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A VPN for the dark web: Protect your connection
Explore the online underground with improved privacy and security thanks to the best VPN for dark web access.
Use the best VPN for the dark web
Don’t take risks — pump up your security with these 3 simple steps.
01
Download NordVPN and get a subscription.
02
Connect to a server in the chosen location.
03
Stay safe — open the dark web and explore.
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What is the dark web?
The dark web is a section of the internet that can only be accessed by using special software, such as Tor (The Onion Router). The dark web is the deepest part of the internet, a place where anonymity is king and business takes place outside of the public eye.
Only a minuscule portion of the internet is actually visible to regular users. That’s known as the “surface web.” Beyond lies the vast expanses of the “deep web” — millions of legitimate web pages that have not been indexed and are thus beyond the reach of standard search engines.
At the very bottom, unreachable without specialized diving equipment, is the dark web. While the lack of public oversight offers unique opportunities, using the dark web without a VPN is very dangerous.
Should you enter the dark web without a VPN?
No, you should not enter the dark web without a VPN. In addition to rampant malware and potential for data theft, the dark web can also be dangerous in less direct ways.
The dark web is infamous. Without a VPN, your internet service provider can see you connecting to the Tor network and may pass this information to the authorities. On the other hand, VPNs are legal tools in most parts of the world — and they can hide the fact that you’re using Tor to access the dark web.
With Tor, the websites you visit don’t see your real IP address — but your Tor entry node does. Problem is, onion servers are entirely operated by volunteers, which means that persistent bad actors could deploy thousands of compromised nodes to capture unwitting victims. A VPN hides your IP address from the entry node, improving your privacy over the Tor network.
Due to the way Tor works, the Tor browser should not leak DNS requests — provided that everything is set up properly. Unfortunately, as DNS leak tests and social media discussions show, getting the configuration just right is not easy to do. A reputable VPN will shield your DNS requests from the get go, making it easier to browse the dark web safely.
Why explore the dark web with a VPN?
You can explore the dark web for legitimate reasons. While the dark web is often associated with criminal activity (such as trading stolen credit card numbers), it’s also a place where you can:
View important information that has been scrubbed from the web by governments or corporations.
Debate politics, philosophy, or the news with internet users from regimes that restrict their access to popular media.
Check if your credentials have been stolen as part of an undisclosed data leak — if they have, you’ll likely find them on underground marketplaces.
Organize movements and protests dedicated to worthwhile causes without interference from the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
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