The dark web is still one of the internet’s most misunderstood places. It’s a place that, sometimes tortured in privacy, security or casual tech love, is sought out for information, privacy, and occasionally products that can’t be found anywhere else. But it comes with risks, and being aware of the risks is crucial to staying safe.
If you want to know how to access dark web, you’ll learn the ins and outs of it right here: the how to, the main uses, and the most important thing to know before taking this step, or even before you decide to go any further and access it.
Disclaimer
- This guide is purely for information.
- Using the dark web poses considerable dangers, including exposure to illegal content and vulnerability to cyberattacks.
- We do not accept the posting of any illegal material. Obey the laws of the land.
- Proceed on the dark web at your own risk.
- To read the entire article, click here.
What Is the Dark Web and What Does It Contain?
The dark web is the portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines such as Google or Bing. This layer can only be opened with the Tor browser.
Though many associate it with illicit marketplaces, that is not its only use. Here are some of the products, sites and services you can try:
- Tools to protect your privacy: Templates for protecting your online privacy and software to help protect your personal information online.
- Sharing of information: Whistleblowers’, journalists’ and privacy advocates’ forums and blogs.
- Communication systems which are encrypted.
- That said, the dark web is home to illegal websites where one can find all sorts of illegal goods, such as forged documents, weapons, and drugs, among other things. Which is why steering it responsibly is crucial.
What You Can Find on the Dark Web
- Whistle Blowing Platforms: Protection of safe harbours for persons to report corruption or misconduct anonymously.
- • Forums and Blogs: The privacy and cybersecurity communities.
- • Marketplaces: Some marketplaces may offer legal products, while others may offer something shady (this is where you need to be careful).
Where Is the Dark Web?
The dark web mostly uses decentralized network like Tor Project | Download) or I2P (Invisible Internet Project). While these networks ensure user traffic is anonymized and generate addresses for hosting dark web sites usually ending in “. onion” or equivalent designations.
If you are not prepared enough, then browsing the dark web is very dangerous and most probably illegal,refer to our ”what is the dark web” article). To navigate safely, make sure you arm yourself with the following tools and precautions.
Tools and precautions
Tor Browser
The dark web is accessible only through the Tor network, which requires a special browser, called the Tor browser. It passes your internet traffic through multiple servers, at a time when it’s next to impossible for someone else to link, say, your browsing data to your IP address. Only download it from the official site to evade the malware-infected knockoffs.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
While Tor anonymizes your internet usage within its network, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will still be able to see that you’re using it. If you want to be doubly sure you’re safe, you can even enlist the services of a good VPN provider to hide your actual IP address. Ensure that you select a VPN service that respects your privacy and does not track your activity. Straight to your inbox
Secure Devices
Never browse the dark web from your personal computer or from your workplace. Choose a dedicated machine or virtual machine, and regularly install the latest security patches on all software so that vulnerabilities are not exploited. You turn of your java script. I have already wriiten about the process of disabling java script in the tor.
Additional Privacy Tools
For further peace of mind: Use disk encryption software such as VeraCrypt to protect sensitive data. If you will be viewing dark web links, in that case be sure you have a virtual private network.
If you are new about dark web and do not know how to install tor click here. Here i have described how to install tor in step by step process with images and how to stay anonymous.
How to Find Reliable Darknet Markets
One of the hardest parts of the dark web, in fact, is finding reliable marketplaces. Anonymity in the space begets scams and risk. Here’s how to begin safely.
Browsing the Dark Web Marketplaces
After you set up the necessary privacy tools, the next step is finding well-regarded marketplaces.
How To Find Reputable Marketplaces
The dark web doesn’t have a classifieds section. You’ll need to:
trust from only reliable sources such as forums or communities talking about darknet activities. Once in a while these forums share links and comments across the different marketplaces.
