Step 3: Safety Tips While Using The Dark Web On IPhone
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web news site DeepDot is always full of stories of buyers who have been arrested or jailed for attempting illegal purchases. Virtual Private Networks are servers that help you to connect through to access the web. VPN software helps to mask your origin and may imitate locations from many other places in the world.
Journalists can use the dark web to publish articles while protecting their source identity using particular browsers. In this blog, we’ll navigate the dark web verse and how you can protect your digital assets while surfing in it. The total number of users visiting the dark web increased in mid-April of 2023 to 2.7 million. It’s worth noting that sometimes a single organization’s website will include elements of both the surface web and the deep web. Most schools have a comprehensive website providing information about the school’s history, campus location, student body, available programs of study, extracurricular activities, and more.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities; however, it also hosts various legitimate platforms. Learning how to connect to the dark web can help individuals access these resources while understanding the necessary precautions to take.
On a web browser, you’ll need to configure your browser’s proxy settings to use the correct port. Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs. If you can’t get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, verify the URL from multiple different sources. Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser lets you surf both the clear web and the dark web. Make sure to download the Tor Browser only from the official website so as not to risk downloading malware, spyware, or some other virus to your device.
The dark web, also known as the “darknet”, is a portion of the internet that lies outside the boundaries of traditional search engines. The above description is accurate, but unfortunately, it is a casual oversimplification of a dangerous area of the Internet. Exploring the Dark Web is not recommended for average users and young people. Venturing into this area exposes users to malware, hacking, and extreme scams. Users may also confront any number of law enforcement surveillance efforts. Although no one knows your identity when using TOR, some people like to add an additional layer of protection and connect to TOR via a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
So while it’s not exactly a deep web search engine, it makes navigating Tor easier by providing a categorized directory with indexed links to “.onion” websites, as well as surface web links. The Dark Web is a collection of websites, forums, and marketplaces that are only accessible by using the Tor browser. This specialized browser grants users a level of anonymity that is especially appealing to cybercriminals, hackers, and government operatives who want to hide their identity.
These fake websites often closely resemble real websites, so it’s incredibly hard to tell if they are legitimate sites or not. They will have a similar domain name, logo, login page, and layout to lure users into interacting with the phishing site. There’s information on live marketplaces and even includes some trustworthy links.
Be wary of buying services or products, even those that aren’t illegal, because the dark web’s anonymity makes it a haven for scammers. Be wary of sites that may infect your computer with viruses or other malicious software that could give hackers access to your passwords, or, say, your webcam. Also, since illegal and disturbing content abounds, and it is still illegal to access illegal content even if it’s harder for the authorities to track you down, click and surf with extreme caution. Encryption, when used for good, protects your location and privacy from hackers and criminals. When used for bad, as on the Dark Web, encryption can prevent the police and government from spotting illegal online activities, such as child pornography, prostitution, drug sales and more.
- The websites you visit on a daily basis make up a small portion of the entire internet.
- The dark web is infamous for criminal activity – illegal goods, stolen data being sold, or hacker services being hired.
- In addition, using a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN helps keep you anonymous and protects your personal information.
- The Surface Web (also referred toy as the Visible Web, the Indexed Web, the Lightnet, and the Clearnet) is the part of the World Wide Web that most of us are familiar with.
- This can often be for political reasons, but also because they may be involved in illegal activities, such as the ones listed above.
How to Safely Connect to the Dark Web
Connecting to the dark web involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to safety and privacy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to connect to the dark web:
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Download and Install Tor Browser:
Tor (The Onion Router) is the most common way to access the dark web. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor browser suitable for your operating system.
- Install the browser by following the on-screen instructions.
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Configure Security Settings:
Before connecting, adjust your security settings:
- Open the Tor browser and click on the shield icon.
- Select “Safety Level” to choose the highest security option.
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Establish a VPN Connection:
For additional security, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN):
- Choose a reputable VPN service.
- Connect to the VPN before launching the Tor browser.
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Access .onion websites:
Once connected, you can access websites on the dark web by entering their .onion addresses directly into the Tor browser.
Safety Precautions While Browsing the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, remain vigilant to enhance your security:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid downloading unknown files.
- Use encrypted communication tools.
- Be cautious about sharing your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts various content, including forums, marketplaces, and blogs. Some sites may offer legal materials, while others could engage in illegal activities.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it, such as purchasing drugs or weapons, is against the law.
How to distinguish between safe and dangerous sites on the dark web?
Research is key. Look for established sites with good reputations, user reviews, and avoid sites that seem suspicious or overly commercial.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you need the Tor browser or similar software to access sites with a .onion address.
By following these guidelines on how to connect to the dark web, users can navigate this complex part of the internet more safely, ensuring that their online activities remain private and secure. Always prioritize both security and caution when exploring unknown virtual territories.
