For added security, use a separate device or virtual machine (VM) when accessing the dark web. A VM can act as a protective barrier between your main device and any potential threats. Only access the dark web with both a VPN and the Tor Browser active. Avoid altering any security settings in Tor that could reduce your protection.
How Tor Browser Works: Simplified Explanation
Next, hit the New Circuit for This Site button to connect to a different server chain. Repeat this process until you get an IP address from your desired country. If you want to surf .onion sites, see our list of the best dark web sites in 2025. Certain activities on the dark web are illegal in many countries. Ensure that you’re aware of what is permissible in your jurisdiction.
This includes avoiding logging into any personal accounts (social media, email, banking, etc.) while using Tor Browser. Users should also exercise extreme caution when encountering links on dark web pages. Unknown or suspicious links should be avoided as they may lead to harmful content, phishing sites, or malware. If registration is required for any service on the dark web, consider using burner accounts with no connection to your real identity. Despite these methods, finding reliable and safe onion links remains a significant challenge.
Unfortunately, the dark web is also where underground marketplaces flourish, selling drugs, weapons, stolen IDs and credit cards, and other ill-gotten goods. It is also used to facilitate human trafficking, money laundering, and worse. The dark web is a refuge for information leakers and whistleblowers. The dark web is the perfect avenue for communicating and publishing sensitive information with no fear of retribution, such as imprisonment. VPN Over Tor is when you first connect to the Tor network and then connect to your VPN.
Unraveling The Truth About The NIST’s New Password Guidelines
- For this reason, you must watch out and avoid opening anything that looks suspicious to you.
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- Since you’ve now installed the Tor browser, you can safely browse dark web websites and other (previously) hidden websites.
- At first glance, Tor doesn’t look that different from your regular browser – it has a search bar, lots of quick-launch icons, the peeled onion icon smack in the middle of the screen.
- However, using Tor has some challenges that you should be prepared for.
SecMail is one of the most popular email services on the dark web. While this is not much compared to standard email services, it is enough for PGP-encrypted messages. Using the ProtonMail .onion site offers security and privacy advantages.
Navigating The Dark Web Safely
Avast BreachGuard monitors the dark web for data breaches around the clock. If a breach is detected, BreachGuard will notify you right away and help you take the steps you need to secure your data immediately. What should you do if your information is found in a data breach or you think it’s been leaked somewhere? Change your passwords and watch out for suspicious activity on your credit reports.
I personally think the Tor browser is only good for surfing dark web links, while VPNs have many more use cases — they’re great for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and bypassing censorship. And while both Tor and VPNs provide security and privacy, I think VPNs are better because Tor has some security issues. For the utmost privacy and security, combine Tor with a VPN connection.
Tor Browser both anonymizes and encrypts your location through onion routing, better protecting your data when you get on the dark web. Yes, Tor hides your IP, concealing it and making it difficult for anyone to trace your internet activity back to you. In addition to relaying your data through network nodes to hide your location and identity, Tor’s onion routing uses multi-layered encryption to provide even more robust privacy protection.
Safely Browse And Verify Onion Sites
Understanding the strengths and limitations of each solution helps you select the best tool for your specific needs. Follow this step-by-step guide carefully to ensure safe, anonymous, and secure access to the Dark Web using Tor. Understanding the Dark Web and its access tools, such as Tor, is crucial for anyone considering exploring these hidden parts of the internet safely and responsibly. However, the first Tor server you connect to can see your real IP address — if a malicious actor operates it, they could collect it and use it to track your location or online behavior. I strongly recommend avoiding unofficial sources, as you risk downloading malicious software. Do not use any personally identifiable information on the dark web.
How Does The Tor Browser Work (& Keep You Anonymous Online)?
By following the tips above, you can use Tor safely and access the dark web responsibly. After all, some websites on the deep web are like those on the open internet, except that they are hidden behind a paywall or protected via passwords to limit access. The dark web is a controversial part of the internet, famous for being a hotbed for illegal and criminal activity. Read our comprehensive “what is the dark web” guide to understand how it works and the risks and benefits. I review privacy tools like hardware security keys, password managers, private messaging apps and ad-blocking software. I also report on online scams and offer advice to families and individuals about staying safe on the internet.
Is The Tor Browser Secure?
Phishing attempts remain common, tricking users into revealing personal details, login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, or financial information through deceptive websites and messages. In 2025, each of these browsers presents unique strengths and limitations. Selecting the optimal tool depends primarily on your individual privacy requirements, technical expertise, and the specific contexts in which you plan to access the dark web.
However, there are plenty of legal and legitimate online activities that require privacy and anonymity. The dark web is used by journalists, whistleblowers, and political activists who need the protections that it offers. Anything you need to do that has to be off the books to some extent, for noble or ignoble reasons, can be done on the dark web. Though Tor Browser has strong ties with dark web browsing, it also has competition.
Are There Any Tor Alternatives?
Anyone who owns and operates the entry node will see your real IP address. And at the exit node, your decrypted traffic is vulnerable to interception. Tor (The Onion Router) is a web browser that lets users access a network that anonymizes web traffic to provide private web browsing. Often used to access the dark web, Tor Browser hides IP addresses and browsing activity by redirecting web traffic through a series of different routers called nodes. Because Tor hides browsing activity and blocks tracking, it’s used by whistleblowers, journalists, and others who want to protect their privacy online. Accessing “dark web” sites through the onion network bears more risks.
Many mainstream media organizations monitor whistleblower sites looking for news. Dark web commerce sites have the same features as any e-retail operation, including ratings/reviews, shopping carts and forums, but there are important differences. When both buyers and sellers are anonymous, the credibility of any ratings system is dubious.
Just note that although you’ll be anonymous, you won’t have the speed or convenience of a direct connection, and some sites might block you outright. For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network. You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here.
It will normally take a while to connect because Tor — unlike other browsers — will route your traffic through different nodes. You should also keep in mind that overall speeds will likely be impacted; for example, a page might take a few seconds longer to load than what you are used to. If you want to access the Tor network on your iPhone or iPad, you can use the Onion Browser app. The mobile app uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine and is supported by the Orbit framework to provide secure access to the Tor network.
