The Importance Of Using A VPN When Searching The Dark Web
How to Search in Dark Web
As its name suggests, it is the private Wikipedia of the deep Internet, from which we will be able to find all kinds of content. It is the essential directory to learn how to move through the Deep Web. Many of them are free of rights, although we can also find many others with copyright and which can be downloaded illegally.
If your website is only accessible through the deep net, tracking down the physical location of your servers is much harder than it would be for a regular website. If you use the widest definition of the deep web, then it’s a vast ocean of websites. In addition to installing antivirus and backup software on your computer, dark web scanning services can be a great way to monitor your online security. IDStrong’s Data Breach and Exposure Reports give you a comprehensive picture of your online security. If your financial or personal online identity has been compromised, you’ll know immediately. As a search engine, Intelligence X is unique because it works with “selectors”—specific search terms such as email addresses, domains, URLs, IPs, CIDRs, BTC addresses, IPFS hashes, and more.
Suppose you do not want to use the bridge connection feature of the Tor browser. You can first make a VPN connection, then open the tor browser and directly press the “Connect” button to connect. You will use the Vpn over Tor method to bypass the ban in this way. In addition, it is known that this method is used by actors to increase anonymity.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires special tools and precautions. This guide will explain how to search in dark web effectively while ensuring your security and anonymity.
Understanding the Dark Web
This uncharted digital territory can be a double-edged sword, however. That’s why it’s so enticing for criminals to post your private information there. The expansive digital ocean we know as the internet is divided, conceptually, into different depths. That’s when Freenet, a peer-to-peer sharing network focused on anonymity, was launched. The dark web is quite small when compared with the internet as a whole. No one truly knows the size of the dark web, but some estimate that it accounts for just 5% of the total internet.
The Tor Browser is the easiest way to access Tor and thus, the Dark Web. It is available for free download and installation on the official website. You can use a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode to hide your Tor Browser download.
My apologies if I got any of the terms wrong, I only have a very basic understanding of all this. Ahmia.fi, Onion.link, and Skunksworld all provide useful tools in their lane, but they’re hit and miss when you’re looking for precision. I just have to put in the details I know, like a name, phone number, email, address, etc.
The dark web is often confused with the deep web. While both are not accessible via standard search engines, the deep web contains benign content like databases and private accounts, whereas the dark web hosts both illicit and legitimate activities.
Tools Required to Access the Dark Web
They target the illicit sale of personal data, malware and cybercrime tool development and sales, as well as ‘cybercrime-as-a-service’. “The goal is to identify, disrupt and prosecute cybercriminals domestically, and through international law enforcement partnerships,” an AFP spokesperson says. Naturally, this makes the dark web a breeding ground for illegal activity. But onion sites can also serve nobler goals, like providing access to information and independent journalism in countries with government censorship.
To search the dark web, you will need:
- Used in with a dedicated private browser, DuckDuckGo is a powerful search engine and a potent privacy tool.
- The encryption technology routes users’ data through a large number of intermediate servers, which protects the users’ identity and guarantees anonymity.
- If you’re in London and need assistance with downloading or setting up the Tor Browser, you can also reach out to various IT companies in London that offer expert support services.
- But I think it’s a shame how it’s missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection (ExpressVPN has full leak protection) — still, I never experienced any leaks in my tests.
- Tor Browser: A specialized browser that allows access to .onion sites.
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network to add an extra layer of security.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a dedicated OS (like Tails) for anonymity.
- Search Engines for Dark Web: Specific search engines designed for the dark web, such as Ahmia or notEvil.
Steps on How to Search in Dark Web
- Download and Install a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service to encrypt your connection.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to ensure you are getting the genuine software.
- Open the Tor Browser: Once installed, start the Tor Browser. You will be greeted with a button to connect to the Tor network.
- Use Dark Web Search Engines: Instead of using well-known search engines, use dark web-specific search engines to find .onion sites.
- Follow Links Carefully: Click on links cautiously as some may lead to harmful websites.
- Protect Your Identity: Never share personal information, and use pseudonyms to remain anonymous.
Safety Precautions
When conducting searches on the dark web, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for any accounts you may create.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources, as they may contain malware.
- Disable JavaScript: For added security, disable JavaScript in the Tor Browser.
- Stay Informed: Be aware of common scams and threats on the dark web.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access the dark web without a VPN?
No, using a VPN is highly recommended to protect your IP address and enhance anonymity.
Is it illegal to search the dark web?
Searching the dark web is not illegal, but accessing illegal content on it is. Always be cautious about what you browse.
What kind of content can I find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a mix of content, from forums and marketplaces to illicit services. Ensure you are vigilant while browsing.
Do I need special software to access the dark web?
Yes, you need specific software like the Tor Browser to access the dark web safely.
In conclusion, following these steps will guide you on how to search in dark web securely. Always prioritize your safety and privacy while browsing this hidden part of the internet.
