Accessing the dark web requires specialized software due to its intentional concealment from traditional search engines. The most commonly used tool is the Tor Browser, which is based on the “The Onion Routing” project that originated in the early 2000s. Initially developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Tor provides a means for users to browse the internet anonymously, thereby safeguarding their privacy and circumventing censorship.
Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is a modified version of Mozilla Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) and is designed to operate on various operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. It routes all internet traffic through the Tor network, utilizing onion routing for added security. This browser also comes equipped with privacy-focused add-ons like ‘HTTPS Everywhere’ and ‘NoScript’. Notably, a version of the Tor browser is available for Android devices, while a browsing app is accessible for iOS devices, allowing for wider usage.
I2P
In addition to Tor, another browser used to access the dark web is I2P (Invisible Internet Project). I2P focuses on the anonymous hosting of websites and services within the dark web, offering another layer of privacy for users seeking to engage in secure communications or share sensitive information.
.onion Links
Websites on the dark web typically use a unique domain ending in “.onion.” These addresses are not indexed by standard search engines, making them accessible only through the Tor network. This feature underscores the dark web’s distinction from the deep web, which encompasses all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, and does not necessarily imply illicit activity.
Privacy and Security Considerations
For those navigating the dark web, the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is often recommended alongside the Tor Browser to enhance privacy. A VPN encrypts the user’s internet traffic, providing an additional layer of security against surveillance and tracking. The combination of Tor and a VPN can significantly improve online anonymity, making it difficult for third parties to monitor users’ activities.