Do you want to access the dark web but are concerned about your privacy and security? If yes, then you have landed on the right page. Here I am going to share a step-by-step guide that can help you learn how you can safely access the dark web.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started-
How to access the dark web?
Due to other online publications, many people believe that accessing the deep web or the dark web is too difficult and risky. I am not countering what you have read on their blogs, but it is not that difficult as people think it is—especially accessing the deep web. Most of you have already visited the deep web without even knowing about it.
Therefore, if you want to learn how to access the dark web safely, you must be aware of what the deep web is and how it is different from the dark web.
What is the deep web?
It is considered that the deep web shares around 95% of the internet, and it is that part of the internet that never gets indexed by search engines like Google, Bing, or Yandex. The craziest thing about the deep web is that most of us visit deep web pages on a daily basis. Most commonly, the data on the deep web is secured by a layer of security. These layers of security can be firewalls or login pages.
For example –you must have used OTT platforms like Netflix or Prime Video. Have you ever noticed that the content you stream on these OTT platforms can only be accessed after login?And you cannot find this content on search engines like Google or Bing.
So, if we dissect this example, we will find that all the streaming content available on Netflix or Prime Video is stored on the deep web. To access that content, you need to go through a security layer called the login page. At the same time, the login page is available on the surface web.
It is the best example that can help you learn all two different parts of the internet.
Did I say two different parts of the internet? Yes, that is because the dark web is a tiny part of the deep web. Let me explain it briefly-
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a tinier part of the deep web,which is secured with multiple layers of encryption and security that ensures that users can surf this part of the internet anonymously. Since it is a part of the internet, it never gets indexed on regular search engines. As per rough estimates, it is hardly 1% of the deep web.
To access the dark web sites, you need to have the URL of the webpage. Without a URL, it is not possible to access the dark web. Even though there are some hidden WIKI webpages on the dark web, they are not reliable and might end up sending you to the wrong place. Furthermore, websites on the dark web use .onion TLD and it is the best way to identify the website you are visiting is on the dark web or the deep web.
The dark web is very infamous because of the unlawful activities that you can find there. When you explore the dark web, you may encounter websites selling illicit products such as drugs, weapons, hacked accounts, credit cards, databases,and much other stuff.
Some websites on the dark weboffer services like human trafficking, hiring an assassin, murder contracts, and others. Even though most of such websites on the dark web are entirely fake, I have read some stories where this shit got real.Furthermore, the dark web is the home of hackers, and almost every thirdperson on the dark web is either a hacker or a security expert.
Due to all these reasons, if you are entering this part of the internet, you must have to be careful about your anonymity and privacy because a simple mistake here can get you into big trouble.
To access the dark web safely, you have to follow these simple steps-
How to access the dark web safely?
Even though accessing the dark web is not difficult, you should be aware of a few technical things that may help you protect your identity and anonymity on the dark web.
Below I am sharing a few tips that you should follow to keep yourself safe from dark web hackers-
Keep your device up to date
Software updates on a computer or a smartphone device often include bug fixes, security patches, and other essential features. These updates minimize the risk of getting your device infected with a malware infection or security breaches.
Most of the time, hackers find vulnerabilities in an older version of OS or other software that can help them get into your device. Therefore, if you are planning to visit the dark web, ensure that your device is up to date.
Download TOR
TOR is a web browser that is specifically designed to access the dark web. Even though TOR had some security issues in the past, it is still the only reliable way to visit the dark web. I recommend downloading TOR from its official website only.
Use a VPN
Even though TOR is well known for its ability to provide online anonymity and security while accessing the dark web, we cannot wholly rely on it. I suggest using top rated VPN software like NordVPN to add an additional IP layer that can help mask your real identity.
Install TAILS
TAILS is a Debian-based operating system that is specially designed for users who visit the dark web very often. It is well known for leaving no footprints of user activity, and whenever it detects that your security might get compromised, it blocks the connection.
Don’t leave any footprints
Don’t enter anything on the dark web that might reveal your identity. If you need to create an account, use a temporary email. If you need to pay somebody, pay using cryptocurrency. Anything that may reveal your identity can be used against you. Also, whenever you complete your session, close the TOR browser manually and reboot your system. These are some of the tips that may help you access the dark web safely.