how to access dark web safely
PUREVPNPrivacy & SecurityHow to Access Dark Web Safely: An Easy Guide

The total number of users visiting the dark web increased in mid-April of 2023 to 2.7 million

These statistics indicate that it is essential to know how to access the dark web safely to avoid security violations.

The dark web is a hidden side of the internet that makes you curious about what lies on these websites. 

In this blog, we’ll navigate the dark web verse and how you can protect your digital assets while surfing in it. 

What is the Dark Web?

Sound technology has a dark side; the same goes for the internet. This dark side of the internet can only be accessed by special tools; most people know it as the Dark Web. It is a hidden part of the internet that you cannot see through search engines.  

Although the dark web is used primarily for illegal activities like drug trading and stolen data, it can also be used for legitimate work, like providing privacy for journalists, whistleblowers, and activists. 

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Journalists can use the dark web to publish articles while protecting their source identity using particular browsers.

How to Safely Access the Dark Web

Why would you try to access the dark web? Isn’t it bad for you? The dark web is not invented for wrong use but to provide privacy and anonymity to whoever needs it for transferring confidential data.

Mostly, whistleblowers who want to expose a crime but keep their identity hidden use the dark web. However, it is essential to use it securely. One way to do it is through a combination of Tor and a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Get Started with Tor 

  1. The first step to accessing the dark web is downloading a Tor Browser.
  2. You can go to the Tor Browser website to install it.
  3. Launch the Tor Browser, which will automatically connect to the Tor network.
  4. It will then route all your traffic through a secure server to provide anonymity and remove your online activity traces.

Combine Tor with VPN

  1. Before using a Tor Browser, download a trustworthy VPN like PureVPN.
  2. It provides an excess layer of security by concealing your IP from ISP.
  3. Remember to use a VPN with no log policy and an internet kill switch option.
  4. You can also configure a VPN that has settings for the Tor browser.
  5. After connecting to a server through a VPN, you can start using Tor.

With Tor and VPN, your data packets go through multiple servers, confusing your tracker to know which one is you. 

To use the dark web, you can search .onion websites on Tor privately.

Also, you should regularly look for updates for your Tor and VPN software to experience secure browsing.

It’s Not Easy As It Sounds..

Even though you can access the dark web securely with Tor and VPN combo, there are other dangers that you need to stay vigilant to avoid getting trapped with them.

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Never use Your Personal Information

Don’t share or use your data on the dark web as even though you are secure, there are still chances that you may declare your identity like username, address, phone number, and more on the Dark Web.

If you are dealing with others on dark web marketplaces, use pseudonyms or other accounts to protect your identity.

Set Boundaries When Accessing Dark Web

Educate yourself about the legal compliances of your country to avoid breaching them while using the dark web. Remember not to get involved in illegal activities while surfing the dark web.

Avoid Becoming a Prey to Scams

Stay aware of scams or other dangerous activities like phishing attempts or frauds. Don’t click on links that belong to unreliable sites, avoid clickbait, and never share your financial details with anyone, like your card number, security number, or other sensitive information.

Securely offline Yourself from Dark Web

To minimize any suspicious activities through your browser’s history, try to log out of your account after every session and clear cookies and cache data to hide any trace of your move.

Always Use Encrypted Routes

Remember to use encrypted routes and safe message chat boxes to avoid getting attacked through your conversations when communicating with others, even your friends.

Trust Your Intuitions

If you feel that the website you are using is suspicious, then trust yourself and exit from it. It is better to stay cautious when using something like the dark web, which hackers and attackers can access.

Is the deep web and dark web the same?

The deep and dark web may sound similar, but they are not the same entities. The deep web is a part of the internet not prompted by search engines like private social media content, e-bank statements, or health records. The information on the deep web is not intentionally hidden. 

However, the Dark web is a portion of the deep web that can only be acquired through special tools. The purpose of the dark web is to provide privacy and anonymity. Still, primarily, this is used as a benefit for hackers and attackers or other illegal things like drug businesses. 

