For example, I looked up google.com and was able to find a snapshot of Google’s home page from 2008. Archive.today allows you to take a snapshot of a web page, which will remain online even if the original web page disappears. The site saves text and images, but it can’t save videos and sounds. Even commercial websites that may have existed for years can suddenly not available if the owners decide to escape with the escrow money they are holding on behalf of customers. Some people claim that a shadow web exists even deeper, but it’s most likely an urban legend.
How to Access the Dark Web Safely
The dark web was created not long after the first message was sent in 1969 over the original internet, ARPANET. Covert networks — or darknets — emerged quickly to provide users with private networks to communicate on. The surface web makes up only about 10% of the entire internet, and includes anything you can find by entering terms into a search engine like Google. All the websites you visit that don’t require login credentials are part of the surface web.
Naturally, this has drawn the attention of government organizations like the NSA and FBI, who consider Tor a target of particular interest. Anonymity is Tor’s bread and butter, and as such, it is probably impossible to get an accurate view of its user base. Specific trends become apparent, however, and some Tor advocates are especially vocal about their reasons for using the service. At each stop, the node only knows the last place the packet was and the next place it will be. No node records the complete path of data, and neither would anyone observing the message go out, assuming your first three servers are configured correctly. The other important aspect of onion routing is how the packets are constructed.
Having read the previous section, you may wonder if accessing the dark web is illegal. Using the Tor browser for dark web access is legal in most countries. To stay safe on the dark web, we prefer using a premium VPN service like NordVPN. If you’re wondering how to get on the dark web as safely as possible, we recommend getting a VPN to use alongside Tor.
- McAfee provides everyday internet users with the tools they need to surf safely and confidently.
- It consists of websites and web pages that are openly available to the public.
- As the world becomes increasingly digitized, more and more people are turning to their phones for internet access.
- The blog contains tons of useful guides about how you can avoid online surveillance.
- The Dark Web can be a valuable resource for academic research and data gathering, providing access to information that may be difficult to find on the Surface Web.
It forms a subset of the Deep web – all content on the web which is not indexed by search engines. The Dark Web is the portion of the Internet that can only be accessed through specific software. Most casual surfing of the Web takes place on a small piece (5-10%) of the total World Wide Web; this is sometimes called the Surface Web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is accessible only through specific software.
While it can be a hub for illicit activities, it also serves as a platform for privacy advocates and whistleblowers.
If you are looking to explore this hidden part of the web, it is paramount to understand how to access the dark web safely.
This is where students might sign up for classes and access their school email, for example. Since this is sensitive information and requires a unique login, it doesn’t need to be made publicly available via search engines. The deep web refers to any page on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines as described above. The deep web is the first level beneath the “surface” of the visible web — and it’s significantly larger than the surface web, accounting for an estimated 96% to 99% of the entire internet.
The deep web is the part of the internet you can’t access through search engines like Google and Bing. Also referred to as “non-indexed” content, it’s any content hidden behind some kind of access control such as a log-in or code word. It contains 7,500 terabytes of information, compared to only 19 terabytes of information in the “surface” web. To look at it in a different way, it makes up between 90% and 95% of the internet. As mentioned above, Tor offers multiple layers of encryption as you browse the dark web.
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the dark web, follow these preparatory steps:
- Research: Learn about the dark web and its potential risks. Understanding the landscape can help you navigate it safely.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. Choose a reputable VPN that doesn’t keep logs.
- Use the Right Browser: The Tor browser is the most commonly used tool for accessing the dark web. Download it from the official Tor Project website.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system, Tor browser, and VPN software are all up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
Best Practices for Safe Browsing
Once you are prepared, here are some best practices to follow:
Legal Uses Of The Dark Web
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing any identifying details, such as your name, address, or financial information.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Files downloaded from the dark web may be dangerous. Avoid downloading anything unless you trust the source completely.
- Use Cryptocurrency: If you need to make purchases, use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to maintain anonymity. Ensure you understand how to safely use them.
- Stick to Reliable Links: Use directories like The Hidden Wiki to find reputable sites, but remember that many links can be scams or traps.
- Disable Scripts: Ensure that JavaScript is disabled in your Tor browser settings for improved security.
FAQs About Accessing the Dark Web Safely
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, merely accessing it is not illegal.
2. Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
It is possible to be tracked if proper precautions are not taken. Using a VPN and the Tor browser together helps protect your identity.
3. What should I do if I encounter illegal content?
Report it to the authorities and exit the site immediately. Do not interact or engage with illegal activities.
4. Can my computer get infected by visiting the dark web?
Yes, there is a risk of malware. Avoid downloading anything and keep your antivirus software updated.
By following these guidelines, you can mitigate the risks associated with exploring the dark web and ensure a safer browsing experience.
