What Is Dark Web? | How to Access Dark Web?

The websites you visit every day represent just a small fraction of the whole internet. Beyond this “surface web” is the deep web, and within the deep web is the dark web. Find out what the dark web is and how you can access it, then learn how to keep your personal data safe.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web refers to content that isn’t indexed by search engines and that requires special software or authorization to access. Dark web content lives on the darknet, a part of the internet accessible only to particular browsers or through specific network configurations.

The dark internet is designed to provide anonymity by keeping communication private through encryption and routing online content through multiple web servers. That’s where the “dark” part comes in — accessing the dark web requires the use of specific software that keeps you anonymous.

While the dark web is often depicted as an anarchic forum for criminal activity, that’s not necessarily true. The darknet is simply an anonymous space on the web that can be abused or appreciated in turn.

Difference Between Dark Web and Deep Web?

The difference between the dark web and the deep web is that the deep web refers to websites and web pages that aren’t indexed by search engines, like login pages and payment portals. The dark web, by contrast, is configured on darknets, which are online networks that can be accessed only with special software and techniques.
The deep web consists of any content that lives behind paywalls, authentication forms, logins, or passwords. Much of the content an average person accesses on the internet is part of the deep web: email, online banking accounts, private social media accounts, and subscription services. You wouldn’t want your email history available on the surface web and searchable by anyone.

The dark web is part of the deep web but is built on darknets: overlay networks that sit on the internet but which can’t be accessed without special tools or software like Tor. Tor is an anonymizing software tool that stands for The Onion Router — you can use the Tor network via Tor Browser.

How to get on the Dark Web?

The quickest way to access the dark web is to download and install Tor Browser, which will route your traffic through the Tor network and let you access the dark web. On Tor, you can type in any URL you’d like to visit, including .onion domains on the dark web.

How to access the Dark Web safely?

The safest way to get on the dark web is through the Tor network. For added safety, first connect to a VPN, then use Tor in a practice known as Tor-over-VPN. Many internet service providers (ISPs) and governments may be suspicious of Tor use, and a VPN will hide your internet activity and prevent anyone from knowing that you’re using Tor.

1. Connect to a reliable and safe VPN.

Conceal your IP address and encrypt your internet connection with a trustworthy VPN like Avast SecureLine VPN. Though they both provide encryption, a VPN, and Tor are not the same thing. A VPN will prevent your ISP and anyone else from knowing that you're downloading and using Tor Browser.

2. Download and install Tor Browser.

Tor Browser is a free browser that routes your traffic through the encrypted Tor network. Download Tor Browser from the official Tor project Website, because unlicensed third-party downloads may come bundled with malware.

3. Browse the dark web with Tor Browser.

Tor Browser will let you access the .onion domains of the dark web. Because the dark web is largely unregulated, never visit dark websites without first confirming their authenticity.

4. Protect your identity.

The dark website isn’t always dangerous, but many scams do exist. When communicating or making purchases over the dark web, use encrypted and anonymous email addresses and pay with an anonymous cryptocurrency wallet.

Before accessing the dark web, install strong security softwares to keep your device protected.

Is the dark web dangerous?

The dark web can certainly be dangerous — with no regulation, it’s a riskier place to hang out than the surface web. Malware and scams are scattered like landmines around the dark web. And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim.

Regular dark web visitors know that it’s possible to exploit the sketchy reputation of the space and the services offered. And though some dark web marketplaces offer user reviews, not all do. Lack of regulation by authorities or other users makes it easy for cybercriminals to carry out scams.Our advice is that stay away from this and don't try to Access Dark Web.

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