It is also essential to know that dark web information is intentionally hidden to avoid unintentional access by users while browsing the internet.

How can I detect scams from legitimate services on the dark web? 

The most crucial approach to detecting scams is staying alert and constantly researching before proceeding. If you use a legitimate marketplace on the dark web, read product descriptions thoroughly, search for feedback, and compare it with other websites. 

Some secure services even use escrow services to gain trust and keep the doubts of scams away.

Remember, do not get too focused on websites selling products at low rates or with packages. Also, deal with the seller through websites and do not send payments outside it. Stay updated with dark web advances to avoid getting scammed.

Isn’t the Dark web illegal?

Many people think the dark web is used for only illegal activities. However, that is not true. 

The dark web provides a confidential path to transfer data packets without declaring the sender’s identity. But as this platform became a revenue generator for malicious actors, it transformed into a web of illegal activities. 

On the brighter side, you can use the dark web to generate crime reports or publish articles on sensitive but legal topics to expose a company or government’s wrongdoings. But stay alert and don’t engage in illegal activities for legal consequences.

What was the reason for creating a dark web? 

Initially, the dark web was introduced as The Onion Router, known as Tor, by the US Defense Department. 

The purpose of creating it is to provide a platform for intelligent agents and whistleblowers to report wrongdoings or expose crimes surrounding them while staying anonymous.

However, the dark web was soon utilized by other groups like drug dealers, weapon traders, and other malicious and illegal corporations, which changed why the dark web was designed. So, whenever you use the dark web, be aware of its potential risks.

Does visiting the Dark web attract unwanted attention? 

You can visit the dark web through Tor and VPN without attracting unwanted attention. However, it is essential to use it only for legitimate purposes and to stay aware of its risks. You can transfer confidential files, send anonymous emails, and access new outlets. 

You are safe to use the dark web until you access or participate in any illegal activity. Then, you’ll face legal consequences for it. 

Can I access the Surface Web with Tor? 

You can use Tor to access the surface web since it only provides an encrypted network and transfers your data through random nodes, making it hard to track you. 

However, using Tor can raise your Internet Service Provider’s suspicion of why you are using it. Even though your ISP cannot decrypt your data, they can still see you are using Tor.

To avoid this, you can use a VPN, which will conceal your identity while masking your IP, but it will also affect your internet speed, and some Tor websites may block you from access.

Can I Visit the Dark Web in Incognito mode?

Incognito mode is a function of web browsers that allows you to visit a website without saving history or cookies, which is very useful for providing privacy. But, incognito mode does not hide your IP address or alter your server’s location. This is why you cannot access the dark web in incognito mode. 

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To access it securely, use the Tor browser, specially introduced for the dark web, as it provides encryption and anonymity.

Does my ISP know about my visit to the Dark Web? 

If you are using Tor to access the surface web, your ISP will find it suspicious since Tor is known for access to the dark web. 

But your ISP will only know you are using Tor and cannot see what website you are visiting with it. It is crucial to remember that using Tor is not illegal, but engaging in cyber-terrorism or other unlawful activities through it is. 

To prevent this misunderstanding, use a VPN. It will hide your IP and won’t let your ISP know if you use Tor for dark web access.

Why isn’t the dark web banned or restricted?

Even though the dark web is famous for its illegal use, it is not controlled by a single person or organization. Both the users and owner of it are anonymous. 

This makes it hard to ban or shut down. Moreover, the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that is unavailable on search engines, making it difficult to monitor.

On the other side, the software used to access it, Tor, is not an illegal browser. Shutting down Tor will also cause dissatisfaction among legitimate users.

The Dark Web: Is It Worth the Risk?

With this article, you can safely access the dark web. However, it is essential to be cautious because it can be a risky place. Moreover, use it only for ethical and legal purposes to avoid legal consequences on the Dark Web. 

It’s a powerful tool, but how you use it matters.

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1 Comment
  1. abcabc says:

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