How To Access Onion Sites
Introduction to the Dark Web
People often use the dark web to keep their online activity anonymous. And this increased protection is what can motivate cybercriminals to use the platform for illegal activity. Infiltrations can put you at risk of monitoring for other types of activity as well. Evading government restrictions to explore new political ideologies can be an imprisonable offense in some countries. China uses what is known as the “Great Firewall” limit access to popular sites for this exact reason. The risk of being a visitor to this content could lead to being placed on a watchlist or immediate targeting for a jail sentence.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illicit activities, but it also serves as a space for privacy advocates, journalists, and individuals living under oppressive regimes. Learning how to surf the dark web can be both enlightening and risky. This guide will provide essential steps and tips.
What You Need to Get Started
What is popular on the Dark Web can provide data on what is popular in general without having to go around asking people (which might be a tad awkward). In some cases, even COVID-19 vaccines are being sold on the darknet. The next time you are wondering about the state of crime, take a look. Once you’ve got the TOR Browser, you’re ready to surf the Dark Web. However, surfing the Dark Web is not the same as surfing the Surface Web.
Like many underground phenomena on the internet, it is poorly understood and shrouded in the sort of technological mysticism that people often ascribe to things like hacking or Bitcoin. This includes snuff films, child pornography, hitmen for hire, hackers, and much worse. They may lure you in with tips and tricks to get started hacking, or some useful hacking tool.
But just like when you’re online normally, the risks increase depending on what you do while visiting dark web websites. It’s dangerous to buy or download anything from illegal marketplaces — the downloaded files may contain malware and the police can trace illegal purchases. When thinking about the Dark Web, we usually think about the websites that you can’t access using your conventional browsers. Indeed, this part of the internet isn’t indexed by traditional search engines and doesn’t use typical domains you see online. In principle, the dark web is just a version of the internet that you can only access using a Tor browser and where it’s almost impossible to identify the users and owners of the websites on there.
Darknet refers to a restricted overlay network that is only accessible with specific software or authorization. The Guardian called the dark web markets “the eBay of drug dealing” because drugs are among the most common goods on the dark web marketplaces. They were the most lucrative products on the Silk Road marketplace too. Dark web users can also find and buy other illegal substances, such as banned energy drinks. Most of the dark web’s bad rep comes from all the illegal trade that’s happening there.
The FBI discovered and exploited vulnerabilities in the TOR network. Though the agency refused to disclose the source code used to penetrate the network, undoubtedly law enforcement agencies around the world monitor and operate on the Deep Web. Members of the TOR project vowed to patch network holes and strengthen the protocol.
This is a free software tool that allows users to access the dark web and browse anonymously. So, we know accessing the dark web is legal and provides many benefits to well-meaning users, such as enhanced privacy and defying censorship. The dark web lives on the Tor ecosystem and can only be accessed through the Tor browser. It’s a free, open-source software using a global network of servers to help you stay anonymous online.
Before you dive into the dark web, make sure to prepare adequately. Here’s a checklist of what you need:
- Tor Browser – Download and install the Tor browser to access the dark web.
- VPN Service – Consider using a Virtual Private Network for additional security.
- Antivirus Software – Keep your device secure with up-to-date antivirus software.
- Secure Email – Set up an anonymous email account for communication.
Steps to Surf the Dark Web
Now that you have the necessary tools, follow these steps to navigate the dark web securely:
- Install the Tor Browser – This browser routes your connection through multiple servers, anonymizing your IP address.
- Configure Your Settings – Adjust the privacy and security settings to maximize your anonymity.
- Connect to a VPN – Activate your VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your online activities.
- Access .onion Sites – Use URLs that end with .onion. This is the primary format for dark web sites.
- Stay Anonymous – Avoid sharing personal information and refrain from using your real name.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web, it is crucial to take safety precautions to protect yourself:
- Avoid Downloading Files – Files from unknown sources can carry malware.
- Do Not Share Personal Information – Always use pseudonyms and do not disclose personal details.
- Understand Legal Boundaries – Familiarize yourself with the laws of your country to avoid illegal activities.
- Use Encrypted Communication – If you communicate, use end-to-end encrypted applications.
Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions about the dark web that can lead to misunderstanding its purpose:
- All content is illegal – While many illegal activities can be found, there are also legal uses.
- It’s completely anonymous – Although it provides privacy, absolute anonymity is never guaranteed.
- Everyone on the dark web is malicious – Many users are not involved in illegal activities; they seek privacy and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to surf the dark web?
It can be safe if you take the necessary precautions to protect your identity and devices. However, risks exist, so caution is essential.
2. What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard browsers.
3. Can you access the dark web on a regular browser?
No, traditional browsers cannot access .onion sites. You must use the Tor browser for that purpose.
4. What type of content is available on the dark web?
Content ranges from forums and marketplaces to information-sharing platforms related to privacy rights, political activism, and more.
Conclusion
- A VPN can help disguise your use of Tor and your visits to dark web resources.
- Mullvad is one of the few providers that offer the VPN Over Tor configuration to access the dark web.
- “The Tor network is another network which sits on top of the TCP/IP internet, stitching the participating computers together into a wholly new network ‘space’, not IPv4, not IPv6, but ‘Onion Space’.”
- If you have a legitimate or viable need to access the dark web, you’ll want to make sure you stay safe if you decide to use it.
- It is highly likely that intelligence agencies and law enforcement do their best to monitor who visits the Dark web, or at least certain sites on the Dark web.
Knowing how to surf the dark web can open up new avenues for information and privacy. However, it is vital to approach this realm with caution and an awareness of the associated risks. By following the steps and tips provided in this guide, you can navigate the dark web safely and responsibly.
