Content
ProtonMail – yes, you can even use ProtonMail on the dark web! The Swiss email provider actually strongly recommends whistleblowers and journalists sign up for a free ProtonMail account via their .onion site. Though, at the time of writing, I could only get an endless loading screen.
Have a VPN and antivirus protection software on hand so you can keep yourself safe from hacks. If possible, use an old computer you don’t mind getting messed up and make sure it is running Mac or Linux, so it is less likely to get viruses. There are many good and legitimate reasons to step into the dark web, but you should always do so with caution.
It’s also possible that clicking a link or downloading a file could infect your device with malware. For instance, your accounts on the deep web contain a lot of your personal information that criminals might value. That’s one reason why it’s important to use strong, unique passwords on all your accounts.
Checking if the site connection is secure
While Tor gives you access to sites on the .onion ecosystem, you can also use Tor to browse the surface web, taking advantage of its encryption to enjoy additional security and privacy. However, be warned, this will not be an enjoyable user experience. It’s a multiplatform problem-fixer that protects your entire digital life through a single app. Best of all, it’s jargon-free, personalized, and easy to use. Download Clario and make sure your private info stays that way. But we also know from Moore and Rid’s research that the majority of sites on the dark web are used for illegal activity.
Many people end up falling for scams or phishing attempts on the dark web, especially if they’re partaking in some illegal or illicit activity. We can show you how to get on the dark web, but it’s important you stay safe all throughout. The dark web is more dangerous than the surface web, or the clear web, whatever you prefer to call it. As is obvious, if you engage in illicit or illegal activity on the dark web, then those acts will be considered illegal and could land you in legal trouble.
Dark Web Link
None, as long as you don’t do anything illegal like buying or selling illicit items. Your VPN will hide your IP address from anyone attempting to view your location. This ensures that tracking scripts and other forms of monitoring cannot load on Dark Web sites.
Your ISP only sees the encrypted VPN traffic, and won’t know you’re on Tor. Most of that information is hidden simply because the vast majority of users won’t find it relevant. Much of it is tucked away in databases that Google is either not interested in or barred from crawling. There is a number of directories that host .onion links and websites, but you should always demonstrate caution. DefCon, ProPublica, the CIA, various libraries, and open-source software providers also feature in this area of the internet. The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines.
- By using the Tor browser, internet users can access the Dark Web to communicate and share data in confidence, without the risk of being traced.
- It offers military-grade encryption and an automatic kill switch that ensures your personal data is never exposed.
- If you see the .onion extension in a URL (instead of .com, .net, etc.), that means it’s a dark web link.
- I also like that ExpressVPN offers split-tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which use your local network.
- A VPN allows you to bypass these roadblocks and surf anonymously.
Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any affiliate earnings do not affect how we review services. Tor is comprised of people from all over the planet who are donating their computers to the network. Bouncing your request around to random computers all over the world makes it much harder for people to find you. Dial ‘1’ for privacy, ‘2’ for point and click adventure games, and ‘3’ for paranormal stories.
But there are special directories to help you identify reliable dark web links. Many Tor users also recommend the benefits of using a VPN, which provides maximum encryption and helps to hide your IP address and internet activity. When you visit dark web sites, you’re connecting to websites on darknets, which are specifically designed for anonymity. Employ active monitoring of identify and financial theft. Many online security services now offer identity protection for your safety.
Dark Web Search Engines
If you find it doesn’t fit your needs, it’s risk-free to get your money back. I tested it myself as part of this review and I got a full refund within 5 business days. Using a premium VPN secures your connection and ensures your Tor connection remains completely anonymous. Out of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is #1 due to its secure network of private servers, fast speeds, and strict no-logs policy. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with the Dark Web for yourself. You can get a full refund anytime within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.
The dark web is the home of many criminal activities — from the use of stolen or fake documents to drug and weapon dealing. What’s more, it’s a network that includes assassins for hire, child pornography, and even live streams of murders. If you accidentally end up on one of those pages, you may face legal charges, should someone find out.
Best VPNs to Safely Use the Dark Web in 2023
You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension.
You’ve no doubt heard talk of the “dark web” as a hotbed of criminal activity — and it is. The Surface Web is easily accessible since it’s indexed by search engines and you can simply type in what you want to find and voila. However, you’ve probably heard about the recent Facebook scandals claiming that Facebook was tracking its users and the websites they were visiting. At the same time, Tor became an effective shield for the illicit sale of heavily controlled goods, such as guns and drugs. The Tor network also gave hackers, terrorists, and distributors of illegal pornography a secure method of communication. The term dark web first appeared in print in a 2009 newspaper article describing these criminal applications.
