How to get to the dark web

There is a lot more to the internet than the websites you see every day. The "surface web" is just the beginning of the "deep web," which includes the "dark web."

The dark net, or dark web, constitutes a small fraction of the deep web. The dark web is made up of purposefully hidden websites and services. Both the owners and users of the dark web are anonymous. Although not everything on the dark net is illegal, it’s where you’ll find many of the internet’s black markets, hacker forums, malware vendors, and other illicit activity.

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.

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 software to keep your device protected.

How to stay safe while browsing the dark web

When using the dark web, think ‘safety-first’.

Stay vigilant and follow these extra tips to stay safe on the dark web.

1. Navigate to the correct URL
.onion websites aren’t going to hurt you if you’re securely connected, but you could well stumble into some dark content by mistake. Be careful and deliberate about the sites you want to access.

2. Be careful what you share
The dark web is unregulated and a popular environment for illegal activity. As above, make sure you’re only visiting .onion sites you trust and don’t share any personal information.

3. Don’t download any files
Similar to the surface web, the dark web can contain malware. Please don’t download anything you’re not 100% certain is legitimate.

4. Don’t make any purchases
Some dark web shops may be legitimate, but making a purchase is not worth the risk.

5. Keep your programs up to date
System and software updates are designed to keep you safe. Keep these updated, including Tor.

There are many good and legitimate reasons to step into the deep web, but you should always do so with caution.

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