Can I Use Tor To Browse The Surface Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
They are an independent organization that provides experience for the University of Washington’s Medicine programs. Transformative Healthcare was featured early on; their breach happened in February 2023 and may impact over 900k people, including patients and former FAS employees. This week in cybersecurity saw billions of records fall into the hands of criminals. The week began with a report of 132k records compromised from an Indiana healthcare system. Nowadays, digital transactions and virtual interactions aren’t exactly optional. People can’t keep their information off the web due to professional reasons, and many processes are exponentially more convenient through an online profile.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities but also has legitimate uses. Learning how to go on the dark web safely is essential if you’re considering exploring this shadowy segment of the online world.
Prerequisites for Accessing the Dark Web
Using the Tor browser is simple, but knowing when to fire it up is more complicated. Another challenge is CAPTCHAs; because Tor behaves differently than other browsers, it’s more likely to trigger the bot-hunting system, so be prepared to face more of them than usual. Similarly, Data Breach Scanner will monitor all the credentials and credit card details stored in your NordPass vault.
As the topics of discussion are often dangerous, illegal, or unethical, it’s better to avoid visiting these websites or participating in such discussions. To access the dark web, you’ll have to download and install the free Tor browser. Yes, it’s completely legal, with the U.S. government being one of the major funders for the Tor project that’s responsible for creating the browser in the first place.
Before diving into how to go on the dark web, it’s important to prepare properly:
- Ensure you have a reliable internet connection.
- Understand the legal implications of accessing certain content on the dark web.
- Consider the need for anonymity and privacy tools.
The dark web refers to content on the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software, like Tor Browser, to access. The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which is all content on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. As hoped, the Tor anonymous network grew in popularity among computer enthusiasts, privacy advocates, journalists, dissidents under repressive governments, and others desirous of strict secrecy. At the same time, Tor became an effective shield for the illicit sale of heavily controlled goods, such as guns and drugs. The Tor network also gave hackers, terrorists, and distributors of illegal pornography a secure method of communication. The term dark web first appeared in print in a 2009 newspaper article describing these criminal applications.
As with the Surface Web and Deep Web, Dark Web sites can run the gamut from legal to illegal activities. To find out if your information is leaked on the Dark Web — you can rely on Aura’s identity theft protection service. It’s not wrong to assume that your personal information is on the Dark Web. If your personal details can be found on web search engines, then they’re most likely available on the Dark Web, too. Details for credit cards carrying a balance up to $1,000 cost $150 on average, while stolen online banking login details (for an account with a balance of at least $100) go for just $40. This high barrier entry to the Dark Web exists to protect user identities, online activities and location, and maintain their anonymity.
Approximately 90% of all websites are on the deep web, and many are used by entities such as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. What’s known as the dark web exists within the deep web; it’s an area of the internet that is only accessible by users who have a Tor browser installed. In general, most average internet users will never need to access content on the dark web, although it is perfectly legal to use Tor.
If you want to visit the deep web — even if it’s just to check out your dental bill or the balance in your online bank account —equip your device with trusted security software and keep it up to date. Most search engines do not work on the dark web, because they are not designed to search for “.onion” URLs. The good news, however, is that you can use the dark web version of DuckDuckGo to search for and navigate to websites on the dark web. Tor browser is named after “The Onion Router” protocol that powers the dark web.
If Tor is not banned in your country, you can directly click the “Connect” button and connect to the Tor network. If it is prohibited, you will need to adjust the connection settings. As a general rule, you should always use a VPN and only use Tor when you need to.
- Furthermore, no entity has authority over the dark web or can impose regulations.
- Take a look at the sites that these directories have collected and see what topics interest you.
- In a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy.
Necessary Tools for Access
To access the dark web securely, you’ll need specific software:
- Tor Browser: This is the most popular tool for accessing the dark web. It anonymizes your internet traffic and allows you to visit .onion sites.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Adding a VPN enhances your privacy by masking your IP address before connecting to the Tor network.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Go on the Dark Web
1. Install the Tor Browser
Follow these steps to install the Tor Browser:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the browser by following the on-screen instructions.
2. Use a VPN
This step is crucial for enhancing your privacy:
- Choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN service.
- Install and connect to the VPN before launching the Tor Browser.
3. Launch the Tor Browser
Now that you have the necessary tools installed, it’s time to start:
- Open the Tor Browser.
- Allow the browser to connect to the Tor network.
4. Explore .onion Sites
With the Tor Browser, you can now explore the dark web:
- Access .onion sites by entering their URLs directly.
- Use directories or resources that list popular dark web sites.
Safety Tips for Navigating the Dark Web
- Do not share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files unless you trust the source.
- Be aware of scams and fraudulent activities.
- Use secure passwords and change them regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is used for various purposes, including anonymous communication, political activism, and accessing illegal goods or services.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is legal in most countries, but engaging in illegal activities is not.
Can I get caught while browsing the dark web?
While the Tor network provides anonymity, there are still risks. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor illegal activities.
Are there safe sites on the dark web?
Yes, there are many legitimate sites on the dark web that focus on privacy, free speech, and whistleblowing.
What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
If you stumble upon illegal content, it’s best to exit the site immediately and avoid any interaction.
