How To Get Into The Dark Web 2024

Popular And Interesting Dark Web Websites (with Onion Links)

Understanding the Dark Web

For me, this is a “pointless benefit” because VPNs are legal, and using them won’t raise any suspicion. Using Tor, while legal, will raise suspicion due to its association with the dark web and its association with various illegal activities. Basically, they’ll need to configure this setup on a specific server, which will route your Tor traffic. Since you’re first using Tor and then VPN, it’s clear that the entry node will be visible to your ISP who will be able to tell that you’re using Tor.

Third parties can still see your IP address before you use Tor though, which means your ISP knows if you’re using the browser. That’s why we recommend using Tor-over-VPN so you can hide your Tor activity too. Malicious sites could easily compromise your safety, as can the cybercriminals waiting for you on Tor nodes. CyberGhost VPN  adds another layer of encryption to stop your information from falling into the wrong hands as you weave through the Tor network. It also hosts private forums and communities where individuals can discuss sensitive topics, share information, and connect with like-minded individuals. These privacy-focused forums often delve into subjects considered taboo or controversial on the surface web.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software and configurations to access. Known for its anonymity, the dark web hosts a range of activities, both legal and illegal. As of 2024, it remains a complex realm that draws many curious individuals.

Why Access the Dark Web?

There are various reasons one might want to learn how to get into the dark web 2024:

Wherever you go online, but especially if you’re on dark web websites, using a VPN helps you secure your data and protect your personal information. Avast SecureLine VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic to block hackers and keeps snoops out. Install Avast SecureLine VPN today to browse safely and securely, wherever your online travels take you. A lot of illegal activity occurs on the dark web, and onion websites are popular hangouts for cybercriminals and scammers.

• Privacy and anonymity
• Avenue for free speech in oppressive regimes
• Access to information not available on the surface web
• Interest in cyberculture and the technological aspects

Surprisingly, the U.S. government is usually cited as the creator of the dark web to allow spies to communicate with each other anonymously. That’s when Freenet, a peer-to-peer sharing network focused on anonymity, was launched. The dark web is quite small when compared with the internet as a whole.

In fact, there is an entire section of the dark web dedicated to pornographic content. However, it is important to note that not all of this content is legal. Freenet is still an experiment designed to resist denial-of-service attacks and censorship.

On average, I had really good browsing speeds — .onion sites loaded in 2–3 seconds, HD videos loaded in 5 seconds, and there was only minor buffering at the start of the videos. ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for browsing pages on the dark web in 2024 — it supports Tor traffic, provides excellent security and privacy features, and has very fast speeds. Once you upload an image, the site provides you with shareable links for email messages, instant messaging, message boards, and websites. I tested Image Hosting and was able to upload and share an image on Facebook in less than 10 seconds. I also like that the security guides are very easy to read — the format is easy to scan, complicated terms are explained very well, and there are videos and screenshots. It’s great how the site has a Security Scenarios section too, where it offers personalized security tips for specific audiences (activists, academic researchers, journalists, and more).

Steps to Access the Dark Web

Here’s a straightforward guide on how to get into the dark web 2024:

1. Equip Your Device

Ensure your device is secure to minimize risks when accessing the dark web.

• Update your operating system: Use the latest version to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Install an antivirus: This helps in safeguarding against potential threats.
• Enable a firewall: This adds another layer of security against unauthorized access.

2. Download the Right Tools

To access the dark web, you’ll need special software:

• Tor Browser: This is the most common way to access the dark web. Download it from the official site to avoid malware.
• VPN: Consider using a virtual private network to enhance your anonymity while browsing.

3. Go to .onion Sites

Once you have the Tor Browser set up, you can begin to explore:

• Type in .onion web addresses directly into the Tor Browser.
• Be cautious and rely on trusted lists of .onion sites to avoid scams or illegal content.

4. Stay Safe While Browsing

• It does this by routing your internet traffic through three random servers across the globe and encrypting it three times.
• It is a good place to get help and ask questions about the dark web when you are a total noob.
• When you’re done surfing or shopping on the dark web, don’t forget to shut down Tails.
• And while the surface internet is populated with interesting and varied sites, due to this nature, people often want to know how to get on the dark web safely and securely.

Safety is paramount when navigating the dark web:

• Do not share personal information: Maintain your anonymity at all costs.
• Be wary of links: Many can lead to harmful sites or illegal activities.
• Avoid downloads: These can contain dangerous malware or viruses.

Legal Considerations

Understanding the legal ramifications of accessing the dark web is crucial:

• While using the dark web is not illegal, many activities occurring on it are.
• Engaging in illegal activities can lead to serious legal consequences.

FAQs About Getting Into the Dark Web

Q: Is the dark web illegal?

A: The dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities that occur there can be.

Q: Can I be tracked while using the dark web?

A: While using Tor provides anonymity, sophisticated tracking techniques can still potentially reveal your identity.

Q: What should I avoid on the dark web?

A: Stay away from illegal marketplaces, hacking forums, and sites that seem suspicious or too good to be true.

Learning how to get into the dark web 2024 isn’t just about curiosity; it requires a dedication to safety, legality, and ethical consideration. As with any facet of the internet, knowledge and caution are key to navigating this hidden space securely.