VPN for Dark Web: How to Protect Yourself on the Dark Side of the Internet

VeePN Research Lab

Dec 30, 2025

9 min read

VPN for Dark Web: How to Protect Yourself on the Dark Side of the Internet

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Have you ever wondered how much of the Internet is hidden from your eyes? The content you can freely access using Google, Yahoo, or Bing, is the tip of the iceberg. A vast amount of data remains invisible and is scarcely accessible to common users.

Still, you can not do it without some extra security measures in case you want to satisfy your curiosity or think you have an urgent need for dark web browsing. An effective virtual private network is one that will save you as you head to the dark side of the web. How? Keep reading this post to find out!

What is a dark web?

The dark web is a hidden part of the Internet sites that aren’t indexed by search engines and can be accessed only with browsers connected to the Tor network. In the majority of cases, this layer of the World Wide Web is connected with illegal and criminal activity. Specifically, individuals are said to visit the dark web to enjoy anonymity in conducting trade in drugs, guns, and fake or stolen papers.

However, that’s just part of the truth, as many dark web users rely on it for privacy rather than criminal intent. In fact, there are many who use the dark web, not for concealing their bad Internet undertakings, but rather for getting more than the indexed content and for improving their online privacy.

What are legitimate uses of the dark web?

Here are several common reasons people try to access the dark web dark web safely (not recommended) and without malicious intentions:

Read the news or visit human rights websites in countries with a high level of censorship
Access content that isn’t indexed by most search engines
Enhance anonymity when going online
Protect personal or business data
Use anonymous email services

On top of that, the dark web can be useful for specific organizations and professionals who require a high level of privacy for their online activities. For example, the dark web is used by journalists to share files and communicate anonymously with their colleagues involved in world-famous mass media resources. In particular, Reporters Without Borders recommends using the Tor browser to communicate with sources who live in countries with repressive regimes.

Also, the dark web is widely used by military, government, and law enforcement organizations. In fact, the Tor software was originally designed to protect the identities of US navy intelligence agents.

What is the difference between surface web, deep web, and dark web?

According to GeeksforGeeks, 96% of the Internet is hidden and lies beyond common search engine results. The 4% of the World Wide Web everyone can access is known as the surface web. This content is indexed and available on typical search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. But what exactly lies beneath that surface?

Many think that the hidden part of the Internet called the deep web is a synonym for the dark web. However, there’s a drastic difference between these terms.

The deep web is the section of the Internet hidden from crawler indexing. It’s the bottom Internet layer mostly consisting of various data like payment credentials, corporate pages, medical records, and other confidential information. The content of the deep web is encrypted and accessible only to those with corresponding access or permission levels. However, this Internet layer is majorly used for entirely legitimate online activities.

In contrast, the dark web is anonymous and may be used for illicit activities that can even be illegal. However, as mentioned above, it also provides users with more private browsing. The dark web may give freedom thanks to censorship resistance, access to more content, and anonymity.

The three layers of the World Wide Web explained

How to enter the dark web?

The dark web is a risky place, so entering it is not a cakewalk, whatever the reason. To get there, you will need to use an anonymous browser or specialized software. As mentioned above the most common and available option is the Tor browser. Let’s look under the hood of this tool to understand what it really is and how it works.

What is the Tor browser?

Tor (The Onion Routing) is a web browser allowing people to make Internet traffic anonymous and protect their identities. Today, Tor is a non-profit organization run by many global volunteers. It’s open to the public and mostly used to access the dark web.

Even though the dark web is considered to be a place with shady activities by many, using this browser is legal in most countries. On top of that, Tor gets funding from multiple organizations, including Reddit, Free Radio Asia, and even some US government departments. Also, since 2014, Tor has started its partnership with Mozilla, striving to make the browsing experience of Internet users more private.

Nowadays, nearly 2 million people around the world use the Tor browser daily.

Source: The Tor Project

How does Tor work?

Tor creates a secure network consisting of multiple servers or nodes to keep your data anonymous. This process involves many phases, so your device doesn’t actually communicate with the server. Instead, your data travels through the nodes, resembling onion layers passed one by one. That’s why this process is also known as onion routing.

