The Internet has altered the course of human history irreversibly. It altered the landscape of our families, marriages, schools, and workplaces. Indeed, there are occupations and entire sectors entirely dependent on the Internet. More than ever, schools are utilizing the Internet to extend their horizons. They’re collaborating with other schools worldwide, utilizing foreign resources, and experimenting with new games. While these are significant benefits, they also come with some enormous drawbacks. One of the most significant concerns is what might happen if children gain access to the Deep and Dark Web.
If you’re using the Internet regularly – composing letters and decorating videos using your YouTube abilities – your Internet map may still contain new territory.
A much deeper layer beneath the surface is unreachable via a standard browser – the Deep and Dark Web. However, accessing this Internet section is not entirely secure unless certain safeguards are taken. Therefore, have a seat and learn how to surf the Dark and Deep webs safely.
The vast majority of information regarding the deep web is negative, weird, and dangerous. We want to protect our youngsters from this. However, what if they are curious? What happens if they are referred to one of the numerous horror games available on the dark web by a friend? What if they occur to come across something they should not? Below, you’ll find all the information you need to get started with the deep web, and Tor Browser.
How to safely browse the Deep and Dark web?
1. Identify Your Objective
It does not require extensive expertise in information technology to recognize that the Deep web (particularly the Dark web) is a dangerous place, particularly if you have no idea what you’re doing and are there solely to fulfill your morbid curiosity.
Therefore, you must know what you intend to do to avoid becoming a hacker victim and having all of your personal information revealed (which is much more likely than on the surface web).
2. Choose a Reputable VPN service
Because Tor node IPs are public, internet service providers and websites can detect when Tor is used. Although websites and ISPs cannot identify you or decrypt your web traffic, they can detect Tor use. This can generate suspicions and unwelcome attention.
If you want to utilize Tor anonymously, you can do it through the use of a VPN or Tor Bridges (Tor nodes that are not publicly indexed). In particular, Tor users in the USA may wish to utilize a VPN, which is faster and more dependable.
When you use a VPN, your ISP will not tell that you are connected to a Tor node, but rather that you are utilizing an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server.
3. Create an account
You have the option of using a paid or a free VPN provider. Generally, free ones are not the best contenders. Certain individuals have a proclivity for selling your data. As a result, for the greatest experience, you should stick to premium-priced VPN companies. You can increase the anonymity of the transaction by using cryptocurrency and establishing as few linkages to your identity as feasible.
Never Trust Anyone When Using Tor’s Hidden Services
With Tor installed, you can now surf the Deep and Dark Web. Dark net websites are referred to as “Tor hidden services,” and their URLs are unique from regular websites.
Rather than “.org” or “.com,” Deep web URLs are denoted by the top-level domain. “Onion-specific.” The first hurdle is locating these. onion websites, as they will not appear in Google search results. You cannot simply search for “Silk Road” and hope to find the Dark Web. NotEvil, Candle, Ahmia, and Torch are just a few dark net search engines that index.onion domains. Additionally, there are directories such as dark.fail.
Always use extreme caution while accessing onion URLs that have been publicly exposed. If you cannot obtain a personal endorsement from a source you trust, verify the URL using various sources.
There is no shortage of frauds, malware, and phishing sites are designed to deceive newcomers on the dark web. Links to the open web, in particular, are frequently harmful. Additionally, because HTTPS is not widely used on the dark web, validating the authenticity of a website using an SSL certificate is not possible.
4. Double Check for IP leaks
Even if you’ve configured everything correctly, there is still something to do, and that is to check for leaks that could divulge any sensitive information about you.
To summarise, you must look for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leakage. To do so, activate your VPN and navigate to ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com. There, it would help if you verified whether the displayed IP address is your genuine one or one provided by the VPN service.
Your anonymity is entirely within your control
You can now safely access Dark Web and personal wikis, but anything beyond that requires extra measures. If you wish to purchase on a dark net marketplace such as Silk Road to obtain the drugs your dying mother requires to survive, for example, you will need to construct a false identity. This includes creating an encrypted email account with a new email address, encrypting messages using PGP, using a pseudonym, creating an incognito bitcoin wallet, blocking Javascript in Tor Browser, and researching vendors.
