How to Get on the Dark Web: 11 Tips to Access It Safely

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How to Get on the Dark Web Safely: A Summary

Wondering how to get on the dark web safely? We’ll guide you through the necessary steps so you avoid risks like malware, scams, and other threats.

Despite the dark web’s association with illegal activities, it’s also home to a number of useful and informative websites. So if you’re curious about how to access the dark web yourself, here’s a quick guide on how to go on the dark web safely:

1. Subscribe to a VPN. Using a VPN is vital when browsing the dark web as it encrypts your internet activity and protects you from malicious actors online.
2. Download, install, and turn the VPN on. You might want to scroll down the list of servers and set up an “Onion over VPN” connection.
3. Download the Tor browser. Getting on the dark web requires the use of this specialized browser.
4. Open the Tor browser.
5. Change its security settings to “Safest.”
6. Open the Hidden Wiki. Here’s a .onion URL to access it: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/Main_Page

We highly recommend a top VPN like NordVPN if you are considering accessing the dark web. NordVPN offers a number of dark web-specific features, such as Onion over VPN servers and robust AES 256-bit encryption.

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However, even with a VPN connection, you’re never 100% safe. You may accidentally reveal personal information or click on the wrong link and infect your computer with malware. The rest of this guide will focus on how to mitigate these risks.

The dark web is a section of the internet that can’t be accessed using standard browsers. Instead, it requires a special browser called The Onion Router (Tor). Dark web sites aren’t indexed by Google, and they can be very hard to find sometimes. Wondering how to get on the dark web despite these roadblocks?

In this article, we’ll talk about dark web content and how to access it safely. Using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing the dark web is one of the most effective steps you can take to stay secure. Exploring this part of the web without a VPN puts you at greater risk of identity theft, DDoS attacks, and more dangers.

NordVPN is the best VPN to access the dark web thanks to its dedicated dark web features that keep you anonymous and safe from prying eyes. Coupled with top-notch speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee, this is the best VPN for going on the dark web.

How to Get on the Dark Web

Below, we show you how to access the dark web. Make sure to follow all the steps outlined in this guide to ensure that you remain anonymous and safe.

1. Go to the Tor Project’s download page and download and install Tor, the anonymous dark web browser. Not sure how to go about this? We’ve created a video outlining the process.

2. Subscribe to a VPN to hide your identity while browsing the dark web. We recommend NordVPN, as it uses industry-leading encryption to protect your data and prevents government authorities and internet service providers from figuring out you’re accessing the dark web.
   
   
3. Download and install NordVPN on the device you’re using to access the dark web.
4. Connect to a VPN server. With NordVPN, you can choose its Onion over VPN servers, which automatically provide double protection when accessing the dark web.
   
   
5. Launch Tor, the dark web browser.
   
   
6. Adjust the browser’s security level to “Safest,” as shown below. We provide detailed instructions on changing Tor’s security settings later in the article.
   
   
7. That’s it! You should be safe to access the dark web.

How to access dark web sites

Knowing how to get into the dark web is one thing; finding dark web sites is another challenge altogether. Below, you can find our recommended dark web tools for exploring this part of the internet.

• The Hidden Wiki: This site is a dark web version of Wikipedia, linking to thousands of dark web pages. There are many copycat versions of the site, so make sure you only access it from this link: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/Main_Page
• Daniel: This page links to over 7,000 dark web sites, categorized so they’re easier to browse. You can visit the site here: http://danielas3rtn54uwmofdo3x2bsdifr47huasnmbgqzfrec5ubupvtpid.onion/
• Hidden Answers: Hidden Answers is a website that lets you ask any questions without fear of censorship. Visit the site through this link: http://pbqttnffb5sh6ckgnz4f5by55w25gd6tuw5f5qcctmnyk62eyhgx6rad.onion/
• DuckDuckGo: This is the best dark web search engine. However, some of its results may be dangerous, so be prudent when using this search engine. Here’s a “.onion” link to the site: https://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Dark web sites change URLs constantly. Be careful when using any dark web site URL listed in this article as they may have changed since the article was written.

Accessing the dark web requires prudence and care at every step. As such, it’s essential to know the risks of dark web access and how to protect yourself from them. We’ve visited and researched the dark web extensively, so below, we’ve outlined the risks we think you should be aware of.

