Browsers to enter the Dark Web

If we talk about the most popular and used browsers, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or even Edge probably come to mind. But there are many more. Some of them have a very small market share, but they may have very different features from the most popular cases.

When surfing the net, we can use any browser. It is clear that this is its main function. But if we talk about browsers that allow us to enter the Dark Web or surf anonymously, the number is reduced. They can also help to improve security and avoid certain problems that can damage the operation of our computers.

Tor Browser

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular browsers for accessing the Deep Web is Tor. In fact, it was the first browser that came out for this purpose. Moreover, it is totally based on privacy and security. It is even today one of the preferred options for those looking for an alternative to the most popular ones.

The Tor browser allows you to browse the Deep Web. It is available for most operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux or Android. It can help us to improve privacy on the network. This is independent of whether we can enter the Deep Web. We can use it on desktop computers and also on mobile devices completely free of charge.

We can download the Tor browser from its official website. There we will find the different versions available. As we always say, we recommend downloading this type of programs from reliable sources.

Subgraph

Another option we found is Subgraph. This is an open source browser that allows you to enter the Dark Web. It is based on Tor, but in this case we are dealing with an operating system and not just a browser.

It has a very restrictive privacy policy. This means that many users rely on this tool to surf the web when they are looking for maximum security. It has a file encryption system and even comes with an instant messaging program. You can find all the information on its web page.

I2P

There is also the I2P alternative. It also works through layers to achieve private and secure browsing. It is based on a tunnel system so that data can travel without being intercepted. A way to encrypt that information and prevent it from ending up in the hands of third parties that could harm our privacy.

Both the sending and receiving clients will use a tunnel. In this way, messages can be sent and received fully encrypted. In addition, there is no possibility that the information can be filtered. It acts, in a way, as a VPN. In short, I2P is an interesting option if you are looking for anonymity on the network. More information can be found on their website.

Whonix

A more unknown option is Whonix. It is a browser that is available for Windows, macOS, and also Linux. It allows us to surf the web anonymously. Once again, this is an option based on the Tor browser. It has a system that prevents our IP address from being exposed when browsing. This is achieved by using a virtual machine. This should be noted. In effect, it is part of an operating system rather than a standalone browser. A different alternative to others we have shown previously.

Another very interesting thing about this browser is that it also has its own operating system, based on anonymity. This is formed by two virtual machines, where one of them is dedicated to run a Tor proxy, which does the function of gateway. And the other virtual machine is called Whonix-Station, which is located in an isolated network. It is a simple system to install if you have slight knowledge about Linux or this type of system.

Advantages and disadvantages

This brings some benefits. The most striking is that it will be extremely difficult for an attacker to know our IP. Indeed, all incoming and outgoing connections go through the Tor network. This also includes applications that do not support the proxy. In this case, it is done by Firewall. This also protects us against root exploits. But in the event that one manages to infect our computer, the system itself ensures that it does not affect the integrity of the processes.

Whonix can be used with a VPN or SSH connection, as all serial numbers will be hidden. This includes the computer where the Virtual Box is running, or the virtualization service we use. At the same time, this operating system has some disadvantages. To go further, it is very slow to perform updates. In addition, it requires a lot of resources on the computer to work properly, this in terms of CPU and RAM. Logically, since the computer will be running two virtual machines instead of one as usual. But on the other hand, we have all the advantages offered by Linux-based operating systems. For example, the apt-get packaging tool, which allows us to install all kinds of new tools.

Tails

Like the vast majority of dark/deep web browsers out there, the Tails darknet browser is again based on the original Tor browser. However, this build could be better defined as a live operating system. Especially since it can be booted and accessed from a USB stick or DVD without installation.

This then relies on the use of highly advanced cryptographic tools to add the protective layers that ensure you remain hidden as you browse the Internet. This includes all files, messages, videos, images, and emails sent and received by you and your accounts. To maximize the level of security you have while browsing, Tails Onion Browser Dark Web will automatically shut down and temporarily stop the use of any operating system you are currently using. This really minimizes the risks of being discovered.

Of course, all of this will return to normal once the Tails system has been shut down. Don’t worry, only RAM is used to run this operating system, and the hard drive and disk space will remain intact. While Tor may be the most popular hidden web browser, the Tails operating system is, in fact, one of the best.

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Websites ending with “.onion” aren’t normal websites. These domains use Tor hidden services and a part of the “deep web”.

What is deep web?

Let’s talk about the deep web on short. All the websites on the web – Facebook, Twitter, Nasa, CNET etc. – all make up the internet we know about. However, there are a lot more things that aren’t accessible through the normal search engines. That side of the WWW (World Wide Web) is called the deep web. The characteristics of this part are quite similar to the normal internet – emails, chat messages, social media sites, electronic banks etc.

These websites aren’t indexed by search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing or DuckDuckGo. These parts are visible by the normal internet. However, search engines do not crawl into these places. Experts estimate that the deep web consists about 90% (even 99%) of the entire internet. They are only accessible via Tor network.

How Tor network works

When you access, say, https://www.google.com, your request is bounced from one Tor relay to another Tor relay, until it reaches an exit node – a computer that sends the request to Google. Google catches the request, sends data accordingly. The return is again bounced in a long road of one Tor relay to another until it reaches you.

The entire data exchange on the road is encrypted so that no monitoring system can check the data. Moreover, Google only saw the end-point IP address, not yours. Thus, you’re browsing the internet with absolute anonymity. Tor hidden service is a server that’s only accessible to Tor network users. Thus, someone hosting a website can hide it from the surface web and no one can find it – in theory.

Deep web websites

Before we go deep into this section, I strongly recommend exercising caution. Some websites are really nasty and full of scams. We recommend you to stay out of browsing “.onion” websites unless you have A REALLY GOOD REASON. The websites are accessible by “the onion router”.

It’s an anonymizing computer network. It’s funded partially by the US government and designed for countries where internet access is banned or monitored. When you connect to the Tor network, only then you’re allowed to visit these sites. For example, Facebook has got its own “.onion” portal – https://facebookcorewwwi.onion. This is very useful if you’re in a country where Facebook’s banned.

How to access deep web sites?

In order to access, you need to configure Tor network and Tor browser in your system. Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that’s designed to connect Tor network.

Download the Tor Browser. It’s available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. For Android devices, use their official Orbot: Proxy with Tor or Orfox: Tor Browser for Android. Unfortunately, there’s no official app for iOS.

After installing the Tor browser on your system, type the “.onion” address on the address bar. Let’s say, we’re going to Facebook via Tor.

1. Enter the address: https://facebookcorewwwi.onion/
2. Hit “Enter”.

Done! Very simple, right?

Don’t use proxies like Tor2Web

There’re several proxies that will let you connect with Tor network via their own VPN. It’s strongly not recommended. If you’re concerned about your privacy, this is a big “NO, NO”.

The reason for using Tor network is anonymity. Tor directly anonymizes your identity through their network system. When using the proxy, they’re easily able to tap into your data. Tor won’t be able to protect your anonymity in such condition.

Exercise caution!!!!

Tor is a good media for hiding your identity on the web. Hiding your identity isn’t illegal. However, beware that many “.onion” websites are really nasty and a lot of them are scams. This technique is good if you need to visit specific “.onion” site.

For normal users like you and me, “.onion” websites are of no use. Until you know what you’re doing, it’s the best to stay away from them.

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