Again, we cannot stress enough how critical security and anonymity are to individuals who use Dark Web. When your ISP and government may not view your behavior while connected to the Tor Network, they are aware that you are connected to the Tor Network alone should raise eyebrows. Indeed, a recent US Supreme Court decision stated that the mere use of Tor was sufficient probable cause for government authorities to examine and seize any machine on the planet.
Another necessary precaution is to verify the accuracy of your.onion URLs. Generally, onion URLs consist of seemingly random characters and digits. Once you’re positive you’ve got the right URL, store it in an encrypted note—the Tor browser will not cache it for subsequent use. Otherwise, you run the risk of falling for a phishing scam like this phony bitcoin mixer.
5. Find and connect to a Dark Web site
Rather than using search engines, you’ll need to visit dark net site organizers and wikis to locate links to legitimate websites. Of course, if you’re curious about how it all works, you can experiment with dark net replicas of legitimate websites. For instance, you may read The New York Times on the Onion here: https://nytimes3xbfgragh.onion.
How to access the Dark Web on Android or iOS?
Even if all you have is your Android phone, it is feasible to surf the Dark Web safely. However, you should follow all of the security precautions listed previously – your Android device’s security can be penetrated just as easily as a PC’s.
Thus, the following are the fundamental actions you should take to access the Deep and Dark Webs on your Android or iPhone.
- Use a trusted VPN service (We Recommend NordVPN both for the Android and iOS)
- Download the official Tor application for Android or the Tor secure browser for iOS.
- Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) server
- Tor should be opened, and browsing should begin.
FAQs about Using Deeb or the Dark Web
1. Is it illegal to use and access the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is home to many of the Internet’s illegal content, ranging from drug markets to child pornography websites. Depending on where you live, simply visiting such sites may be criminal.
Not all activity on the Dark Web is illegal. Numerous Dark Web sites are completely legal and safe to access and are frequently more secure than transparent web ones.
2. Is the Dark Web a secure environment?
It is relatively secure to access content on the Dark Web. The same as when using a standard browser. The danger begins when you make purchases from unauthorized marketplaces or download files. While downloads may contain spyware or keyloggers, the authorities can track down and prosecute individuals who make illicit transactions.
3. Why was the Dark Web created?
The US military developed the Tor network in the 1990s to enable spies to communicate surreptitiously via the Internet. Although the effort was never completed, the US military released the code in 2004 under a free license. “The “Electronic Frontier Foundation and other parties continued to improve it, and in 2006, they created the Tor project as a tool for journalists, activists, and whistleblowers.
4. What you can find on the Dark Web?
Numerous markets or dark nets exist on the Dark Web. There is virtually anything that you would find on the illegal market there. It includes, but is not limited to, illegal substances, firearms, crimeware, child pornography, and torture movies. Take this as a warning.
5. Is it possible that surfing the Dark Web may attract attention?
Connecting to the Tor network may raise suspicions, depending on your identity and location. While data transmitted over Tor cannot be monitored or decrypted, your ISP and network administrator can determine that you are using Tor. As a result, we advocate using Tor in conjunction with a VPN. The encryption provided by the VPN will conceal the fact that you are using Tor from your ISP.
Check out: How To Use Torrent Sites Safely? A Complete Guide
6. Who is the inventor of the Dark Web?
The Deep and Dark Web is essentially a closed network. The first example is the US government project divided into a military version, or MILNET, and a civilian version, ARPANET, which later became the Internet’s foundation. MILNET could be considered the first Dark Web from this vantage point.
7. Can you use Tor to access the public Internet?
Yes! Tor’s greatest strength is that it can be used to browse both the dark and surface webs. Keep in mind that, while you will remain anonymous, you will not have the speed or comfort of a direct connection, and some websites may ban you entirely.
8. What is possible on the Dark Web?
You can browse the Dark Web in the same way as the conventional Internet. The distinction is that you’re surfing in a more enclosed and private area.