While most users will interact with what is known as the “surface web,” the “dark web” is home to a wealth of information that is otherwise inaccessible. But accessing the dark web calls for a specific web browser. It is hard to know how many dark websites exist, but there is consensus on the best of the bunch. Accessing the dark web from a phone is simple but potentially dangerous. This article examines the various ways that people use and access the dark web, both lawfully and illicitly, as well as how it operates.
The Dark Web
When people talk about the “dark web,” they are referring to encrypted information that cannot be accessed through standard search engines. Only certain web browsers, most notably TOR, allow access to the dark web. When compared to standard websites, the dark web provides a much higher level of privacy and anonymity for its users. The dark web is a subset of the internet where content is intentionally obscured from users and search engines.
It is a network of underground websites that no one outside of its inner circle can access. This means that they are inaccessible to the majority of SEs, including Google. Search engines, as we know them today, can produce results because they store indexes of links to websites. Relevance and keyword analysis are used to determine the order. Contrarily, the dark web makes use of data that is unavailable through traditional means of searching.
Dark web addresses typically have “the.onion” extension rather than the more common “.com,.org,.edu,” etc., which you may notice as you browse. There is, however, a word of caution. The chances of encountering malicious software and phishing scams are high; therefore, it is important to equip yourself with security software.
How the Dark Web Works
Users use the dark web for both legal and illegal activities. Onion routing is a method that uses a series of encrypted servers in a random order to prevent users from being monitored or tracked. When users use Tor to visit a website, their data is passed via thousands of relay points, hiding their tracks and making it nearly impossible to track what they are browsing.
The Dark Web Browser
Users can conceal their IP address while visiting these hidden sites by employing a browser called The Onion Router (Tor). A subset of the deep web is known as the dark web. Only people who have the Tor browser installed can get to this part of the internet. Even though using Tor to access the dark web is legal, the vast majority of internet users will never need to do so.
How to Access The Dark Web
A virtual private network (VPN) and an appropriate browser (Tor) are required to access a dark web address on your phone or PC. The goal is to conceal your location and traffic while online as much as possible.
#1. Invest in a VPN
Using a VPN will prevent your digital footprint from being traced back to you. Your VPN will encrypt all of your connections, protecting you from snooping and man-in-the-middle attacks. VPNs use a distributed network of servers and relays to mask your true IP address, making it much more difficult to be tracked. Moreover, streaming services employ VPNs to provide users with access to geo-restricted content.
#2. Download the Tor Browser
With the help of this browser, you can avoid website blocks, avoid online fingerprinting, and stop trackers from creating a profile of your surfing habits.
Aside from integrating the DuckDuckGo search engine—which makes an effort to not save or log your search queries—the Tor Browser also uses multiple layers of encryption to bolster your anonymity. Make sure to check the settings; if you prefer a safer experience, select the “safer” or “safest” option, which also turns off potentially harmful features from the website, like rogue JavaScript.
For maximum security, it is recommended that a VPN be used in conjunction with Tor and that a connection be made from the VPN to Tor rather than the other way around.
#3. Use a Dark Web Search Engine
Most dark websites do not have permanent addresses, and those that do tend to vanish without warning. When using the anonymous Tor browser, it can be helpful to use a dark web search engine. A search engine is distinct from a web browser. While a browser facilitates access to the web, once you are online, it is search engines like Google that prove their worth.
While the Tor network will get you into the dark web, once you are there, a search engine will be your best bet for locating specific sites.
#4. Find the .onion Address You Want to Visit
You must know the exact URL of a dark web resource before you can access it. Many of these domain names will consist of numerous characters and seem to have no pattern at all; they will all end in the “.onion” TLD. However, “.onion” domains are not indexed by web crawlers, so you cannot use a regular search engine to get to them.
You should use caution when visiting any of the many directories that list “.onion” links and websites. Some will take you to illegal marketplaces where you can buy everything from drugs to counterfeit identification documents, while others will take you to legitimate resources like online classes, discussion boards, and personal blogs.
The Threats Lurking on the Dark Web
Explore at your own risk, but know that the dark web is like the Wild West of the internet. Here are some potential dangers:
#1. Scams
The likelihood of scams is significantly higher because the majority of dark websites are unregulated and non-indexed. If you are looking to buy something illegal or dubious, this is especially important to keep in mind.
#2. Malicious Software
On the dark web, you can find more trojan horses, keyloggers, ransomware, phishing malware, and other harmful programs. This occurs as a result of the lack of standards for website quality. They typically have subpar security measures in place (HTTP), prompting normal web browsers to flag them as suspicious. Infecting malware could result from simply visiting such a site.
