How do I join a non-dedicated ARK?

Could you elaborate on the process of joining a non-dedicated ARK, specifically in the context of cryptocurrency and finance? I'm curious about the steps involved and any prerequisites I might need to fulfill. Do I need to have a certain level of technical expertise or understanding of blockchain technology? Are there any specific applications or platforms I should be aware of? Additionally, how do I ensure the ARK I'm joining is legitimate and secure? I'm looking for guidance to navigate this process effectively.