Five Tips to Stay Anonymous on the Dark Web

Criminal activities such as drug trafficking, weapon trafficking, and money laundering are frequently connected with the Dark Web. While the Dark Web’s anonymity safeguards can attract criminals, it is also utilized for many legal and useful reasons. Journalists, whistleblowers, law enforcement agencies, cyber security experts, and other lawful users utilize the Dark Web to securely communicate, follow criminal activity, investigate crimes, and detect risks. Dark websites are used by cyber security experts to gather vital threat intelligence and proactively improve their organization’s security posture. Individuals and businesses are increasingly going into the dark corners of the web to see if their information has been stolen and published online as a result of expanding cyber security awareness across all industries.

There are some valid reasons to visit Darknet sites. It is even a need for security experts and law enforcement officials to be able to access the Dark Web safely and anonymously. Because maintaining your identity is important with being secure on the Dark Web, we’ve put together a list of five easy ways to keep anonymous when accessing Dark sites.

Is it possible to be totally anonymous on the Dark Web?

Many individuals feel that utilizing the Tor browser to access the (Dark) Web anonymously is enough. Unfortunately, this notion is completely incorrect. Tor is the greatest solution for online anonymity, however, it has significant flaws that might be exploited to identify users. When diving into the Dark Web for legal objectives, security experts, law enforcement officers, and anybody else should be aware of the risks and take the required security precautions to improve their anonymity. As a start, malicious parties can take advantage of Tor’s weaknesses to abuse other users. Second, since the Dark Web is still connected with criminal activity. Even if accessing the Dark Web is not illegal in your country and you do not visit Dark sites that are illegal to see (which we strongly advise against! ), the police may consider your activities as suspicious. Do not consider Tor to be a guarantee of anonymity, and follow our advice to avoid future issues.

Is it possible to be tracked on the Dark Web?

It’s more difficult than you would imagine maintaining your privacy online. When utilizing the Clear Web, keep in mind the various ways you might be traced. You are monitored when you engage in online activities using (third-party) monitoring cookies. Furthermore, your so-called browser fingerprint can be used to identify you. Your browser fingerprint is made up of some data points that may be used to uniquely identify you. These are some examples of data points:

• The browser that you are using;
• Your browser’s version number;
• Your browser’s capabilities (including the “Do Not Monitor” option) can be used to track individuals;
• Your computer’s operating system;
• the state of your battery;
• Installed (or not installed) add-ons;
• Your specific location;
• Your preferred language;
• Your monitor’s resolution;
• Your speed at which you type…

This list may go on forever. In certain situations, trackers may even distinguish between family members who use the same computer and browser.

Tips to Stay Anonymous on the Dark Web

If you have a primary focus to use the Dark Web (e.g., to investigate a crime or negotiate with hackers who attacked your client’s network with ransomware), you must be careful to secure your identity. Always remember that even a minor mistake might lead to your identification. There are various hidden networks, but in this essay, we’ll focus on the most frequent method: using the Tor browser to connect to the Tor network.

1. Use VPN

Your internet service provider can know what kind of network traffic you’re sending and receiving. They can’t see what’s in your transmission, but they can tell you’re on the Tor network. The first step toward anonymity is to select a VPN service that does not monitor you so that you can disguise your Tor usage from your internet service provider.

2. Use a privacy-focused operating system

Use a privacy-focused operating system, such as Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System). Tails is a Linux system designed to keep the user’s actions hidden from curious views. You may launch it from a USB stick or DVD or run it as a virtual computer. All of the default settings are configured to provide you the most privacy possible. Other comparable Linux distributions exist (for example, Whonix and Kodachi), but they are often more difficult to use and set up.

3. Do not install add-ons

When using the Tor browser, avoid installing add-ons. Because the Tor browser is based on Firefox, Firefox add-ons will function. However, each new add-on you install has greater odds that others will be able to monitor you. Installing even one add-on will make your browser fingerprint more unique. However, add-ons can communicate using statistics and other data to the author of the add-on, revealing your true identity.

4. Do not use JavaScript

If JavaScript is enabled by default in your Tor browser, disable it. JavaScript may be used to obtain information about your computer’s technical specifications and browser functionalities. Other parties’ ability to monitor you will be greatly limited if JavaScript is disabled. Disabling JavaScript, on the other hand, has major downsides. You may face reduced functionality if you utilize the Tor network to connect anonymously to Clear Online sites, since more and more web apps will not run without JavaScript. If you have JavaScript enabled, certain hidden websites will refuse to connect to you, while others may alert you.

5. Do not change the default size of the Tor browser window

Don’t make your Tor browser’s window bigger than it has to be. The Tor browser window is set to a preset size when you launch it. Maximizing the browser window shows your screen resolution, making your browser fingerprint more distinctive.

Summary

To be safe on the Dark Web, follow these guidelines and use your common sense. Keep in mind that, in addition to maintaining your anonymity, you must be careful to avoid being scammed or becoming involved in criminal activities.

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