The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a space for privacy-conscious users, researchers, journalists, and whistleblowers. However, accessing it without the right precautions can put you at risk. If you’re considering exploring the dark web, you must take steps to protect your online privacy and security.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the dark web is, how to access it safely, and why using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with Tor is essential for anonymity.
The dark web is definitely not for everyone. Accessing it without proper protection exposes you to surveillance, tracking, and potential security risks. If you need to access the dark web, NymVPN can add an essential layer of privacy and anonymity, encrypting your connection before you even access the Tor network.
Accessing the dark web: Frequently Asked Questions
No, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal in most countries. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Yes, if you don’t use a VPN, your ISP can see that you’re connecting to the Tor network. A VPN helps protect you and your identity.
The deep web includes private databases, academic records, and emails that aren’t indexed by search engines.
The dark web is a small part of the deep web that requires Tor to access and offers greater anonymity.
A VPN encrypts your traffic before it reaches the Tor network, preventing your ISP from seeing that you're using Tor. This adds an extra layer of security and anonymity.
Tor Browser: Secure access to .onion sites
VPN: Hides your IP address and encrypts traffic
Tails OS: An anonymous operating system
Encrypted email: e.g. ProtonMail
End-to-end encrypted messaging: e.g. Signal
Browsing the dark web safely requires more than just Tor — your ISP can still see you’re using it. With NymVPN, you get true anonymity, preventing ISPs and surveillance actors from tracking your activities, keeping your online identity hidden.
About the authors
Casey Ford, PhD
Communications Lead
Casey is the Head of Communications, lead writer, and editorial reviewer at Nym. He holds a PhD in Philosophy and researches the intersection of decentralized technologies and social life.
Our privacy online is under threat, but there is a lot we can do to protect ourselves
12 mins read
The three layers of the Internet
Layer
Definition
Surface web
Public websites indexed by search engines (e.g., news sites, social media, blogs). These resources are indexed as .com, .net, .edu, etc. domains.
Deep web
Content that isn’t indexed but is accessible with proper credentials (e.g., emails, cloud storage, private databases)
Dark web
Encrypted, hidden sites that require special tools like Tor to access. These include .onion domains accessible through the Tor browser.
What is the dark web?
The dark web refers to websites that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. These sites exist on darknets which require specialized software to access. The most well-known is Tor network, which encrypts traffic and routes it through multiple nodes to obscure and protect user identities. The Tor Browser, which is the only official application for the Tor project, grants access to .onion sites on the dark web.
To understand how this is possible, we need to see how the web has many layers, and not all content is publicly available from a search engine query.
Is the dark web illegal?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal in most countries. However, some activities on the dark web — such as illegal marketplaces or hacking forums — can be against laws in many jurisdictions. It’s important to keep in mind that many users access the dark web for legitimate and privacy-focused reasons, such as avoiding censorship, communicating securely, or conducting research anonymously.
Given the dangers of accessing the dark web, it’s crucial to take security precautions.
How to access the dark web safely
Accessing the dark web comes with risks, including malware, scams, and surveillance. Follow these steps to stay secure and anonymous:
1. Use a VPN before connecting to Tor
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address before you access the Tor network. This extra layer of security ensures that your ISP and potential attackers cannot see that you’re using Tor. This method is called Onion-over-VPN (or VPN-over-Onion).
Some recommended VPNs for the dark web:
NymVPN: Can’t log design, decentralized, metadata protections, and anonymous payments
ProtonVPN – Tor over VPN feature and open source (though not decentralized)
NordVPN – Dedicated Onion over VPN servers (though not decentralized)
2. Download and install the Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is designed specifically for accessing .onion websites. It automatically anonymizes your traffic by routing it through multiple relays.
3. Avoid downloading files and clicking on suspicious links
Never download files from untrusted .onion sites, as they may contain malware
Be cautious of phishing scams and fake darknet markets
Use a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo within Tor
4. Disable JavaScript & use privacy-preserving tools
Disable JavaScript in the Tor Browser settings to prevent website fingerprinting
Use Tails OS (a privacy-focused live operating system) for added security
Cover your webcam and microphone to prevent unauthorized access
5. Never use personal credentials or real information
The dark web is full of privacy risks. Avoid logging into accounts that are linked to your real identity. Instead, use disposable email services and end-to-end encrypted communication tools like ProtonMail or Signal.
What can you find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, both legal and illegal. Some of the most common types of websites used for legal and legitimate reasons:
Privacy-focused platforms
SecureDrop: A tool for whistleblowers to submit information anonymously
OnionShare: A secure file-sharing service
Dark Web search engines: Sites like Ahmia index non-malicious .onion websites
Marketplaces & forums
Legitimate markets sell privacy-focused tools, books, and digital goods
Underground forums discuss cybersecurity, hacking, and cryptocurrency
Censored news & whistleblower platforms
Journalists and activists use the dark web to bypass censorship in oppressive regimes
Platforms like The Intercept’s SecureDrop allow anonymous document leaks
Dangers of accessing the dark web
While the dark web has legitimate uses, it also has significant risks:
Scams & fraud: Fake marketplaces and phishing scams are common
Malware & ransomware: Clicking on the wrong link or file can infect your device
Surveillance & law enforcement tracking: Some dark web sites are monitored by authorities
How to stay anonymous on the dark web
If you want to remain anonymous while using the dark web, follow these best practices:
Always use a decentralized VPN before opening Tor
Never enter personal details or login credentials
Disable JavaScriptand avoid clicking on unknown links
Use cryptocurrency for transactions instead of credit cards, and consider privacy coins like Monero or Zcash (ZEC) for heightened security
Exit the dark web properly by closing Tor Browser before disconnecting
Summary
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires tools like Tor to access. While it offers privacy and anonymity, it also comes with risks. To protect your security, always use a VPN like NymVPN, disable tracking features, and follow safe browsing practices.
