Overview :
It is the encrypted online content that is not indexed by conventional search engine. It is also called dark net. It is the part of deep web. Most deep web contents consists of private files hosted on Dropbox and its competitors or subscriber-only database rather than anything illegal. Specific browsers like Tor-Browser, are required to reach the Dark Web. It provides better privacy. Many dark websites simply provides standard web services with more secrecy, which benefits political dissidents and people trying to keep medical conditions private. Unfortunately, online marketplaces for drugs, exchanges for stolen data, and other illegal online activity get more attention.
Accessing Dark web :
- To access the vast majority of the dark web, you’ll need Tor.
- Tor is a network of volunteer relays through which the user’s internet connection is routed.
- It hides the real identity of the person over the web around the world and connection will be encrypted and It will make you anonymous.
Ways to Access dark web :
Here, we will discuss the ways step by step to access dark web.
Step-1 :
Get the Tor Browser –
- Through tor browser, you can access the dark web.
- You might want to hide your Tor Browser download using a VPN & your existing browser’s private mode.
- If you want to use Tor with BRAVE browser Try to use it very carefully.
Step-2 :
For security use VPN –
- If you want to use a Tor privately you can use either a VPN or TOR bridges( Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed).
- In USA you particularly want to use VPN which is fast and reliable.
- When using a VPN for the dark web, your ISP will not be able to see that you are connected to a Tor node, only an encrypted Tunnel to a VPN server.
Step-3 :
Navigating the darknet –
Now you have Tor, you can access the dark web. Tor Hidden services are the dark websites and they can be distinguished from normal websites by their URLs. Instead of “.com” or “.org” dark web addresses can the top level domain, “.onion”. These websites are difficult to find on google, they won’t show up on search. You can’t just google “silk road” and hope to land on dark website. A handful of darknet search engines that do index on sites including Not Evil, Ahima, Candle and torch. There are also directories like dark tail.
Anonymity is in your hands :
Here, are some useful tips to make anonymous your identity over the dark web.
- You can now safely browse dark websites and hidden wikis, but if you plan to do so anything more than that, you’ll need to take several precautions.
- If you think you search “silk road” and make fake identity, then it’s a bad idea.
- By this your ISP and your activity might not viewable by the government on the Tor Network, but they do know you are on the Tor Network, and that is alone enough to raise eyebrows.
- Basically, Tor is banned in some countries like china.
- In fact, a recent judgement by the US supreme court denotes that using TOR was sufficient probable cause for law enforcement around the world.
- By the way, Using Tor is legal in India. Actually the basic purpose of the Tor is anonymity and anonymity is not illegal in any single country. But browsing illegal content such as Drugs, Child pornography or we can say that browsing of deep web content can put you in trouble.
- Another Vital precaution is to ensure that your .onion URL’s generally contains a string of seemingly random letters & numbers.
- Once you know URL is correct, then you have save it in an encrypted and you have to keep it in mind that tor browser will not catch it later.
- Otherwise, there is good chance of falling victim in fishing scam like bitcoin mixer.
- Please use VPN for extra layer of security.
- Use a reputable VPN service – A VPN service can help mask your IP address and encrypt your online traffic, adding an extra layer of security to your online activity. However, be sure to use a reputable VPN provider that does not keep logs of your online activity.
- Disable JavaScript – JavaScript can be used to identify your browser and potentially reveal your identity. Disabling JavaScript can help protect your anonymity, but it may also make some websites unusable.
- Use a dedicated device – To avoid cross-contamination between your anonymous and non-anonymous activities, consider using a dedicated device for your dark web browsing.
- Use encryption – Use encrypted communication channels, such as encrypted email and messaging services, to protect your online communications.
- Use a secure operating system – Consider using a secure operating system, such as Tails or Whonix, to further protect your online anonymity.
- Be cautious of downloading files – Downloading files from the dark web can be risky and may expose your identity. Only download files from trusted sources and use a sandbox or virtual machine to run them in a secure environment.
- Avoid revealing personal information – Be cautious of revealing personal information on the dark web, such as your real name or location, as this can potentially compromise your anonymity.