested in how to go to dark web, it’s essential to proceed with caution and a clear understanding of potential risks.
Preparation Steps
The Deep web (also known as the Invisible web or the Hidden web) is the part of the World Wide Web that is not visible to standard search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo. While no one knows the exact amount, the total amount of content on the Deep web is believed to be many times as great as that of the Surface web. We’ve often seen estimates that the Deep web is 10 to 20 times as large as the Surface web. The dark web has numerous legitimate uses but is still home to various criminal activities.
The Deep Web is the collection of all websites that are not indexed by search engines. Some Deep Websites are unconventional marketplaces that offer a disturbing range of products or services. You can buy or broker illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, stolen credit cards or breached data, digital currencies, malware, national identity cards or passports. You can contract digital or criminal services, ranging from spam campaigns to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Novices can even purchase eBooks that explain how to attack websites, steal identities or otherwise profit from illegal activities. Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers.
The rise of cryptocurrency, and in particular Bitcoin, significantly increased the dark web’s use in illegal trade. Users could exchange funds online without sharing credit card numbers or other identifying information. In February 2011 Ross Ulbricht founded what is believed to be the dark web’s first black market, Silk Road. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Ulbricht in October 2013, but imitators still arise, many much larger.
You can usually select the location you want to appear to originate from and VPNs will use a collection of servers and relays to make tracing your IP difficult. When the dark web is mentioned online, it is usually in tandem with criminal marketplaces and arrests made by law enforcement agencies. You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app. Install a mobile dark web browsing app — like Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iPhone — and enter a [dot] onion URL to start browsing.
Before diving into the dark web, ensure you’re adequately prepared:
The dark web may be the Wild West of the internet — a place without rules, gatekeepers, or censorship — but there are still reasons to visit. Check out our rundown of the best dark web links and how to navigate dark websites safely. The dark web is a common gathering place for hackers and other cybercriminals, which can make browsing the dark web a risky activity. Visitors to the dark web should exercise extreme caution when downloading files, as they may infect your devices with viruses, malware, trojans, ransomware or other malicious files. At a minimum, users should ensure that their cybersecurity defenses are activated and up-to-date.
- Tails provides additional layers of security so that Dark Web browsing is not tied directly to a user’s machine.
- Combining a high-end VPN service with the Tor network adds another layer of defense that will make using the Tor network safer for you.
- An IP address enables networks to send the right information to the right place – for example, making sure an email reaches its destination.
- Understand the risks: Accessing the dark web can expose you to malware and legal issues.
- Use a secure device: Make sure the device you use is secure and free of sensitive information.
- Install a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps to anonymize your internet connection.
This prevents your personal details from being leaked when you’re connected to the Tor network. The dark web is a part of the internet that can usually only be accessed using a specialized browser. While it’s infamous for drug-slinging and other criminal activities, people also turn to the dark web for valuable anonymous activities like bypassing censorship, journalism, and whistle-blowing. Even if you haven’t directly accessed the dark web yourself, that doesn’t mean you are exempt from dark web exposure. The reality is that millions of personal information, account records, credit card numbers and other sensitive documents are leaked on the dark web every day. That is why dark web monitoring solutions are now a necessity for companies, governments, and even individuals who want to protect themselves from data theft.
I tested it 10+ times and it always provided me with accurate search results. For example, I used the “radio” keyword and the third result was Deep Web Radio, which is a popular online radio station on the dark web. You can also filter the results by telling Ahmia to only display links from the last day, week, or month. We don’t want to give you the notion that everything on the dark web is unlawful or evil. The Tor network began as an anonymous communication route, and it continues to serve a useful purpose in assisting people in communicating in hostile contexts to free expression.
It was largely the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009 that transformed the dark web into a sanctuary for criminals. Bitcoin also contributed to the emergence in 2011 of the Silk Road, a black market for buying and selling illegal drugs. Most people know about the dark web within the context of stolen identity and personal information. Since the dark web is anonymous and unregulated, it has become a marketplace for selling stolen passwords, IDs, and other forms of private information. For all the illegal activity and secrecy that takes place on Tor, you may be surprised to learn its origin story.
Accessing the Dark Web
Follow these steps to learn how to go to dark web safely:
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Download Tor Browser: The most common method to access the dark web is via the Tor browser. This browser allows you to access .onion websites, which are exclusive to the dark web.
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Install the browser: Once downloaded, install the Tor Browser by following the installation prompts. Ensure you download it from the official website to avoid malware.
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Connect to the Tor Network: Open the Tor Browser, and connect to the network. This process may take a few moments.
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Make sure to enable security settings: Before browsing, adjust the security settings within the Tor Browser for maximum privacy.
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Enter .onion addresses: Use search engines designed for the dark web, like DuckDuckGo or Ahmia, or navigate directly to specific .onion websites.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Safety is paramount when exploring the dark web. Consider the following tips:
- Do not share personal information: Never reveal your identity, location, or any personal details.
- Be cautious about links: Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links that could lead to harmful content.
- Use secure payment methods: If you decide to make purchases, consider using cryptocurrencies for added anonymity.
FAQs
Q: Is accessing the dark web illegal?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Q: Do I need special software to access the dark web?
A: Yes, you need the Tor Browser or other specific software designed to access .onion websites.
Q: Can I browse the dark web without a VPN?
A: While it’s possible, using a VPN adds an extra layer of security and anonymity.
Q: What should I avoid on the dark web?
A: Avoid engaging in illegal activities, sharing personal information, and clicking on suspicious links.
Conclusion
Learning how to go to dark web requires preparation, caution, and a commitment to security. By following the steps outlined above, you can minimize risks and navigate the dark web more safely.
