Which VPN Is Best For Accessing The Dark Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
Everyone who has access to the internet uses the Surface web, or as some like to call it – the Clearnet. That content is indexed by different search engines like Google, Bing, Yandex, Duckduckgo, Yahoo, Baidu, etc. Again – results consist of only indexed content by that search engine. In addition to Tor’s three layers of encryption, the browser also deletes your browsing history, erases your tracks and prevents sites from identifying and tracking you, explains Wired.
- We recommend you use a trustworthy VPN like NordVPN, which offers military-grade encryption for your IP address and dark web monitoring to alert you in case of identity theft.
- But I had much faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
- Accessing the dark web can only be done using specific browsers, such as TOR Browser.
- NordVPN’s Double VPN feature routes traffic through two servers instead of one.
First off, you must know that accessing the deep web means going below the surface, and even the tools you use are not the usual ones. You might be using a VPN for other reasons too, but to access the deep web it is a ‘must’ because it is the only way to hide your identity, i.e. your IP address. What a VPN does to protect you, is simply – create a virtual private network (as you get it from its name – VPN) from a public connection. Several technical features make the Dark Web a unique subset of the Deep Web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. Accessing it requires special software and knowledge of certain protocols. How to search the dark web involves understanding its structure and the tools needed to explore it safely.
Yes, you can access the dark web on mobile, but remember, you can do so if you have a Tor browser installed. Tor Metrics is the website that measures who and where uses the network. However, knowing the dark web link isn’t enough — you need an invitation code to create a Riseup account. It has excellent tips on how to add a dash of information security to your daily life.
Darknet data products built by analysts to inform sophisticated cybersecurity programs and decisions. To download it, go to the torproject and get the right version for your operating system. It is truly important for them to know if their brand name, products, employee/customer data, or confidential documents are being mentioned, even worse sold, in any of these Darknet content. That is why white hackers also surf these contents and try to keep companies up-to-date. When we said above “the remainder of the internet” is the deep web, it gives you the idea that there are only two parts of the internet, the surface, and the deep web.
To access the dark web, we run our search engine after installing one of the Tor, etc. search engines. After accessing the links with the .onion extension by searching, try to reach reliable or known sources by paying attention to the security and privacy rules of the pages. Many Internet users use encryption – for example, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) – to keep Internet activities private.
What You Need Before Accessing the Dark Web
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. Based on Mozilla’s Firefox, this browser hides all that pinging about in the background. “It’s a web browser. Use it like one. It’s that simple,” says Muffett. That’s the desktop edition, but there’s a version for Android and an unsupported onion browsing app for iOS.
While you can avoid malware by skipping dark web commerce sites and being careful about the sites you visit, there’s always a chance that you could inadvertently click on an infected link or button. Overall, setting up your device to access the dark web on Android shouldn’t take more than five to 10 minutes. The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are commonly used interchangeably. Although this is accurate in terms of the underlying technology, there is a slight difference. The deep web refers to non-indexed webpages as a whole, while dark web refers more specifically to the parts of the deep web where you can engage in illicit activities.
The deep web constitutes over 90% of online content and is inaccessible via search engines. Millions of regular internet users access private databases such as email inboxes and credit card accounts daily. These pages are not indexed by search engines and are protected behind security walls, authentication forms, and passwords on the deep web. DuckDuckGo can be used to view dark web sites because it also shows .onion links. Thus, services like Google won’t bring you anywhere on the dark web, whereas DuckDuckGo will allow you to visit dark websites. Although some worry about the dark web’s security, there are many great dark web sites that you can visit safely.
Before you can learn how to search the dark web, you must prepare adequately. Here are some essential steps and tools:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): This masks your IP address, providing anonymity.
- Tor Browser: A specialized web browser that allows users to access the dark web.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a live operating system like Tails for added security.
- Search Engines for the Dark Web: Familiarize yourself with dark web search engines like DuckDuckGo or Not Evil.
Steps on How to Search the Dark Web
Follow these steps to effectively search the dark web:
- Install a VPN: Choose a reliable VPN service and connect to it before proceeding.
- Download Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the browser.
- Open Tor Browser: Launch the browser and allow it to connect to the Tor network. This may take a few moments.
- Access Dark Web Links: Use .onion sites, which are specifically designed for the dark web. Search for these links in forums or trusted resources.
- Utilize Dark Web Search Engines: Navigate to search engines optimized for the dark web to find specific content or resources.
Safety Precautions
When learning how to search the dark web, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some key precautions:
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Always remain anonymous and avoid disclosing any personal details.
- Be Wary of Links: Clicking on unknown links can lead to malware or phishing attacks.
- Use Encrypted Communication: Consider using apps like Signal to secure your conversations.
- Exit When Necessary: If you feel unsafe or encounter suspicious activity, exit the dark web immediately.
Common Myths About the Dark Web
There are many misconceptions surrounding the dark web. Here are a few:
- Myth 1: All activities on the dark web are illegal.
- Myth 2: The dark web is only for criminals.
- Myth 3: You can only access it with advanced hacking skills.
FAQs About Searching the Dark Web
Q1: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A1: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on it is against the law.
Q2: Can I use regular browsers to access the dark web?
A2: No, regular browsers cannot access .onion sites; you need the Tor Browser for that.
Q3: What kind of content is available on the dark web?
A3: The dark web contains a mix of legal and illegal content, including forums, marketplaces, and blogs.
In conclusion, knowing how to search the dark web is essential for anyone interested in exploring its depths. With the right tools, safety measures, and knowledge, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet securely.
