- Understanding the Dark Web
- Level 1: The Basic Tor Browser (Least Secure)
- Level 2: Tor Browser with a VPN (More Secure)
- Level 3: Tails Linux (Most Secure)
- Bonus Level: Network Chuck Cloud Browser
Hey there! Before diving into the mysterious world of the dark web, let’s ensure you do it safely. I’ll walk you through three levels, starting with the riskiest and ending with a top-notch, Edward Snowden-level secure way. But first, let’s chat about the dark web itself.
The dark web isn’t just a shady corner of the internet; it was created for good reasons. It provides anonymity and a platform for free expression and has many legitimate uses. For example, think of journalists trying to communicate securely with people who want to stay hidden, like Edward Snowden 😒, and activists who want to stay hidden from oppressive regimes. You can even play chess on it😊. Even the New York Times and Facebook have dark web versions.
Because of its anonymity, the dark web is also a hotbed for illegal activities. This makes it a playground for criminals buying and selling stolen data, so staying safe is crucial.
I use Dashlane for this. It monitors the dark web for my information and generates super secure passwords. If interested, use this link: dashlane.com to open your account and get secured.
Exploring the dark web without security is like playing hide and seek with Edward Snowden in a house made of glass.
By Marki Mugan
Exploring the Dark Web Safely
Venturing into the dark web can be as thrilling as it is risky. Here, I’ll guide you through three levels to explore it safely, from the least to the most secure.
Understanding the Dark Web
First, as I said above, the dark web isn’t entirely wrong. It was designed to provide anonymity and a platform for free expression: journalists, activists, etc. Many legitimate websites like the New York Times, BBC, CIA, and Facebook have dark web versions to ensure secure access, which is fantastic.
But what makes it unique also makes it terrifying because it is the perfect breeding ground for all illegal activities.
And by the way, did you know that your stuff is for sale in this place (Dark WEB), such as your emails, passwords, logins, credit cards, etc? and that’s why I recommended the dashlane.com
Okay, this is number one on our list and the most insecure way to access the dark web. Don’t do this! Leave it here, and don’t continue to read😏, but I know some of you will still do it. Let’s leave the joke aside, get behind the desk, and start with what brings us here.
Level 1: The Basic Tor Browser (Least Secure)
The most basic way to access the dark web is using the Tor browser. It’s as simple as downloading and installing it, much like Chrome or Firefox. The Tor browser connects to the Onion network, encrypting your data through multiple layers for anonymity.
Now, you will use the Tor browser, which stands for the onion router, to access the onion network. You didn’t think the dark web would involve so many onions 😁. It’s all onions sitting on top of the internet, making it dark. It’s not that onions are wrong; they have layers. Now, we won’t go too deep. We are not onion farming here.
But know that part of what makes it secure and why we need a particular browser is that, like the layers of an onion, data sent on the dark web are sent to three onion routers before it reaches its destination. Each applies a layer of encryption or security, helping keep your data anonymous and safe.
However, using the Tor browser alone isn’t very secure. Your ISP can see you’re connecting to the Tor network, and the first node can see your IP address. This method leaves you vulnerable.
Level 2: Tor Browser with a VPN (More Secure)
The second, more secure way to access the dark web is more secure but not the most secure. I probably still wouldn’t do this if I were searching for stuff, you know what I mean! This will involve the same thing as level one but add an extra layer of protection, like an onion.
We will first connect to the VPN and change some settings in our Tor browser. That is highly recommended because you don’t want to be sitting there hanging out on the dark web and suddenly get a phone call or knock on the door, and you’re like, what did I do!? 🤨
Use a VPN before connecting to the Tor network to improve your security. This hides your IP address from your ISP and the first node in the Tor network. Also, tweak your Tor browser settings to disable features like JavaScript, which hackers can exploit.
After turning on your VPN, open the Tor Browser and change some settings.
1. Click on Configure connection
2. Go to Privacy & Security
3. Go to Security, choose Safest
Level 3: Tails Linux (Most Secure)
Trust me, it’s intense but secure, and you’ll have the most fun with this one. It’s one of the ways I can recommend you use to access the dark web; anything else is at your own risk.
Here’s what we’re doing: We will create a computer on a USB drive. At this level, you’ll need a USB drive. The computer designed in the drive has goldfish memory. Every time you use it, it forgets that you did something untraceable.
This portable operating system or computer is called Tails Linux, the amnesic incognito live system. And how do you know what’s good? Well, it’s trusted by Edward Snowden, and he is still chilling in Russia, so it’s pretty good. It also uses the Tor network by default, so when you use the super secret portable computer, all your traffic goes across the onions.
It might sound complex, but how do I get that set up? To set up Tails, download it from the official site tails.net and use software like Balena Etcher to write it to your USB drive. Boot your computer from the USB drive to start using Tails.
For top-level security, use Tails Linux. This portable operating system runs from a USB drive and forgets everything once you shut it down, leaving no trace. Tails use the Tor network by default, ensuring all your traffic is encrypted.
Bonus Level: Network Chuck Cloud Browser
Now, there is one more way to access the dark web, which is probably one of the more secure options. It may be even more secure than Tails, but that’s debatable.
So here it is, level three and three-quarters, aka Bonus level 👌. Maybe this is what I use to browse the dark web. It’s the Network Chuck Cloud Browser.
For an additional layer of security, consider using the Network Chuck Cloud Browser. This service runs your browser on a remote server, adding another layer of anonymity. Watch the video below for more explanation.
Exploring the dark web is like trying to find a black cat in a coal cellar, blindfolded, with sunglasses on—good luck, but at least you’re incognito!
By Marki Mugan
Conclusion
Exploring the dark web can be fascinating, but staying safe is essential. Always prioritize your security, whether using the Tor browser, a VPN, or Tails Linux. And remember, tools like Dashlane can help keep your information safe from prying eyes. Stay curious but cautious out there!
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