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In the Search tab, you can also change the default search engine from DuckDuckGo to DuckDuckGoOnion. This routes your search queries through DuckDuckGo’s .onion domain, adding an extra layer of privacy to your searches through the Tor Browser. Instead, the Tor Project has a separate overlay network for iOS users.
There’s tons of information provided online by security experts, like ExpressVPN, recommending trustworthy.onion links. As long as you don’t engage in illegal activities, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, in countries with high censorship , accessing the dark web is entirely illegal — I strongly advise that you abide by the law of your country to avoid facing legal consequences. The darknet web operates with a high degree of privacy as it hosts safe activities and content and criminal ones. For example, a dark web website might offer complex riddles.
The dark web is the home of many criminal activities — from the use of stolen or fake documents to drug and weapon dealing. What’s more, it’s a network that includes assassins for hire, child pornography, and even live streams of murders. If you accidentally end up on one of those pages, you may face legal charges, should someone find out. Although these types of stories leave a negative impression of the dark web, there is plenty of legal and positive activity that the dark web gives you access to. I recommend that you only visit trusted, reputable sites and protect yourself with additional security measures. All right, so now, how do I get SAFELY started with all this?
Can I Find my Data on the Dark Web?
Most people know about the dark web within the context of stolen identity and personal information. Since the dark web is anonymous and unregulated, it has become a marketplace for selling stolen passwords, IDs, and other forms of private information. For all the illegal activity and secrecy that takes place on Tor, you may be surprised to learn its origin story. Tor was developed—and continues to be partially funded by—the US government. It’s also imperative not to use the same password on more than one account.
Journalists in overly restrictive countries also appreciate the anonymity of the dark web. The users of the dark web are typically aiming to block governments from snooping on them. This can often be for political reasons, but also because they may be involved in illegal activities, such as the ones listed above. That means that only 0.024% of all the known pages are findable in Google’s search engine. The users only have access to a fraction of the available data and web pages.
Use anti-malware software that is up to date and of a high quality, and perform regular scans on your device. Learn more about what malware is and how you can prevent it. Not only does Tor’s encryption system keep your activity anonymous, it keeps host websites hidden too.
Deep Dark Web
Should you decide to access the dark web from your mobile phone, I highly encourage you to protect yourself with a VPN. All of the VPNs in this list offer apps for iOS and Android, plus they use industry-leading security features to provide you with the highest level of privacy while you browse. In an attempt to stop the criminal organizations operating on the dark web, authorities are setting up fake websites to track possible criminal activity. By doing this, they get access to whoever is visiting the sites — and this includes you if you accidentally end up there. In some parts of the world, simply using a browser like Tor can get you flagged by these agencies, even if you don’t partake in illegal activity. Link lists like the Hidden Wiki are the best example of this.
- However, it is generally used for activities that people want to actively keep secret.
- Below the surface of the water lies the deep web, with the Dark Web occupying a chunk of this gargantuan mass of data.
- Here are two examples of dark web content and activities that would raise legal concerns.
- Do not search for or click links to pages referencing or participating in illegal topics.
- Access only using networks you know and trust, especially when submitting payment and other sensitive information like social security numbers.
These resources are also packed with important tips to help you stay safe while navigating those dark waters. A marketing-qualified lead is a website visitor whose engagement levels indicate they are likely to become a customer. With all the discussions related to hacking and exploit trading on the dark web, it is a great place to see where yet-unknown vulnerabilities are being discussed.
Illegal and disturbing content
Fear of malware infection is significantly higher in the lawless territory that is the dark web. Real-time file scanning from an antivirus program can help you check any incoming files in case you do opt to download. If you have a legitimate or viable need to access the dark web, you’ll want to make sure you stay safe if you decide to use it.
All commonly public-facing websites accessed via traditional browsers like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Firefox are contained here. Websites are usually labeled with registry operators like “.com” and “.org” and can be easily located with popular search engines. The Internet is sizable with millions of web pages, databases, and servers all run 24 hours a day. But the so-called “visible” Internet — sites that can be found using search engines like Google and Yahoo — is just the tip of the iceberg.
How To Get Onto The Dark Web
Keep these updated, including Tor and your anti-malware and VPN software. Stay vigilant and follow these extra tips to stay safe on the dark web. While the goal of websites on the surface web is to be found as easily as possible, this is often not the case on the dark web. Dark sites frequently change their URLs to maximize privacy. Should any of your personal information ever be exposed in a data breach, spyware or phishing attack, there’s a good chance it will be taken to the dark web so a buyer can be found. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow.
Do launch the Super Onion from the outer layers and work your way inward. For example, connect to the VPN only in the surfer account; power on the VM only after the VPN is fully connected. Adjust the date and time of the Debian VM to match the current local time of the VPN’s exit location. This can be done by clicking the time on the top of the screen.