This approach allows users to enhance their privacy when surfing the web. If you use Tor, no one can trace your location and monitor your browsing history. However, Tor cannot be considered an ultimate solution. Why? Here are several key reasons:

Tor doesn’t hide itself. Third parties can see you’re using a private browser to enter the dark web.
Tor doesn’t ensure complete security. Remember we said the dark web is a dangerous place? Tor cannot save you from potential malicious attacks or social engineering tricks.

So is the dark web safe? Of course, it’s not. However, you can overcome any potential downsides of Tor using a reliable VPN service such as VeePN and a secure VPN connection. It ensures full anonymity and prevents monitoring, while ensuring that there is an extra level of security.

Should you use VPN on the dark web?

Using VPN for dark web is essential if you’re looking for privacy and top-notch security. When exploring the shaded part of the Internet, you will need to be sure nobody can track your activity, steal your personal information, or spy on your phone.

A VPN is the solution to secure connection to the Internet by creating an encrypted tunnel for VPN traffic. Your data gets to pass through encrypted VPN servers, and as a result, it cannot be spied on by any third parties, from your internet service provider (ISP) to ad agencies and hackers. On top of that, a VPN prevents Internet throttling and makes your Internet browsing experience smoother.

Such a high level of anonymity and security is guaranteed if you combine the Tor browser and a reliable VPN provider. Let’s look at the most significant reasons why you should install a VPN and how it makes the dark web safe.

VPN provides security

A trustworthy VPN service provider like VeePN ensures a powerful AES-256 encryption protocol making it impossible for hackers and malicious actors to catch you in their nets. It will help you avoid attacks by preventing connection to insecure networks. Moreover, a VPN protects your online activity even when you’re using public Wi-Fi thanks to features like a Kill Switch.

VPN ensures anonymity

A VPN will make your IP address invisible and make your activity totally anonymous when backed by a strict No-Logs policy. Nobody will be aware of the fact that you are using a tool like Tor, therefore they will not be able to trace your online presence and location.

VPN shields your data

As you travel to the dark web, you won’t be dying to give your personal information to cybergangsters or other nefarious actors, right? A VPN will place your data through an encrypted tunnel and reduce the risks of leakage of private information. However, note that using a free dark web VPN is especially risky, as going to the dark web is dangerous and generally not recommended, and such services may even compromise your personal data.

Looking for a secure VPN for the dark web? Check out VeePN!

The dark web opens up numerous opportunities for those seeking more privacy or simply wishing to explore the hidden part of the web. However, it also carries numerous risks. So when diving into the depth of the Internet, it’s worth empowering your security toolkit.

Of course, without Tor, you won’t manage to enter the dark web. But, at the same time, your journey will be way too dangerous without a solid dark web VPN.

Looking for a VPN service to guarantee your protection and anonymity when surfing the dark web? Consider using VeePN. It’s a powerful tool that gives users dependable encryption that protects you from hackers, data leaks and third-party surveillance. Also, NetGuard feature will prevent trackers and keep you away from malicious websites. So if you are looking to explore the dark side of the Internet, then VeePN will make your journey completely safe.

FAQs

Do I need a VPN for the dark web?

Yes! A VPN will ensure protection when you are browsing the dark web by encrypting your private data and making your online activity completely anonymous. Of course, you will need the Tor network for you to enter the dark web. However, a VPN will provide you an extra security layer and will improve your privacy. Want to know how? Read this post to learn more details!

How to use VPN for the dark web?

You can start using a trustworthy VPN like VeePN in just a few easy steps:

Install a VPN app to your device
Sign up for a new account
Connect to the chosen server
Use the Tor browser without the risk of being tracked

Which VPN to use for the dark web?

There are multiple VPN services out there, but not all of them deem viable when it comes to utilizing the dark web. We recommend using VeePN. It’s a fast, secure, and intuitive solution you can install on any platform or device. VeePN is the best dark web VPN, offering multiple powerful security and privacy features to ensure your anonymity and prevent third-party monitoring.