The Risks of Accessing the Dark Web

Now that you know how to access the dark web, you should also consider the risks you may encounter once you are on there. We understand you’re excited to access the dark web now that you’ve found out how to enter the dark web. However, we urge you to study the infographic on dark web risks below.

The dark web is a complex place where a lot can go wrong when you don’t do proper research on how to access the dark web safely. It is full of scammers, malware, and phishing websites — and these are just a few of the dangers. The main risks of visiting the dark web can be found in the table below.

Dark web risk	Explanation
Scams and phishing attempts	Dark web criminals can manipulate you into handing over your sensitive data, spending money on a fake product, or downloading malware on your device through malicious pages, links, and attachments.
Botnets	Some malware that’s spread on the dark web can take over large numbers of devices and use these for mass attacks. If your device is used this way, its performance will decrease and you might get unwillingly involved in illegal activities.
Copyright-infringing and disturbing content	Some dark web pages contain illegal and disturbing content, such as extreme pornography or adult content showing minors, violent and explicit videos depicting executions or torture, and copyrighted movies and shows. This content can wear on your mental state and get you into legal trouble.
Illegal activity	The dark web is home to various illegal marketplaces. These platforms might be used to sell drugs, arms, or any other illegal goods. Don’t get mixed up with these platforms and the people on them to avoid legal issues.
Webcam hacking	Webcam hacking, or camfecting, involves cybercriminals taking over your device’s camera or cameras through malware. Since the dark web is much more unregulated than the surface web, you might be more likely to come in contact with camfecting malware on the dark web.
Suspicious links	Over 70% of online attacks are due to human error, and one of the most common human errors is clicking on the wrong link. With so many phishers on the dark web, you have to be extra careful to avoid suspicious links.

Now that we’ve looked at how to enter the dark web and have gone over some of the gravest risks of doing so, we’ll give you some tips on how to access the dark web safely.

11 Tips to Access the Dark Web Safely Safely

1. Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic

Your internet traffic can be traced back to you even while using the Tor browser. So if you’re wondering how to get on the dark web safely, we recommend getting a VPN to use alongside Tor. VPNs encrypt your web traffic and hide your IP address, adding a layer of protection.

Unfortunately, not every VPN provider is reliable. Free VPNs often suffer from slow service, data limits, and security leaks. To stay safe on the dark web, get a premium VPN service like NordVPN.

NordVPN will hide your IP address and keep your internet speed high enough to enjoy your time on the dark web. Plus, if you subscribe now, you can get our huge discount deal.

Accessing the dark web from a country where the Tor Network is banned or restricted? We suggest using obfuscated servers. These are specialized servers that prevent deep packet inspection, a surveillance method ISPs and the government use to determine if a VPN is being used.

NordVPN offers obfuscated servers in several countries, including Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, and the United States.

2. Install antivirus software

A VPN protects your internet activity from prying eyes online. However, you also need to protect your system against computer viruses and worms that the dark web is infested with.

An antivirus is crucial for this. It will scan your connection and all the files you download (on purpose or by mistake), prompting you if anything goes wrong.

Norton 360, our leading antivirus, prevents malicious files from being downloaded on your devices via its firewall. It also offers a dedicated dark web monitor that alerts you if your stolen data is found in a dark web data leak.

3. Use safety and privacy-enhancing apps

The combination of a VPN and antivirus scanner will prevent most threats when you access the dark web. However, if you plan on spending an extended time exploring the dark net, we advise you to equip yourself with a robust suite of additional safety and privacy-enhancing apps, including:

• A private search engine like DuckDuckGo: While most search engines won’t work on the dark web, DuckDuckGo is one of the best dark web search engines out there. Unlike most other search engines, DuckDuckGo also shows websites that end in “.onion.” The onion address for DuckDuckGo is: https://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/.
• A password manager: A good password manager is needed to secure all of your accounts, on and off the dark web. If you get our Norton deal highlighted above, you’ll get a free password manager as well as the core antivirus app.
• Anonymous file-sharing apps: These types of apps allow you to share files securely and have private conversations with friends on Tor. A commonly used app is OnionShare.
• A secure messaging app: If you want to send messages that are encrypted, safe apps like Signal or TorChat can help you do that.
• An anonymous email address: If you want to send emails that cannot be traced in any way, then opt for email providers like ProtonMail.

