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.
Unwanted attention
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.
Privacy concerns
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.
DNS leaks
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
Do you need a VPN for the dark web?
No, you don’t need a VPN for the dark web, but accessing dark web content without a VPN is risky. For one, if you’re using Tor to reach the dark web, you may automatically raise a red flag for your ISP. You could be subject to additional scrutiny or even an official investigation. Furthermore, Tor security is not absolute — for example, a bad actor could set up their own Tor nodes to capture unwitting victims at entry points. For this reason, we highly recommend using a VPN for the dark web.
Is it legal to be on the deep web?
Yes, it’s legal to use both the deep web and the dark web. There’s nothing unlawful about stepping off the grid for some privacy. However, there are numerous dark web cases involving criminal activities, so the authorities may take a keen interest in you if they detect you using the Tor browser.
Does a VPN protect you on the dark web?
Yes, a VPN provides you with an additional layer of protection while using the dark web, which is very important given its dangerous nature. VPNs deflect unwarranted suspicion by hiding the fact that you’re using Tor and make your Tor-encrypted data even harder to crack.
What kind of browser do you need to access the dark web?
You normally need the Tor browser to enter the dark web through the Tor network (the most popular way to access the internet underground). However, you can use any browser to access the dark web with NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN feature. Onion Over VPN automatically routes all your internet traffic through the Tor network without the need to use the Tor browser.
What are the risks of using a free VPN on the dark web?
Using a free VPN to access the dark web carries several risks. Some free VPN services skimp on security updates or server maintenance to save money — or, in extreme cases, even collect your data and sell it to third parties to cover running costs. In addition, free VPNs can be slow, which is important given that using Tor already slows down your connection.
Instead of trusting your security and privacy to a free VPN, we recommend choosing a reliable VPN provider. NordVPN offers next-generation encryption for security and operates under a strict no-logs policy — the features you want most when exploring the dangerous dark web. NordVPN also comes with the Dark Web Monitor feature, which lets you know if your credentials are on the dark web without having to risk a trip there.
