TheDark Webrepresents a complex portion ofDeep Web, the huge Internet area not indexed by traditional search engines. While the Deep Web hosts daily and entirely legal content such as private emails, home banking archives and business databases, the Dark Web goes further: it is a submerged darknet only accessible through specific software, developed to ensure ahigh degree of anonymityto its users. To better understand the associated infrastructure and risks, please consult thecISA Dark Web Guide(Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency).
Necessary tools to access the Dark Web
To securely access the Dark Web and protect its digital identity, some basic tools are essential:
- Tor Browser: The main channel for navigation in the Dark Web is the Tor browser. Tor (acronym forThe Onion Router) encrypts Internet traffic and makes it bounce through a global network of volunteer nodes, hiding the IP address and making it almost impossible to track user activities.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Although Tor already guarantees an excellent level of intrinsic privacy, it is highly recommended to support youHigh quality VPN. A VPN encrypts the entire connection and hides from your Internet service provider (ISP) the fact that you are using the Tor network.
- Security Software and Antivirus: Computer threats are on the agenda. It is vital to operate from a device with a solid antivirus and a constantly updated operating system to promptly reject malware or ransomware infiltration.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Here is the correct and detailed procedure to start exploring .onion sites in total safety:
- Download and Install Tor Browser: Listed on the official website of the project,Tor Project, and download the browser for your operating system. Carefully follow the installation instructions and always distrust the download through third-party portals.
- Configure VPN: Even before you open the Tor Browser, make sure your VPN is regularly activated and connected. This practice, known asTor over VPN, raise a preventive barrier against any outbound traffic interceptions from your node.
- Start Tor Browser: With the fully operational VPN, start the Tor Browser. The user interface will be familiar and intuitive, similar to that of normal Firefox-based browsers, but with preset security parameters.
- Browse the Dark Web: Now you can finally insert the URLs of the dark network, recognizable for their peculiar suffix. onion. To move the first steps, users usually rely on indexed directories such as “The Hidden Wiki”, which are useful for finding working and up-to-date links.
Precautions and Security Tips
Adventure within the Dark Web exposes you to unconventional threats. Strictly follow these essential safety precautions:
- Do not Reveal Personal Information: Adopts a pseudonym and abstain categorically from divulging real names, social contacts or credentials. Maintaining absolute anonymity is your primary defense line.
- Avoid Download File: Downloading attachments, executables or documents from the darknet is a serious risk. Apparently harmless files can conceal sophisticated trojans or viruses that can bypass your local protection.
- Use Virtual Coins for Transactions: To operate legally permitted financial exchanges, cryptocurrencies are usually used, which complicate the identification of the parties. You can deepen the functioning of the crypto-asset on the institutional portal of theBank of Italy.
- Suspended Sites: The lack of regulation favours the proliferation of scams (computer scams) and illicit platforms. Navigate with the maximum circumspection, distrusting from all too attractive offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Dark Web
Is it illegal to access the Dark Web?
No, access and simple navigation in the Dark Webare not illegal actsin most jurisdictions, including Italy. The Tor browser is simply an anonymity tool. However, buying illegal goods, engaging illegal services or committing cyber crimes within it remains a crime persecutable penally, as well as violations committed on the web in clear.
What is the difference between Deep Web and Dark Web?
Often mistaken, it is two distinct levels. TheDeep Webembraces everything that search engines do not index (about 90% of the entire Internet), such as private business pages, postal boxes and clinical archives. TheDark Webis instead a tiny fraction hidden inside the Deep Web, hosted on overlay networks (thedarknet) and accessible only by those who have specific decryption software.
Can I access the Dark Web from the smartphone?
Yes, mobile access is feasible. The Tor project provides an official application calledTor Browser for Android, while for iOS devices it recommends to useOnion Browser. Despite extreme practicality, most security experts do not recommend using smartphones for similar navigations, since these devices natively collect more telemetric data than a properly configured desktop PC.