4. Download Tor from its official website

Mac, Linux, and Android users should be careful when downloading the Tor browser because it’s a prime target for hackers. Fake versions of Tor breach users’ security before they even access the dark web or monitor the behavior of a user while on the dark web.

So always download the Tor browser from its official website: https://www.torproject.org/. Make sure you download the latest version, and always keep it up to date.

5. Secure your computer before accessing the dark web

Before you open the Tor browser, you should:

• Close all non-essential apps on your device, like Netflix and Spotify.
• Cover your webcam with a piece of paper. This might seem unnecessary, but remember that webcams are surprisingly easy to hack.
• Turn off your location on your device. Your location can be found through your IP address as well as your device itself.
  • For Windows 10 and 11: Settings > Privacy > Location > Turn off location + Erase location history
  • For macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy panel > Privacy > Uncheck “Enable Location Services”

6. Change Tor’s security settings

You can change Tor’s level of security to “Safer” or “Safest.” Naturally, the highest setting is the safest. However, this setting significantly slows down your internet connection and causes some websites to load incorrectly.

The highest security setting will disable most video and audio formats, some fonts, and even icons. JavaScript is also disabled, and images may not display correctly. If you’re willing to sacrifice that for your safety, here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the Tor browser.
2. Click on the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
   
   
3. Click on “Privacy and Security.”
4. Scroll down to the “Security” heading.
   
   
5. Select “Safer” or “Safest.”

The “Safer” option only disables JavaScript on websites that aren’t HTTPS protected. “Safest” disables JavaScript on all websites.

Manually turn off scripts in Tor

You can also manually turn off scripts in Tor without changing Tor’s general security level. Here’s how to do it:

1. Enter this address into the Tor browser: “about:config”.
2. Click on the button that reads, “I accept the risk.”
3. Now type the following into the search bar: “xpinstall.signatures.required.”
4. Press “Enter.”
5. Check whether “value” now reads “falls” and “status” reads “modified.” If so, you have successfully disabled JavaScript.

It is important to change these settings because websites often run scripts without notifying you. Note that you won’t need to do this if you have already enabled the safety settings on Tor, as the scripts are already turned off.

Change other security settings

Tor also has other security settings that you might want to consider, like:

• The option to clear all of your cookies
• The option to clear your browsing history
• A setting that warns you about potentially deceptive content
  
  

If you visit the dark web, we highly recommend you enable this setting and clear your cookies and history regularly.

7. Be wary of how you share your data on the dark web

Revealing personal information about yourself on the dark web can have serious ramifications by allowing hackers to identify and target you. It’s prudent to limit your information sharing on the dark web.

Here are a few tips on how you can do that:

• Don’t share your credentials with anyone, no matter what they say.
• Don’t click on links unless you know exactly where they’ll take you.
• Only access sites from trustworthy indexes, like The Hidden Wiki.
• Don’t change Tor’s screen size because if you do, there’s a chance you’ll have a unique viewport size, making you easy to identify.
• Don’t type straight into the Tor browser, as typing patterns can be used to identify you. So write your queries out in a Notes app, then copy and paste them into Tor.
• Analyze your browser’s identity with Cover Your Tracks.

8. Use cryptocurrency to pay for stuff

There are tons of dark web commerce sites where you can buy legal or illegal goods. The most infamous example was “The Silk Road,” but US law enforcement agencies took it down. Still, dozens of new market sites pop up every year.

We advise you not to purchase anything illegal. And if you want to buy legal items, only pay with cryptocurrency when visiting dark web sites. It’s the only way to stay anonymous.

Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, but our research found that it’s not the safest. Bitcoin has a number of privacy issues (address reuse, connected nodes, tracking cookies, and blockchain analytics) that make it possible to link someone’s personal data to a Bitcoin transaction. Instead, you should use a privacy-focused coin like Monero.

