The dark web is only accessible through anonymous networks like Tor. Tor encrypts the data going to and from your device, hiding the contents of your web traffic. But your ISP and government agencies can still see that you’re using Tor. While some online activity is anonymous, Tor’s reputation as a criminal tool means that simply connecting to the Tor network is enough to attract attention and unwanted attention. Some countries have blocked Tor completely.
If you want to hide the fact that you are using Tor from your ISP and other third parties, we recommend using a VPN. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which encrypts all Internet traffic to your device and forwards it to a location of your choice via a proxy server.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN at Cloudwards. It’s fast, secure, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out with no strings attached. If you pay for a year upfront, you can even get three extra months for free at the end, which is very generous.
With over 3,000 servers worldwide, you’re guaranteed to find the right location for your needs. Your data is encrypted with AES-256, and the service has an anti-logging policy, which means ExpressVPN can’t see or log the sites you visit.
Security-conscious users – and that could include anyone who browses the dark web – can also feel reassured by ExpressVPN DNS leak protection and kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects you from the Internet when the VPN connection is lost.
NordVPN
NordVPN is the best choice for Tor VPN. It has the fastest speeds I’ve ever seen, and with over 5,600 high-speed servers, it operates one of the largest networks on the market.
Moreover, NordVPN doesn’t limit or throttle the user’s speed or bandwidth in any way, which is ideal considering how slow the Tor browser can be.
NordVPN’s strict zero-logging policy and shared IP addresses ensure that your activities can’t be traced back to you. For added anonymity, you can choose to pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple.
NordVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, but it can also be installed manually on your Wi-Fi router. You can protect up to six devices with a single account.
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is specifically designed to protect your privacy while you browse. This makes it particularly suitable for use with Tor.
Highly rated for its extremely user-friendly application, PrivateVPN is also a fantastic budget option for beginners who are looking for a quick, easy and secure way to access the dark web. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. PrivateVPN has military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection – all by default.
PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, but has a strict no-documentation policy. If you’re not sure, you can read what our users have to say, or try it out with our 7-day free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN (from the folks behind the popular secure email service ProtonMail) is a super-secure and super-fast VPN provider based in Switzerland, home to some of the world’s strictest privacy protections and safely outside the jurisdiction of the Fourteen Eyes Network. ProtonVPN supports Tor integration, stores no logs, and offers excellent of encryption standards to keep connections secure. Additional security features include DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
To further enhance the security of the ProtonVPN network, the company hosts its secure core servers in a Swiss military bunker located a full kilometer underground. ProtonVPN also hosts servers in a former military facility in Iceland and an underground data center in Sweden. You can log in anonymously using your ProtonMail email address. The ProtonVPN client works flawlessly on all major operating systems and allows up to 10 devices to connect simultaneously.
How do I install a VPN for the dark web?
Go to the website of the VPN provider and select the option to sign up. There you will need to enter some personal information and select your payment method. You can then create a username and password that will be used to activate it on your various devices.
You will then need to follow the steps provided by the provider to start the installation process. For more complex services, you may need to download some additional protocol configurations.
Once the VPN is installed, all you have to do is open the app, select the server you want to connect to, and you’re done!
Summary
Investing in a virtual private network is highly recommended for users who are looking for the best protection for their connections in the unknown waters of dark websites.
NordVPN is my VPN provider of choice to keep all your online activities private, including access to. The Onion website provider’s best security software and privacy protection, along with excellent connection speeds, ensure that you are protected no matter what part of the Internet you visit.
AWSM TIPS
Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux distribution consisting mainly of free and open source software. Ubuntu has been officially released in three versions: a desktop version, a server version and a core version for IoT devices and robots. Each version can be run separately on a computer or in a virtual machine. Check out Best VPN for Ubuntu.
