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A Beginner's Guide To Accessing The Dark Web Safely Understanding the Dark Web Before diving into the dark web, it is crucial to understand what it is. The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires specific software tools to access, the most common method is by using the Tor browser to connect to hidden onion services. Tor is a network of volunteer-operated servers that mask your identity, this level of anonymity attracts many users, but naturally comes with risks including the exposure to illegal material or cyber threats. Downloading and Installing the Tor Browser To access the dark web, you will need to use the Tor browser, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Visit the official Tor Project website to ensure you're downloading the legitimate version. Avoid all third-party sites, and if you are installing from an app store ensure you are installing the right browser (there is currently no official Tor browser available for iOS). Tor will usually manage its own updates itself automatically, so you do not have to. After installation, take some time to familiarize yourself with some of Tor's features. Some of the features of Tor include security settings to help enhance your safety while browsing. Enhance Your Security Settings Once you have the Tor Browser installed, it is crucial to enhance your security settings. The browser comes with three security levels: Standard, Safer and Safest. For beginners, starting with the Safer setting is advisable because it disables certain features that could expose you to risks. Using the Safest option is not usually advisable because it fully disables JavaScript, while this does greatly lower your attack surface for zero-days, it will break functionality in websites that require JavaScript to run. Additionally, the Safest option will block certain font files or other assets making websites appear abnormal. Use A VPN Using a VPN with Tor is controversial, some people think it is a good idea and others think it may actually reduce your security when using Tor. To fully understand this argument you must understand that there are two different methods of using Tor with a VPN; the first is VPN over Tor (this is where you connect to Tor then to a VPN), and the second is Tor over VPN (this is where you connect to Tor through a VPN). The former is designed to allow you to access content that blocks Tor, it can also protect your identity from the VPN server itself, but this is ultimately pointless if you are using a VPN that requires your full name or credit card details. Here are some advantages to using a VPN with Tor: Hides your IP address from the entry node Extra layer of anonymity Protects from ISP monitoring and censorship Security against malicious exit nodes (For VPN over Tor, since data will be encrypted by VPN) Allows you to access pages that block Tor (For VPN over Tor) Here are some disadvantages to using a VPN with Tor: Reduced connection speed You must trust the VPN you are connecting to Some VPNs do not support crypto payments, so you reveal your identity to them when purchasing Additional complexity (potential for misconfiguration) Whether you use a VPN with Tor or not will largely depend on what you are doing. Personally, I believe using a VPN with Tor can enhance your privacy and security if done correctly. Navigating the Dark Web Safetly When you first access the dark web, you'll notice that it looks different from the regular web. Websites can often have .onion domains and can be difficult to find, these domains are special websites that can only be accessed via Tor. When you visit an onion domain, your connection is fully secure and is much more difficult to compromise than connecting to a regular website via Tor. Use trusted directories or search engines to discover legitimate websites on the dark web. Be cautious when clicking links, as alot of them can contain illegal or harmful content. Always remember that just because something is accessible on the dark web doesn't mean it is safe or legal. Avoid sharing personal information and be wary of any site asking for personal information. Recognizing and Avoiding Scams The dark web is rife with scams and fraudulent activities. As a beginner, it is essential to be vigilant about these scams, you should employ common sense when interacting with any website on the dark web. Common scams can include fake marketplaces, phishing attempts, exit scams and more. Due to onion addresses being non-human-readable, there may be clones of websites you are trying to visit and you may not realize. Always ensure you are on the correct and legitimate onion website. Look for user reviews and feedback on forums to gauge to legitimacey of marketplaces, if you feel like something is off then trust your instinct and steer clear. Conclusion Accessing the dark web can be an intruiging experience, but it is essential to approach this with caution and awareness. By understanding what the dark web is and how to maximize both your privacy and security, you can explore this hidden part of the internet while minimizing risk. The dark web is a double-edged-sword; it can offer privacy and freedom, but it can harbor dangerous or illegal material. Always prioritize your safety and security when you use the dark web. AUTOMA 12th September 2024