If you’re curious about what lurks under the hood of the internet, navigating the dark web isn’t a problem — but it’s not without risk. Imagine stepping into a city with hidden back alleys: It’s easy enough to explore, but going down the wrong road could put you in trouble.

The dark web is next page a hotbed of criminal activity, including black-hat hackers, drug trafficking and terrorists. It’s also a place where dregs, like hitmen, human smugglers, and corrupt officials, can meet. The dark web isn’t only bad. It also serves as a link between political snobs, and people from the rest of the world. It permits whistleblowers to anonymously share their tips.

Tor is a specific browser that allows you to access the dark web. It’s somewhat like a VPN in that it encrypts your requests and removes geo-location tags your ISP or the government could use to track you. Tor also improves your privacy by routing your request through a global network of volunteer servers across the globe.

After installing and configuring Tor, you can begin browsing the dark web. There are many websites to explore, even while the content isn’t easily indexed as it is on the main web. For instance, there are online shops that let you purchase illegal firearms and drugs and also sites that provide tips on hiding your digital footprint and initiating ransomware attacks.