The internet is vast and filled with hidden corners, some of which are inaccessible through traditional search engines. These hidden corners, known as the Dark Web, have gained a reputation for being a hub of illicit activities. However, not all content on the Dark Web is illegal, and some individuals simply wish to explore its depths out of curiosity.
What is the Dark Web?
All types of personal data can be distributed online for a profit. Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate in the dark web all the time. You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts.
Avoid sharing personal information, use strong passwords, and be cautious of anything that seems too good to be true. Next, navigate to the onion icon again and select “Security Settings.” Ensure you check the “Safest” setting to avoid any security issues while browsing the dark web. Theodor is a content writer passionate about the newest tech developments and content marketing strategies. He likes privacy-friendly software, SEO tools, and when he’s not writing, he’s trying to convince people they should uninstall TikTok.
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Protecting your Digital Assets
The Dark Web refers to a part of the internet that exists within an encrypted network and can only be accessed using special software. This encryption ensures anonymity by routing internet traffic through various relays, making it difficult to trace back to the user.
Experts believe tens of thousands access these sites on a regular basis. Carrying on with the analogy, big search engines could be considered like fishing boats that can only “catch” websites close to the surface. Everything else, from academic journals to private databases and more illicit content, is out of reach. This deep web also includes the portion that we know as the dark web.
Step 1: Get the Right Tools
To access the Dark Web, you need to download and install a Tor browser, which stands for “The Onion Router.” Tor is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication by directing internet traffic through a worldwide volunteer network of relays.
Note: It is important to exercise caution and follow legal guidelines while browsing the Dark Web. Engaging in illegal activities can lead to severe consequences.
Tools to access the Dark web
Step 2: Install and Configure Tor
1. Visit the official Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org) and select the appropriate version of the Tor browser for your operating system.
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You don’t have to become a cybersecurity expert to understand the mechanics of the Dark Web. And if you have no idea what to do if your identity is stolen, Aura has your back. That’s why people who try Aura’s Dark Web Scanner are shocked to see how much of their sensitive information is exposed just by running a scan of their email address. In October 2021, law enforcers in nine countries carried out Operation Dark HunTOR, in which Europol simultaneously arrested 150 alleged suspects in Europe and the US. Marketplaces on the Dark Web even feature rating and review systems, so potential buyers can identify “trustworthy” sellers. With all these features, and the appeal of cybercrime riches, it’s no wonder these black markets are experiencing a huge rise in supply, according to the Dark Web Price Index.
2. Download the installer and run the executable file.
3. Follow the installation instructions provided and choose your desired language and installation location.
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4. Once the installation is complete, launch the Tor browser.
The quickest way to access the dark web is to download and install Tor Browser, which will route your traffic through the Tor network and let you access the dark web. On Tor, you can type in any URL you’d like to visit, including .onion domains on the dark web. The websites you visit every day represent just a small fraction of the whole internet.
- Any Tor client that wants to connect to the hidden service can now do so through these introduction points.
- The site offers downloads for macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android.
- Illicit activities on the Dark Web span a broad spectrum, from selling stolen personal data to arms trafficking and drug dealing.
- The internet is home to billions of websites — an estimated 1.7 billion to be exact, although that number changes every day as new sites are made and others are deleted.
Step 3: Connect to the Dark Web
1. After launching the Tor browser, a new window will open with a message confirming that you are using Tor.
2. To connect to the Dark Web, simply enter the URL of a known Dark Web website or use directories like “The Hidden Wiki” (http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion).
3. Take note that accessing certain websites may require specific authorization or logins, so proceed with caution and only visit reputable sources.
Step 4: Navigate Safely
1. When browsing the Dark Web, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files. Malware and scams are prevalent in this hidden realm.
2. Keep in mind that law enforcement agencies actively monitor some parts of the Dark Web, so engaging in illegal activities can have severe consequences.
3. Protect your privacy by not revealing personal information, using pseudonyms, and being cautious about the content you interact with.
Conclusion
The Dark Web offers a glimpse into an encrypted world filled with both legal and illegal content. By following the steps outlined above and exercising caution, users can access the Dark Web and explore its depths. However, it is important to remember that illegal activities are punishable by law, and one should always prioritize their safety and adhere to legal guidelines while navigating this shadowy realm.
