Accessing the dark web securely
How to use Tor safely with a VPN to protect your privacy
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暗网经常会和非法活动关联起来，但也是具有隐私意识的普通用户、研究人员、记者和吹哨人活动的空间。 然而，在没有充分的准备和采取必要的保护措施的前提下访问暗网依然有可能是您处于风险之中。 如果你正在考虑探索暗网，你必须采取步骤保护你的在线隐私和安全。
在本指南中，我们将解释什么是暗网*，如何安全地访问它。 和为什么将 VPN (虚拟私人网络) 与 Tor 结合起来使用** 对匿名至关重要。
暗网当然并不是为每个人设计的。 在没有适当保护的情况下进入它使你有可能受到监视、跟踪和潜在的安全风险。 如果您需要访问暗网， NymVPN 可以为您的隐私和匿名添加一层额外的保护， 在您访问洋葱网络之前就加密您的连接。
什么是暗网？
暗网是指无法被诸如谷歌和必应等传统搜索引擎索引的网站。 这些网站运行在匿名网络之上，需要专门的软件才能访问。 最著名的是**Tor network，它通过多个节点加密和路由流量，以掩盖和保护用户身份。 Tor Browser是Tor 项目的唯一官方应用，它允许用户在暗网上访问.onion域名的网站。
为了了解如何可能做到这一点，我们需要看一看互联网是如何被划分成多个层次， 你还需要了解到不是所有内容都是可以从搜索引擎查询中公开获取的。
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. |
暗网是否非法？
不，访问黑暗网络在大多数国家不是非法 。 然而，暗网上的一些活动—例如非法市场或黑市论坛—可能在许多管辖区内视为违反法律。 很重要的一点是许多用户出于合法的目的和以隐私为中心的原因访问暗网。 例如避免监视，安全通讯，或者以匿名身份进行研究。
鉴于访问暗网潜在的危险，必须采取安全防范措施。
如何安全地访问暗网
进入黑暗的网络有各种风险，包括但不限于恶意软件、诈骗和监视。 按照这些步骤保持安全和匿名：
1. 连接 Tor 之前先连接到 VPN
先打开并连接到**VPN (虚拟私人网络)可以确保在您访问Tor 网络之前就事先加密您的网络流量并隐藏您的 IP 地址。 这个额外的安全保护确保您的 ISP 和潜在的攻击者无法看到您正在使用 Tor 这一事实。 该操作叫做Onion-over VPN (或VPN-over-Onion)**。
一些给暗网用户推荐的VPN：
- NymVPN： 从设计上确保无日志记录、去中心化、元数据保护和匿名付款
- ProtonVPN - 提供 Tor over VPN 功能和开源(但不是去中心化 VPN )
- NordVPN - 提供专门的 Onion over VPN 服务器(但不是去中心化 VPN )
2. 下载并安装Tor 浏览器
Tor Browser 是专为访问.onion网站而设计的。 您的流量会被多个中间节点路由从而实现匿名化处理。
- 访问 Tor 项目官方网站
- 下载对应的操作系统版本并安装 Tor Browser
- 打开浏览器并连接到 Tor 网络
3. 避免从暗网下载文件或者点击可疑链接
- 不要从不信任的 .onion 站点下载文件，因为它们可能含有恶意软件
- 谨慎防范钓鱼网站和假冒黑市
- 使用一个以隐私为中心的搜索引擎，如Tor版本的DuckDuckGo
4. 禁用 JavaScript 并使用隐私保护工具
- **在 Tor 浏览器设置中禁用 JavaScript ** 以减少可识别的浏览器指纹
- 使用Tails OS （一个基于隐私设计的实时操作系统）来实现更进一步的安全保护
- 物理挡住您的摄像头和麦克风以防止未经授权的访问
5. 从不使用个人登录凭据或真实信息
黑暗的网络充满了隐私风险。 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
What is a VPN?
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.
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.