#3. Government Monitoring
Unfortunately, this also affects many Tor-based websites. Your local government probably keeps a close eye on anything that might be against the law or harmful to the populace. You could face legal repercussions if you visit that website.
Websites on the Dark Web
When you browse the dark web without taking any precautions to protect yourself, you put yourself at risk of having your identity stolen and of being infected with malicious software. Be sure to activate your virtual private network (VPN) and your antivirus software before attempting to access the dark web.
This is like a darknet version of Wikipedia, except it only contains links to other darknet resources. It compiles a directory of underground sites that cover a wide variety of subjects, including conspiracy theories. There are a few options available to you if you want to discover live “.onion” websites and their URLs. Using a dark web link directory like The Hidden Wiki is a time-saving option. While some sites (like domain registrars) are entirely legit, others (like whistleblowing apps) may be blocked in your country.
If you click on a link from The Hidden Wiki, be aware that it may take you to a website with adult content, so please read the description carefully before clicking. Because of this, the FBI and the hacker collective Anonymous have both launched cyberattacks against it in the past.
#2. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that can be used on both the regular internet and the deep web. This is one of the search engines that will not track you or sell your data to third parties. If you are looking to conceal your online identity, this is the best option. A great substitute for Google is DuckDuckGo. You receive satisfactory responses for the majority of your searches without any tracking at all, and your search activity is not stored. The search engine provides quick search results along with an extra degree of privacy and anonymity, and it is also accessible on the dark web.
Since DuckDuckGo also displays “.onion” links, it can be used to access dark web content. The majority of surface-level search engines do not crawl “.onion” domains. For this reason, using a search engine like Google will not lead you to any dark web pages, but using DuckDuckGo will.
#3. Ahmia
Another safe option for searching the dark web is Ahmia. Additionally, Ahmia can be used to examine Tor network data, analysis, and updates.
In the same way that other dark web platforms are accessible from the regular internet, so is Ahmia. In that case, you should take steps to conceal your IP address and invest in more stringent data encryption methods. Therefore, it is prudent to maintain anonymity while exploring these outcomes. You should use a VPN service that uses advanced encryption. Ahmia is a search engine that helps users locate relevant content on the deep web. In addition, you can use it to read the latest Tor-related articles and research its statistics.
#4. Facebook
Facebook’s massive presence on the dark web is surprising, given that we advise against using it if you want to maintain your anonymity. This is a copycat version of Facebook. If you are on the dark web, you can try to maintain your anonymity by creating a Facebook account under a false identity.
Some visitors may be attempting to circumvent government censorship by using this service. The “dark web” of Facebook allows users to conceal their identities while still allowing them to communicate freely.
Accessing Facebook from countries where it is censored is now possible thanks to Facebook’s onion version. Despite Facebook’s dubious privacy track record, the Onion portal is a useful tool for people living under repressive regimes because it allows them to connect, communicate, and organize.
#5. SecureDrop
Organizations in the media and non-governmental sectors can install the SecureDrop software platform to securely receive information leaks from sources. In addition, it has a feature that facilitates confidential journalistic communication with sources. The Washington Post, ProPublica, and The Guardian are just some of the news organizations that have adopted SecureDrop.
When it comes to the dark web, SecureDrop is a safe and dependable option for sharing files. Anonymous sources can use SecureDrop to send classified documents to news organizations through a special SecureDrop URL. Automatically encrypting files upon receipt protects sender anonymity.
In the dark web community, Hidden Answers serves as a kind of Reddit or Quora. Users can come here to discuss any number of topics, including seeking guidance or telling their own stories. Hidden Answers gives you complete anonymity, in contrast to Quora or Reddit. One of the most popular dark web destinations, Hidden Answers allows you to discuss anything and everything under the sun, offer advice, and respond to questions from other users.
#7. ProPublica
This is a non-profit news organization that investigates and reports on corruption and other violations of the public’s trust. ProPublica has started using the dark web to distribute their content in order to shield their journalists and readers from powerful surveillance. The anonymity of the dark web also encourages whistleblowers to share information with ProPublica.
To put it simply, ProPublica does investigative reporting. They won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of sexual assault. The regular internet connection that you already have gives you access to ProPublica. However, it also keeps up a Tor website. In addition, ProPublica offers one of the cleanest, most well-designed online experiences you can find on the deep web. The New York Times and other news sites are accessible through Tor, and the service’s SecureDrop integration can be used for anonymously reporting wrongdoing.
How to Access on the Phone
It is surprisingly simple to access the dark web from a phone. Android and iPhone users must take slightly different actions. However, fret not; we have got you covered with guides for both OSes down below.
