When using a regular online browser, you won’t be able to access the dark web, also known as the dark net. One needs to use specific software, such as the anonymous Tor browser, in order to access it.
Cybercrime, such as drug sales, child abuse, and terrorism, is frequently linked to the dark web. The Dark Web, however, has numerous legitimate use as well, like providing anonymity for whistleblowers and journalists. Even social media giants like Facebook and Twitter have secret corners of the internet.
Although it has a big name, the Dark Web actually only makes up a tiny fraction of the entire Internet. However, just about 4 percent of all websites are reportedly viewable in the Tor browser.
What is Tor, and why is it needed to access the dark web?
It is an open-source web browser that allows you to access dark web links. When surfing the internet, the Tor Browser can help you maintain your anonymity and privacy.
Since the introduction of Tor and the dark web, anonymity on the internet has become a reality for people all over the world. The Tor Browser conceals your online footprint by relaying your traffic via an anonymous network of computers. Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux users can all download the Tor Browser.
Tor browser installation and how a beginner can use it
The Tor Browser makes it so simple to access dark web links that it’s almost humiliating. This browser, like Mozilla’s Firefox, keeps all that pinging activity off of sight. Basically, it’s a program used to access the World Wide Web. Employ it in the same way you would an actual one. It really is that easy. This is the PC version; there is also an Android app and an unofficial iOS app for browsing onions.
How to start using Tor browser
Tor is a browser that allows users to hide their online activity from prying eyes while still allowing them to access dark web links. However, while the browser can be installed and used by anyone, there are some complications for those in countries where Tor is blocked, on corporate or university networks where it is banned, or in situations requiring additional security. The first thing you’ll see when you launch a session is a prompt to either Connect or Configure. If you select the latter option, you will be shown how to get around restrictions on the Tor network. Such technologies include pluggable transports, which disguise Tor traffic as traveling to random or popular websites like Amazon rather than the onion network itself. One of these should get you connected to the Tor network if you’ve been experiencing problems.
Different levels of security in the Tor browser
Browser security can be toggled between several distinct tiers when you are accessing the dark web links. Clicking the onion icon in the upper left corner and selecting “Security Settings” will open a window where you may toggle between the safest, most secure, and normal settings. Safer mode restricts access to JavaScript on HTTP sites, disables some fonts, and makes users manually play all music and video. When you go to the “safest” setting, JavaScript is turned off for all websites.
Accessing the dark web links after installing the Tor browser
After installing the Tor browser, you can use it in the same way as any other web browser. A Tor site can be located in the same way that any other website is once the Tor secure browser has been installed on your device. Either a direct link (the preferred method) or a keyword search in a search engine can be used to locate the desired website. Tor’s website address format is .onion.
How to access the dark web using Tor?
Although the Tor browser itself is easy to use, understanding when to use it might be more challenging. Even though Tor is slower than a regular browser, it is possible to do all of your browsings with it. The Tor Project is actively striving to address this issue. Because Tor acts differently than other browsers, it is more likely to trigger the bot-hunting mechanism; as a result, you should be prepared to confront more CAPTCHAs than usual.
Why is it recommended to use the Tor browser instead of incognito mode?
You should use Tor instead of private browsing or incognito mode when you are trying to access dark web links. Most individuals are mistaken about the security of these settings, which do not safeguard your privacy at all. They do nothing to prevent your ISP, advertising, or trackers from collecting data about your online behavior. They do nothing to hide your browsing history from a network administrator. As the Tor Browser does.
Why is the Tor browser preferred for visiting dark web links?
Your threat model, or the specific kind of attacks or intrusions about which you are most concerned, is key to solving any security or privacy problem. It is for those times when you wish to avoid letting anyone know that you are viewing a specific website.
However, the anonymizing capabilities of Tor are only the beginning. Tor’s main benefit is accessibility (with some anonymity, of course), but it’s not always practical when you’re behind a firewall, as in a hotel, an airport, or a restaurant in a less-than-stellar country. And if you can utilize Tor, you can be assured that nobody, not even the weirdos down the street, will be able to see what you’re looking at online and that when you close your browser, all of your history and other data will be completely erased.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are frequently recommended for security in such situations. VPNs, while convenient, can also pose a security risk. All of your data must pass through it; therefore, you must treat it as if it were your Internet service provider. You don’t have to put your faith in them to protect your online privacy when using the latest VPNs because they run on a decentralized network.
What should you not do on the dark web?
The dangers of dark web links cannot be overstated. It’s crucial to know what to expect before venturing into the dark web, as there are numerous potential dangers lurking there.
First and foremost, only click on links you are familiar with. There are many downloads and sites on the dark web that are harmful or promote criminal activities such as selling drugs or sexually exploiting children.
Moreover, you should never fill out a form on the dark web that requests personal information. Your personal information, such as name, address, email, and phone number.
Don’t download anything from the dark web unless you’re sure of the source. The dark web is rife with malicious software and viruses just waiting to be downloaded by naive visitors.
Just as you would never download anything that could harm you, you should never download anything that is illegal.
Are there any legal issues with using the Tor browser?
In most countries, especially those with lax censorship policies, using the Tor browser (and any other software from the Tor project) is perfectly lawful. But it’s true that some Tor users do some shady stuff behind the anonymity of the network. However, just because you’re using the anonymous Tor browser doesn’t mean you’re above the law. As a result, please don’t engage in these activities.
Why the dark web links can only be accessed with the Tor browser?
The dark web links can only be accessed with the Tor browser. There are many sites on the dark web that cannot be accessed using a standard web browser or search engine. To access a dark web page, you’ll also need to know its precise address. You may discover anything from underground marketplaces to child porn to pirated movies on the dark web since it is uncontrolled. Thus, unless you are a seasoned internet user, we advise against venturing into the dark web.
Why should you exercise caution when utilizing the Tor browser?
There are serious dangers associated with having access to potentially harmful, unregulated websites. A computer can be compromised if you visit the wrong link on the dark web. Using the Tor browser safely requires some precautions. Get yourself a VPN service first. You may avoid being monitored by using a VPN, which encrypts your data and masks your IP address. If you’re going to use Tor in a nation where it’s illegal, a VPN is a must. We advise using a VPN with the Tor browser because of its robust encryption and lightning-fast connection speeds.
How does the Tor browser differ from a proxy server?
To be sure, Tor is helpful, but it is not without flaws. Unfortunately, the anonymity of Tor browsing is not as high as one may like. Tor has had its software compromised in the past, but the team is continually trying to strengthen security. Developers have insisted that the problem wasn’t with their infrastructure but with users’ browsers. While this reassurance is welcome news for Tor users, it also demonstrates that the browser is not foolproof when it comes to protecting users’ privacy.
If you’re concerned about your privacy and security online, you don’t have to rely just on Tor. However, proxy servers are only useful for accessing restricted resources like The Pirate Bay.
However, many still believe they are less reliable and less safe than using Tor or a top-tier VPN.
Conclusion
You can use the Tor browser to access dark web links. It is different from the proxy server. However, proxy servers are popular because they are often used and because they are often free. But this isn’t to say that proxies are the greatest way to protect your privacy online. If you compare proxies to services like Tor and VPNs, you’ll notice that proxies don’t encrypt your data. Avoiding unlawful activities and making use of VPNs can help keep you safe while using the Tor browser.