9. Close everything when you are done

When you’re done accessing the dark web, make sure you close:

• All of your browser windows and any other related content
• The Tor dark web browser
• Tails or any other operating system used to access the dark web

If you want to be completely safe, you should also clear browsing cookies and history, then do a complete reboot of your system. This ensures you won’t be tracked by any scripts or cookies you might’ve enabled in your browsing. It may take a while, but it’s an important step.

10. (Optional) Use a mobile live OS

If you’re wondering how to get on the dark web safely, you should know that the more anonymous you are, the better. That’s why you might want to use a mobile live OS when accessing Tor. Operating systems like Windows 10 are not very well suited for privacy because:

• Your data is continually synced, meaning your browser history, open websites, app settings, and Wi-Fi hotspots are all tracked.
• Your device is automatically linked to a unique advertising ID for third parties.
• Cortana collects data, such as your keystrokes, search results, microphone audio messages, calendar information, music playlists, and even your online purchases.
• Microsoft can collect all sorts of personal data like your identity, your passwords, habits and interests, user data, contacts, and locations.

If a hacker manages to get into your system via the dark web, all of this information is in danger. Comparatively, mobile operating systems like Tails, Whonix, ZeusGuard, and Qubes OS prevent unwarranted data collection and surveillance, limiting the data at risk in case of a breach.

Note, however, that these are difficult to install. So we do not recommend you do this if you just want to visit the dark web once or twice.

11. (Optional) Use a virtual machine

If you want to be 100% sure you won’t install any malware on your PC while on the dark web, you can access it from a virtual machine (VM). In short, a virtual machine is an emulation of an actual PC using your existing computer or the cloud.

Virtualization apps will dedicate a portion of a computer’s resources to simulating an entire machine, and you can use it in a window as if it were a normal app.

If you click on the wrong link, install something suspicious, or damage your computer in any way, you can just close the virtual machine, and you’re done. VMs can be complicated to set up. But there are a lot of apps, like Azure Virtual Machine, that simplify the process a lot.

Keep in mind:

Depending on the VM solution you use, you can still harm your network, which can pose risks to your other devices as well.

Tor Over VPN vs. VPN Over Tor: What You Need to Know

The specialized browser people use to access the dark web is the Tor browser. It encrypts and decrypts traffic to access dark web websites. However, it’s not the same as using a virtual private network (VPN) — the two have different security protocols and encryption methods.

There are two ways to use a VPN and Tor together:

• Tor over VPN: When you first connect to a VPN and then open the Tor network.
• VPN over Tor: When you open Tor and then connect to a VPN.

Which of the methods above is the safest way to access the dark web? If you want to get on the dark web, you should use Tor over VPN. If you want to use Tor with websites that normally block its network, you need to use VPN over Tor. In nine out of 10 cases, Tor over VPN is the right choice.

If you get NordVPN, you can also use the Tor network whenever you want with its Onion over VPN servers. These are special servers from NordVPN that first hide your IP address and then route your traffic through the Tor network.

From our experience, these servers aren’t as fast as regular VPN servers or Double VPN servers. However, they’re perfect for complete anonymity. If you want to stay safe online, get NordVPN now at a 69% discount.

What is the Dark Web?

The “dark web” refers to all of the internet webpages that are not indexed by “normal” search engines and can generally not be accessed by a normal browser. These sites are also called “onion links” because they end in “.onion.”

You need a special browser to access dark web links: the Tor browser. Alternatively, you can also use Tor2web by using a normal browser and changing the ending of onion URLs slightly. However, we strongly recommend against this as it doesn’t offer the same protection that the Tor browser offers.

The dark web was originally created as an anonymity tool and is still used this way by many. It has proven useful to increase the safety of journalists and whistleblowers, for instance. It’s also a safe haven for free speech advocates and privacy-minded individuals.

Unfortunately, this part of the web is also home to many illegal activities. Dark web marketplaces sell all kinds of malicious items, ranging from firearms to narcotics and stolen credit card data.

The dark web has also been used for sharing illegal pornography and purchasing hacked accounts or software that can be used to break into someone’s bank account.

Dark Web vs. Deep Web: Key Differences

The deep web refers to all the web content not indexed by search engines. Note that, unlike dark web pages, this web content can’t be accessed through any web browser, not even the Tor browser.

Most of the content on the internet is part of the deep web. It includes content like your email inbox, company databases, member-only areas, and anything you won’t find through Google.

