Also, you need to use a privacy-focused browser such as the Tor network to connect via nodes and proxy servers, which are more secure and aim to anonymize traffic requests. The Tor browser is able to access the special domain names, with the suffix .onion, used in the dark web. As search engine crawlers do not catalog these pages, you would need to know the exact link to access a website in this area of the internet. This could include government services to access your records, health care services, members-only areas, intranets, or corporate resources. In 2002, the dark web grew significantly when researchers supported by the US Naval Research Laboratory built and released the Tor network. At the time, the internet was still young, and tracking people was easy while staying anonymous was not.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. If you are curious about how to access the dark web, here are some steps to follow.
NordVPN offers a number of dark web-specific features, such as Onion over VPN servers and robust AES 256-bit encryption. You won’t be able to search the dark web with a regular browser (such as Chrome or Firefox). Besides, your online activity on such browsers is visible to your ISP unless you connect to a VPN service. Yes, you definitely need a VPN if you want to access the dark web on your phone. The reason for this is that the dark web is full of potentially dangerous content, and a VPN will help to keep your identity and personal information safe.
Top VPN Deals
Use a Dark Web Browser
What search engine is used for hidden websites?
DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo, a well-known search engine, is often likened to Google for its effectiveness in scouring the dark web. Commonly recognized as one of the top private search engines, it comes as the default option on TOR browsers, but of course it can also be used in other browsers.
The moderators enforce a strict policy against posting links to illegal products or services, so you’re more likely to find safer dark web addresses here. 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. There are plenty of reasons companies and individuals may want to access the Dark Web.
What Do I Do If My Personal Information Is On The Dark Web?
This is a Dark Web search engine which can be accessed on the regular Internet too. There are many VPNs available for accessing the dark web, but the best VPN for you depends on your needs and preferences. Some VPNs are better for privacy and security, while others are better for streaming or torrenting. NotEvil, Ahmia, Candle, and Torch are among the darknet search engines that have indexes .Onion domains.
First of all, you’ll need a VPN – now you know – it provides additional privacy and security online by changing your IP address. We selected a random country to connect through it, and the VPN shows we are in. With Tor node IPs being public, Internet providers can detect when it is being used.
Know How Dark Web Websites Work
The first step to accessing the dark web is to use a specialized browser that can handle the .onion top-level domain. The most popular dark web browser is the Tor browser, which is a modified version of Firefox. Tor encrypts your internet connection and bounces it through several volunteer-operated servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Other dark web browsers include I2P and Freenet.
Download and Install the Tor Browser
Early 2000s – Present: Tor’s Illegal Uses
To download the Tor browser, go to the official website at https://www.torproject.org/download/. Choose the correct operating system and follow the instructions to install the browser. Once installed, open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network. This may take a few minutes.
Find Dark Web Sites
- Everything you can find with a Google search is part of the surface web.
- No one truly knows the size of the dark web, but some estimate that it accounts for just 5% of the total internet.
- All information, including rates and fees, are accurate as of the date of publication and are updated as provided by our partners.
- The Dark Web’s cloak of anonymity can shield not just the well-intentioned but also those with malicious intentions, making safety precautions all the more essential.
- This free app is like a secret passageway, designed especially for dark web navigation, and it excels at keeping your online journey under wraps.
Once you have a dark web browser installed, you can start searching for dark web sites. However, unlike the surface web, the dark web does not have a central index or search engine. Instead, you will need to use direct links to access specific sites. Here are some ways to find dark web sites:
This includes corporate espionage, financial fraud, and sometimes, the impersonation of friends, family, and coworkers (with malicious intent). The dark web is a little challenging to access if you don’t know anything about it. However, it hosts tons of communities and marketplaces and has a thriving economy driven by the sale of illicit goods and information. The term itself is known to send chills down one’s spine because there are thousands of stories about the dark web and rampant cybercrime. As the threat of identity theft is ever present, concerns about the dark web are certainly founded.
- Use a Dark Web Directory: There are several directories that list dark web sites, such as The Hidden Wiki how to go to the dark web and Tor Metrics. These directories can be accessed through the Tor browser and provide links to various onion sites.
- Follow Recommendations: If you know someone who is already using the dark web, they may be able to recommend enter the dark web some sites to you. Be cautious when accepting recommendations, as not all dark web sites are legitimate or safe.
- Use Caution: The dark web is full of scams, phishing sites, and other dangerous content. Always be cautious when clicking onion links sites on links or providing personal information. If a site looks suspicious or asks for sensitive information, it is best to avoid it.
Conclusion
How to use Tor?
- On the Tor project website, go to the Tor Browser download page.
- Click on the download link for your OS.
- Once downloaded, install the Tor Browser application.
- Launch the Tor Browser application and connect to the Tor network.
Accessing the dark web can be a fascinating and educational experience, but it is important to do so safely and responsibly. Always use a trusted dark web browser, such as Tor, and be cautious when clicking on links or providing personal information. Remember that the dark web is full of scams, phishing sites, and other dangerous content. By following these steps, you can explore the hidden corners of the internet while protecting your privacy and security.
Can you find everything on the dark web?
You can find everything you want on dark web. But that requires a huge amount of efforts in terms of time as you have to search a lot to reach to the exact thing you want. Most of the things out there are paid and they mainly accepts payments in Bitcoin.