How to Access the Dark Web using Android Phones
It takes very little effort for Android users to enter the deep web. In actuality, using your Android device to access the dark web might be simpler than using a PC. In general, configuring your Android device to browse the dark web should take no more than five to ten minutes. Here’s how to go about it:
- You should sign up for a virtual private network (VPN) service. We advise NordVPN due to its high-quality Android app, extensive server network, and top-notch security.
- The NordVPN app is available on the Google Play Store.
- To use Tor, get the official browser from Google Play. If you are an Android user, you need this app.
- Launch NordVPN and enter the login information you set up during registration.
- Click the quick connect button to establish a VPN connection. This will establish a quick and secure connection to a local server.
- Launch the Tor Browser application.
- To join the Tor network, hit the big Connect button.
- After that, your browser will take you to its main page. It mimics the appearance of standard browsers while providing access to hidden websites.
- To ensure your online safety, set up the Tor browser’s privacy and anonymity features.
- If you are looking for something specific on the dark web, type your query into the search bar at the bottom of your screen.
How to Access the Dark Web using an iPhone
Unlike Android devices, iOS devices require a few extra steps to access the dark web. This is because there is currently no official Tor browser app for iOS. This means that you will have to rely on alternative browsers to access the Tor network.
The Tor project recommends the Onion Browser, which we are using for this tutorial. We advise staying with the Onion Browser because other Tor browser apps available in the App Store might be fraudulent or infected with malware that will harm your device.
- Get a NordVPN subscription.
- Install the NordVPN app by downloading it from the App Store.
- Get the Onion Browser app for your iPhone and put it on your phone.
- Visit the App Store now to download Orbot. This free proxy app is essential for using the Onion Browser with the Tor network securely.
- Quickly connect to a VPN server with just a tap of the button in the NordVPN app.
- Launch the Orbot program and tap the “Start” button to begin establishing an encrypted connection to the Tor network. As Orbot establishes its connection to the Tor network, it may cause intermittent disruptions in your Wi-Fi.
- Launch the Onion Browser program. The home page should display links to several well-known underground sites.
- To adjust your browser’s security settings, select the cogwheel in the browser’s settings menu (typically located in the lower right corner of your screen).
How Big is the Dark Web?
When compared to the entire internet, the dark web is relatively small. Although no one knows for sure, the dark web is thought to make up no more than 5% of the entire internet.
When was the Dark Web Created?
Developed by Ian Clarke to protect its users from snooping governments and hackers, the dark web made its debut in the early 2000s, alongside the launch of Freenet. In 2004, the US military developed the Onion Router, or Tor, technology and made it available to the general public.
How Do You Get on the Dark Web?
The dark web is accessible via anonymizing browsers like TOR. After installation, the browser performs identically to standard versions. The lack of an index makes it slightly more challenging to find specific pieces of information. Be sure to safeguard your computer and sensitive data by installing anti-virus software.
Is it Illegal to Access the Dark Web?
It is important to keep in mind that using the dark web is generally not illegal. On the other hand, it is illegal to engage in illegal activities through the use of the dark web.
Is it illegal to look at the Dark Web?
Nobody gets in trouble for visiting the dark web; it is just a place where people can talk freely without fear of being tracked. Nonetheless, some activities on the dark web are against the law. Visitors should exercise caution and safety at all costs.
What does the Dark Web look like?
You can find all kinds of underground communities on the dark web. Dark web users can remain anonymous while engaging in illegal activities like drug dealing, weapon trading, identity theft, credit card fraud, selling fake goods, facilitating human trafficking, and distributing pornographic and other offensive content. As a bonus, it is a place where hackers feel safe enough to talk about their latest data breaches and cyber security exploits. On the other hand, the dark web is home to plenty of legitimate businesses and perfectly safe content as well.
Can I Access the Dark Web on my Mobile Device?
Accessing the dark web from a mobile device is possible, but only with a browser designed for it, such as the Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iOS. Keep in mind that your mobile device, regardless of its operating system, is just as susceptible to virus infection as your computer is.
Conclusion
When exploring the shadowy corners of the web, it is important to take extra precautions to safeguard sensitive information like login credentials and financial data. Comparatively speaking, the concept of the “dark web” emerged not too long ago in the grand scheme of things on the internet. If you want to speak your mind without worrying about repercussions, you can use it to maintain your anonymity. However, because of its high level of privacy, it has developed a negative reputation as a hub for illegal activity. Using the dark web is as easy as setting up a private browser, connecting to a VPN, and keeping your device secure.
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