2021 Dark Web Guide: How to Safely Access It in Only 3 Steps

Published by Kate Hawkins on November 09, 2020 Accessing the Dark Web can be dangerous if you don’t use Tor (The Onion Router) browser and a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), like ExpressVPN. The Tor browser is a secure browser, keeping you anonymous online by encrypting your data and routing the connection through the Onion network of volunteer-run servers. However, this browser doesn’t prevent your ISP (Internet Service Provider) from recognizing you’re using Tor itself. Though using the Tor browser is legal, its association to the Dark Web and illegal activities is enough for your provider to view your online activities as suspicious. This can lead to a termination with your ISP or even a visit from your relevant government authority to investigate you. Using a premium VPN secures your connection and ensures your Tor connection remains completely anonymous. I’ve listed the top three VPNs for the Dark Web for maximum security, privacy, and speed. 3 Easy Steps to Get on the Dark Web (Updated January 2021) Get a high-quality VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN for its proven zero-logs policy and RAM-based servers that don’t ever store your data. Download the Tor Browser. This is the best and most secure way to connect to the Dark Web. Connect to any VPN server and start the Tor Browser. You’ll be connected to a Tor relay and can start browsing the Dark Web anonymously and securely. 3 Best VPNs to Safely Use the Dark Web in 2021 1. ExpressVPN — #1 for RAM-Based Servers That Delete All Data With Every Reboot

Key Features: RAM-based servers never store any data — audited zero-logs policy Best-in-class encryption and data leak protection for security and anonymity Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries for fast global connections 30-day money-back guarantee I found that ExpressVPN provides top-tier privacy — perfect for browsing the Dark Web. Its RAM-based servers mean data is never stored, and everything resets when the servers reboot. With its proven no-logs policy and an automatic kill switch, it ensures your data remains secure (non-existent!) and prevents any IP address leaks. ExpressVPN uses AES-256, an advanced encryption standard used by governments and experts across the world to secure and protect classified data. ExpressVPN implements this to protect your data between the VPN servers and your computer, keeping your online activities hidden. It’s worth mentioning that ExpressVPN is one of the only VPN providers still able to bypass China’s firewall, proving its commitment for providing secure and anonymous access to all. While this provider isn’t the cheapest on the list, its secure and privacy-focused service makes ExpressVPN the best choice when accessing the Dark Web with Tor. It’s unique RAM-based servers are able to offer a level of safety unmatched by the competition. ExpressVPN works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, Chrome, Chromebook, Firefox, Edge, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and routers. 2. NordVPN — High-Speed Connections With Built-in Tor Access

Key Features: Onion over VPN without the need for Tor browser Military-grade AES-256 encryption and audited no- logs data policy Over 5,500 servers in 59 countries providing ultra-fast connections worldwide 30-day money-back guarantee NordVPN offers ‘Onion over VPN’, a feature that allows direct access to the Tor network and eliminates the need for a separate Tor browser. This option connects you to NordVPN’s specific Tor servers, routed through the Onion network — simplifying and securing access to the Dark Web. If this feature doesn’t appeal to you, you can simply connect to a standard NordVPN server and use the Tor browser as usual. In terms of privacy, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy which is independently audited, creating transparency and trust. The policy ensures your privacy is kept secure if anyone requests or gains access to the servers. Due to NordVPN’s extensive server network, it allows for the fastest connection of any VPN provider while offering some of the cheapest monthly pricing. When accessing the Dark Web, speeds loaded at the usual speed they did without one. NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, Nook, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and routers.