Trust on the Verified Dark Web Links
Dark web directories, such as the “Hidden Wiki,” can direct you to authentic. onion sites. But those directories may not be 100 percent reliable themselves, so take any information with a grain of salt.
Join Trustworthy Forums
Markets are reportedly recommended (and reviewed) in forums like Dread (the dark web version of Reddit). Join communities with a good reputation (they’ll be more inclined to help you stay scam free). 5.
Start Small
Avoid large transactions the first time you enter a new market. Dip into small purchases, read seller feedback and search for platforms like that offer escrow services to protect your payments.
utilize search engines targeted to index links on the dark web like Torch or Grams__)); But keep in mind these search engines will also show up illegal content.
In your investigation of marketplaces you will see dozens that are for real and dozens that are scams. Here’s how to recognize the good ones:
Research the marketplace in online communities. If users have a good track record of purchasing on a certain marketplace, it is considered trustworthy.
• Browse forums and communities that maintain lists of dark web links that have been confirmed to be genuine.
• Double-check all URLs, phishing scams and fake marketplaces are rampant at the moment.
• Get to know the terminology of the marketplace, rules and seller reputation scores.
• Check user reviews and comments. Real marketplaces will have a system where buyers can leave rating on their experience with a seller or product.
• Pay attention to prices. If it’s too good to
(Last 4 Digits of Party of First Part) (Last 4 Digits of Party of Second Part)
Shopping on the Dark Web: Best Website Security Measures
Keeping safe doesn’t just involve having the right tools. It’s also about practicing good operational security (OpSec) to help protect yourself and your money.
Use a Pseudonym or Fake Name
Don’t ever provide your actual personal information or name on the dark web. Form a prosona that’s not you to the last pseudoname. One way to avoid the spam that would follow from this suggestion: using an email service like ProtonMail to create an anonymous email account.
Accepting Cryptocurrency for Payment
Common payment methods are tracable, so keep to cryptocurrency; bitcoin or monero. But know that Bitcoin is not completely anonymous — use mixing services to hide your blockchain transactions.
Encryption of Your Communication (PGP Encryption)
If you have to email a message or files to a vendor, secure your communication with PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption. This makes sure your messages are encrypted and only readable by the recipient.
Beware of Malware
Do not click on any random links or download any files posted within anything as malware is very common on the dark web. Make sure there is adequate antivirus on your device.
Let take a look on the following diagram for better understanding.
Dangers and Fears of the Dark Web
Though the dark web is rife with tools for privacy and anonymity, it is far from innocent.
Legal Risks
There are a lot of illegal things being done on the dark web, and participating in such activity can come with serious legal consequences. Know your country’s laws before you buy anything, including (or especially) products/services that relate to your personal or civic freedoms.
Fraud and Scam Prevalence
The dark web is a haven for the scam artist. It’s easy to fall prey to unscrupulous vendors, fake marketplaces or phishing attempts. Be very careful when dealing with purchases.
Cybersecurity Risks
The dark web is famous for having hackers that go after inexperienced users. Neglecting to encrypt your connection could result in data breaches or identity theft.
Prominent Dark Web Markets Incidents
A number of popular dark web marketplaces have been taken down over the years.
Silk Road (2013): One of the best-known illicit online marketplaces, it was taken offline by law enforcement for illegal activity.
AlphaBay (2017): Yet another major market that fell, raising fears about what law enforcement tactics are appropriate and the privacy risks involved.
How to Be a Good Citizen on the Dark Web
The dark web is a mixed blessing. For one, it gives you the privacy and freedom to access information and services that you can’t find on the surface web. On the other, it requires vigilance and responsibility to avoid legal and cyber security traps.
With the right tools like the Tor browser set up, impeccable OpSec, and a reasonable sense of right and wrong, gadget geeks and privacy advocates can navigate those depths of the internet packed with dangerous virus-infected, child-abusing muck.
Keep in mind, there’s not much to this guide, on the other hand. It is ill advised to get involved in anything illegal on the dark web!
