The term “dark web” immediately creates a sense of danger due to its association with multiple illegal activities and security risks. However, the dark web is not always used for malicious and illegal intent.
The dark web is a hidden section of the internet that can’t be accessed through open web search engines. You might be wondering if there’s any way to safely browse the dark web and avoid dangerous content. Well, there are measures you can take to keep you safe on the dark web.
How to Safely Browse the Dark Web
One of the biggest myths of the dark web is that it is only used by bad people, or that it’s illegal. But, the dark web can be a useful tool to access information that isn’t available on the open web. One such example is accessing Twitter’s onion service from a country that restricts the platform.
The trick to using the dark web safely, is to plan ahead and make sure that you implement measures to ensure your safety.
1. Use a Dedicated Dark Web Browser
The dark web can only be accessed through specialized software like Tor, which stands for The Onion Browser. Tor is an open-source browser that allows you to anonymously browse the web.
Although Tor is commonly used to access the dark web, you could still access the open web and browse anonymously.
2. Use a Reliable VPN
The Tor browser helps you maintain a certain level of anonymity but, you might still be accessible to anyone who wants to trace you. Tor blocks people from seeing your activity on the dark web, but your ISP provider might still see that you use Tor, without seeing which websites you visit.
However, using a VPN serves as an additional protective layer, a VPN will encrypt all of your web traffic, making it impossible for anyone to snoop on your web activity.
3. Don’t Use Any Personal Details
Personal details are a hot commodity on the dark web as they’re frequently traded. When you’re on the dark web, for whatever reason, you have to avoid using any of your personal details.
Using details such as your email and your banking details could put your security at risk, and it would make it easy for malicious trackers to find you. You should also take extra safety precautions like switching off your location while browsing and covering your webcam.
Exercise Caution With Onion URLs
When you’re browsing the dark web, the best way to avoid dangerous content is by knowing exactly where you’re going. If you go onto the dark web without any direction, you could end up being exposed to dangerous content such as, illegal pornography, scams, and hoaxes.
Websites on the dark web use the “.onion” address. URLs on the dark web aren’t as straightforward as the open web, these websites are typically a combination of random numbers and letters, just like http://tlh27jljj6kgl9s.onion.
The best way to find onion websites that are suitable for you is by finding curated website lists. You can use The Hidden Wiki, which includes a directory of onion sites, to guide you to the websites you’re looking for. But, you must still exercise caution, as The Hidden Wiki lists all kinds of websites.
Avoid Downloading Files
When you download files from a reputable site on the open web, chances are the files are safe, and even when something is wrong with the file, you can trace it back to the source. This isn’t the case with the dark web.
On the dark web, you have no certainty of the files you’re downloading. As you already know, the dark web is filled with surprises of uncensored content, so you could think you’re downloading one thing, and bump into a string of dangerous and illegal problems.
Avoid Harmful Content on the Dark Web
The dark web isn’t a place to tickle your curiosity, you need to plan ahead and have a clear objective; otherwise, you’ll come across things you weren’t expecting to see.
Luckily, the tips discussed in the article are a great stepping stone to use to keep yourself safe on the dark web.
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