Dark Web – What Lies Behind the Scenes of the Network?

The internet we know is just a small part of the global network. Beneath the surface of everyday websites and applications, there's a place you can't reach using regular search engines – it's the Dark Web, commonly referred to as the dark side of the internet. This hidden part of the network sometimes evokes many emotions and even more questions. What is the Dark Web and what can you find there? Why is it so difficult to access? And what makes both criminals and activists eager to use it? Let's discover how to enter the Dark Web and what risks may be associated with it.

Dark Web – what is it?

Dark Web is a part of the internet that operates based on special tools and protocols, such as the Tor Browser. Thanks to this, users can hide their identity and location, and websites are only accessible to those who know where and how to look for them. Who created the Dark Web? Paradoxically, its beginnings had nothing to do with crime or illegal activities. Dark Web owes its existence to American researchers and the US government, which in the 1990s was looking for ways to create a secure and anonymous communication environment for intelligence services. This is how the Tor Project (The Onion Router) was born, aimed at encrypting data and protecting user identities. Initially, this tool was used exclusively for military and government purposes, but over time it was made publicly available as open-source software. For many, it was a salvation – activists, journalists, or people living in countries with strong censorship began to use the Tor network to communicate and share information securely and anonymously. Unfortunately, as with any tool, it quickly fell into the hands of those who used it for less noble purposes. And so the Dark Web became a place full of contrasts, because on one hand it's a haven for freedom of speech, and on the other – a space where trade in illegal goods flourishes and cybercriminals feel at home. Check out also a popular article on the Sapsan blog: What is cybersecurity.

Dark Web – what's there?

On the Dark Web, you can find both legal and illegal content. You'll find there, among others:

• Forums and blogs – spaces for activists, journalists, and people seeking anonymity, especially in countries with censorship.

• Black markets – trade in drugs, weapons, stolen data, fake documents, or malicious software.

• Hacking services – sale of cyberattack tools and hiring hackers for specific actions.

• Absurdities and curiosities – unusual auctions, strange services, and illegal content.

In any case, as you can see, it is a space whose exploration requires not only knowledge but also exceptional caution.

Tor, Dark Web – how to access it?

Accessing the Dark Web requires using special software, most commonly the Tor Browser. With it, you can anonymously browse hidden sites that have addresses ending in .onion. How to get to the Dark Web?

1. Download the Tor Browser – you can find it on the official website of the Tor network project.

2. Install and launch – how to enter the Tor network? The Tor Browser works similarly to traditional browsers, but all connections are encrypted and routed through multiple nodes to hide the user's identity.

3. Find .onion addresses – regular search engines don't work on the Dark Web, so you need special directories or forums that provide active site addresses.

Is Tor legal?

Tor itself is legal software and can be used for anonymous internet browsing. It is used by journalists, activists, and people who care about privacy, among others. Problems begin when someone uses Tor for activities contrary to law, such as visiting sites trading in illegal goods.

However, it's worth keeping in mind that access to information is the foundation of freedom. You never know what the future will bring – conflicts, crises, censorship. That's why it's worth learning now how to secure your anonymity and bypass potential blockades. One of the tools that may prove crucial is the Tor network, and it's not about any illegal activities, but about awareness and readiness. Paving your way to Tor is like learning first aid – it's better to know how to do it before a situation arises where it becomes necessary. In times when governments can restrict access to information, knowledge of alternative communication routes can be invaluable.

Which browser for the darknet?

Tor Browser is the most popular choice. For beginners, it is the easiest and most accessible solution.

Now that you know how to enter the Dark Web – remember that although entry itself is not a crime, unconscious navigation in this space may involve legal and technological risks. Be careful about what you click on and who you contact. By connecting to the Dark Web, you may attract the attention of your internet service provider. Although the service provider doesn't see what you're doing on the Tor network, they can see the fact that you've connected to the first node of the Tor network.

Is the Dark Web safe?

Dark Web, although for many it sounds like a fascinating puzzle, also hides dark sides that can unfortunately become a trap for careless users. Paradoxically, a place often described as a bastion of anonymity can become a place of privacy violation. Even in a world hidden behind the veil of encryption, there is no shortage of hackers or services that closely observe who and what is trying to find in it. Unwitting clicking on a bad link can "infect" a computer with malicious software or, worse, open the door to the extraction of sensitive data. Check out also the Sapsan blog post about phishing. Dark Web is also home to the criminal market, where trade in illegal goods and services flourishes. It takes just a few wrong steps to accidentally end up on a site offering weapons, drugs, or stolen personal data. Seemingly innocent exploration of this space can end not only with the loss of money but also with interest from law enforcement agencies, which regularly monitor this part of the network in search of suspicious activities. There are also people who decide to peek into the dark corners of the network out of pure curiosity, not realizing the risk. Without proper preparation, it's easy to fall into a trap – by visiting inappropriate sites or using the wrong tools, you can quickly get entangled in legal or technological problems. Worse still, some unknowingly leave behind traces that can be used against them.

Dark Web – a few security tips

Make sure that the browser has JavaScript and plugins like Flash disabled. Don't provide your real email address. Don't buy anything from the darknet because in most cases it's a scam or illegal items. When exploring the internet, especially its darker corners, data protection should also be a priority. One of the foundations of security is a strong password – this is where password generators come in handy, allowing you to create combinations that are difficult to break. It's also worth considering physical security keys, such as Yubikey hardware keys, which provide an additional level of protection, especially when logging into sensitive services.