The internet is often likened to an iceberg, with only a small portion visible above the surface.

Beneath the familiar websites and search engines lies a hidden realm known as the dark web. Unlike the surface web, which is indexed and accessible through standard browsers, the dark web exists on encrypted networks that require specialized software to access. It’s a mysterious and often misunderstood corner of the internet, known for its anonymity and unregulated nature.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the dark web, exploring its purposes, risks, and realities.

Understanding the Dark Web’s Purposes:

1. Anonymity and Privacy:
   • The dark web provides a platform for users to communicate and transact anonymously, shielding their identities and activities from surveillance.
2. Freedom of Speech:
   • It offers a refuge for individuals in repressive regimes or facing censorship, allowing them to express dissenting opinions and access information freely.
3. Whistleblowing and Activism:
   • Platforms like SecureDrop enable whistleblowers to securely share sensitive information with journalists, exposing corruption and injustice.

Risks Associated with the Dark Web:

1. Illegal Marketplaces:
   • The dark web hosts illicit marketplaces where drugs, weapons, stolen data, and other contraband are bought and sold, posing significant legal and ethical concerns.
2. Cybercrime Networks:
   • Cybercriminals utilize the dark web to exchange malware, hacking tools, and stolen credentials, fueling cyber attacks such as ransomware and identity theft.
3. Exploitation and Trafficking:
   • Disturbingly, the dark web facilitates the exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable individuals, including human trafficking, child exploitation, and the sale of illegal services.

Realities of the Dark Web:

1. Mixed Landscape:
   • While the dark web is often associated with criminal activities, it also hosts legitimate forums, whistleblower platforms, and privacy-focused services.
2. Law Enforcement Efforts:
   • Law enforcement agencies worldwide actively monitor and infiltrate dark web networks to combat illegal activities, resulting in arrests and shutdowns of illicit operations.
3. Security Concerns:
   • Despite its anonymity, the dark web is not immune to security breaches. Users face risks of scams, malware infections, and law enforcement infiltration.

Access the dark web

DISCLAIMER :

The dark web is a complex ecosystem with both positive and negative implications. While it offers opportunities for anonymity, free speech, and activism, it also harbors significant risks, including illegal activities and exploitation. Understanding the purposes, risks, and realities of the dark web is essential for navigating the digital landscape responsibly and safeguarding against its inherent dangers.

1. Download Tor Browser

Although we are going to focus on using Tor Browser in Windows, it’s worth noting that the software is also available for macOS and Linux. The browser is pretty much identical for each platform, so these instructions should apply universally.

To get started, open your existing web browser and navigate to the Tor Project website. From there, click on the “Download for Windows” button, which will initiate the download of the Tor Browser installer. Save the installer to the folder of your choice on your Windows system.

2. Install Tor Browser

When the installation is complete, you can opt to add shortcuts to the desktop and Start menu, as well as launch Tor Browser so you can get started using it straight away.

3. Connect to Tor

To utilize Tor Browser, you’ll need to connect to the Tor Network, which can be accomplished either manually or automatically. Unless you have a specific reason to deviate from the default setting or encounter issues with automatic connection, it’s generally advisable to opt for automatic connectivity.

Simply tick the box labeled “Always connect automatically” and proceed by clicking the “Connect” button. Rest assured that you can adjust these settings later if needed.

4. Search the web

You will search the onion websites

via duckduck go or https://deepweblinks.net/search-engines/

Many links for Tor(onion) are as follow

Search engine links only working in TOR!!!

• DuckDuckGo – For the darknet, but searches only the clearnet:  https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/ 
• Ahmia.fi – Onion and tor2web search links. Reasonable accuracy:  http://juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion/ 
• Torch – Tor Search Engine. Claims to index around 1.1 Million pages:  http://xmh57jrknzkhv6y3ls3ubitzfqnkrwxhopf5aygthi7d6rplyvk3noyd.onion/ 
• TorLinks – TorLinks is a moderated replacement for The Hidden Wiki:  http://torlinksge6enmcyyuxjpjkoouw4oorgdgeo7ftnq3zodj7g2zxi3kyd.onion/ 
• OnionLinks – A good link collection, calls itself the Hidden Wiki mirror:  http://jaz45aabn5vkemy4jkg4mi4syheisqn2wn2n4fsuitpccdackjwxplad.onion/ 

5. Checking your routing

Yyour web traffic is not only encrypted but also bounced around numerous servers around the world.

Check picture below

6 . Check the settings menu

Make yourself a master in it , so you can change and fortify your security.

Change routing if a website is slow to load, just because the routing is already taken.

See examples below

Make sure to visit the setting page in TOR, play with it and fortify your protection.

For an added layer of anonymity, it’s advisable to use a VPN alongside Tor. This combination enhances your privacy and security while browsing the internet.

While the dark web has gained notoriety for its shady elements, there are numerous valid reasons for utilising it, such as enhancing personal privacy and security. Employing Tor Browser to navigate the web not only provides this additional reassurance but also enables access to websites and services that may be inaccessible in your country under normal circumstances.