To access deep web pages, you need the specific link to the page you want to access. Often, you also need to provide some kind of authentication, such as a password.

The dark web is a very small part of the deep web. Unlike the deep web, you typically don’t need any kind of authentication to access the dark web. However, you need the specific onion links for the dark web sites you want to visit.

Here’s an infographic to make the “webs” easier to visualize:

What Will You Find on the Dark Web?

Like the regular internet, the dark web is home to all types of sites.

If you don’t venture far, you’ll find everyday sites like forums, chat rooms, or torrent websites. To many people, the dark web is just like the surface web — a place where they watch funny videos, chat with like-minded people, and read the news.

However, thanks to its potential for anonymity, the dark web also features a lot of sites you won’t find on the surface web. For instance, the dark web is where a lot of journalists exchange information anonymously. Sites like ProPublica and Secure Drop are fundamental to investigative journalism.

Unfortunately, the dark web’s criminal underbelly is very real. You can find black markets where people advertise drugs, guns, stolen IDs, and more. There is also an abundance of disturbing content like explicitly violent videos or illegal pornography.

Some of the illicit things you can find on the dark web include:

• HIPAA-sensitive information, such as medical records
• Stolen credit card numbers
• Stolen financial account details
• Sensitive legal documentation
• Malware, botnets, Trojans, keyloggers, and other harmful exploits
• Services like corporate espionage or DDoS targeting
• Child pornography
• Videos of homicides or other violent events

Is the Dark Web Illegal?

Having read the previous section, you may wonder if accessing the dark web is illegal. Connecting to the dark web is generally not illegal in itself. Using the Tor browser for dark web access is legal in most countries.

There are exceptions, however. Countries like Russia, China, and Turkmenistan have blocked the Tor network. These countries also tend to have more far-reaching internet restrictions. Please note that going on the dark web or using the Tor network in these countries could land you in trouble.

And again:

If you do anything illegal on the dark web, you can still be prosecuted.

Conclusion: How to Access the Dark Web Safely

Our guide on how to get on the dark web safely provides users with effective and simple steps to explore the dark net without compromising their security.

Remember: the two most important steps before exploring the dark web are using a VPN and an antivirus scanner. We use NordVPN and Norton 360 when browsing the dark web to gather information for these articles.

NordVPN is particularly important as it encrypts your data and ensures malicious elements on the dark web can’t cause harm to you. You can try all of NordVPN’s features by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more guides and tips about the dark web, read our other pieces as well:

• Dark Web Facts vs. Myths: What You Need to Know
• The Best Dark Web Documentaries
• How to Stay Safe on Dark Web Marketplaces

How to Get on the Dark Web Safely: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you want to know how to get on the dark web? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the dark web and how to access it.

How do you get on the dark web?

Accessing the dark web requires a specialized browser called Tor, which enables access to “.onion” sites. However, if you want to stay safe on the dark web, you also need a VPN that provides an additional layer of security.

Is Tor free?

Most people use the Tor browser to visit dark web sites. The Tor browser is free and legal to use in most parts of the world. However, some countries like China, Russia, and Belarus have banned it.

What is a dark web site?

A dark web site is a website that has a .onion extension in its URL. These are only accessible through the Tor browser, and they offer enhanced anonymity to their users. But that’s all they have in common. You can find almost anything on the dark web.

How do I access a dark web website?

To access a dark web website, you’ll need the Tor browser, as .onion sites are not accessible with a regular browser. After you get the Tor browser, make sure you only access sites from trustworthy sources, like the Hidden Wiki.

What is the Hidden Wiki?

The Hidden Wiki is a page on the dark web that looks like a Wikipedia page. It’s the best index of popular sites on the dark web, and you can access it with this link: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/Main_Page

What is DuckDuckGo?

DuckDuckGo is a search engine just like Google and Bing. However, DuckDuckGo doesn’t keep track of your usage and also shows .onion websites in its results.

Theodor Porutiu Author

Senior Journalist

Theodor is a content writer passionate about the newest tech developments and content marketing strategies. He likes privacy-friendly software, SEO tools, and when he’s not writing, he’s trying to convince people they should uninstall TikTok.

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