How to Safely Use the Dark Web in 2025: Full Guide by Raven Wu

Raven Wu

Published on: May 2, 2025
Writer

Using the dark web comes with serious risks for users who don’t take proper precautions. Malicious links, phishing traps, and fake sites designed to steal your data are very common.  Additionally, while the Tor Browser (the most common tool for accessing the dark web) has some built-in privacy and security features, it’s not 100% safe..

In this article, I outline the various dangers of the dark web and teach you how to protect yourself while browsing, so you can explore the hidden corners of the internet with confidence. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

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How to Safely Use the Dark Web on Any Device

1. Download and install the Tor Browser.

You need special tools to access the dark web, and the Tor Browser is the safest and most popular one. Make sure you download the Browser from the official website (torproject.org). Downloading and installing the Tor Browser should only take you 2–3 minutes.

2. Choose a VPN that’s good for accessing the dark web.

ExpressVPN is my top choice because it supports Tor traffic on all of its servers and works automatically without needing any additional configurations. It also provides super-fast speeds, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited and confirmed — this way, you know it doesn’t store any user data. Plus, it backs all first-time purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.

3. Download and install the VPN on your device.

You can download the VPN app from the provider’s official website or your device’s app store. Run the setup file and then simply follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Connect to a VPN server and launch the Tor Browser.

Open the VPN app and connect to a nearby server before launching the Tor Browser, and that’s it! You can now access the dark web more safely.

What Are the Risks of the Dark Web?

• Malware and viruses. The dark web has a much higher concentration of malicious files and links compared to the clear web. This is because there are no trusted gatekeepers, antivirus checks, or warning systems like you’d find on mainstream platforms. So, if your Tor Browser or system isn’t properly configured, a single careless click on the dark web can compromise your entire setup.
• Phishing scams and fake services. Many dark web sites are designed to trick users by pretending to be trusted marketplaces, login pages, or vendors. These scams may steal your login credentials, personal data, or cryptocurrency. Because dark web URLs are often long and random, it’s easy to mistake a fake site for a real one — once you send money or information, there’s no way to get it back.
• Surveillance and tracking. The dark web attracts high-risk behavior, so it also attracts more attention from people trying to exploit or investigate that behavior, including government agencies and cybercriminals. While Tor helps anonymize your connection, it’s not foolproof. If you enable JavaScript, download files, log into accounts, or browse without extra precautions, your activity could be traced.
• Illegal content. Some parts of the dark web host deeply disturbing or illegal material. This content isn’t always clearly labeled, so it’s easy to stumble across something harmful or traumatic. In some countries, simply viewing certain types of content could have legal consequences.
• Financial fraud. Transactions on the dark web typically use cryptocurrency, which is irreversible and untraceable. Scams are common, with fake vendors taking your money and disappearing. There are no refunds, no support teams, and no guarantees that anything you purchase will arrive — or even be real.
• Reputation or legal consequences. Even if you don’t engage in illegal activity, accessing the dark web can raise red flags. In some places, authorities might interpret dark web usage as suspicious or investigate further, especially if your browsing habits aren’t well protected.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Dark Web

While the dark web comes with risks, it’s possible to explore safely if you take the right precautions. By following some basic security tips and using the right tools, you can greatly reduce your chances of running into trouble.

1. Use the Tor Browser

The Tor Browser is the safest and most trusted way to access the dark web. It’s designed specifically to connect to .onion sites, which are part of the Tor network, a system that protects your anonymity by bouncing your internet traffic through multiple encrypted servers around the world. That said, there are still some ways to protect yourself when using the Tor Browser.

Avoid random dark web browsers or tools you might find online. Even if they aren’t actively malicious, they might still have weak security or expose you to threats. Additionally, make sure that you only download the Tor Browser from the official website.

2. Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

It’s a good idea to connect to a trusted VPN before you even open the Tor Browser to access the dark web. This setup is called “Tor over VPN”.

Without a VPN, the first server in the Tor network (the entry node) can see your real IP address, and your internet service provider (ISP) can see that you’re accessing the dark web. This creates a privacy risk even if they can’t see what you’re doing on the dark web. Plus, in some regions, accessing the dark web alone may raise suspicion or get you flagged for extra monitoring. Additionally, a VPN keeps your identity safe if Tor leaks.

Because Tor over VPN puts your privacy in the hands of the VPN provider, it’s important to choose one with a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store user data. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Tor VPNs because it’s fast, easy to use, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited and confirmed by third-party cybersecurity experts.

3. Install Antivirus Software

Most dark web sites are unregulated, which means that there are fewer mechanisms in place to prevent you from accidentally downloading malware.

A good antivirus software can detect, quarantine, and remove threats before they can damage your device or acquire any sensitive information. My favorite antivirus in 2025 is Norton, which scored a 100% protection rating during my tests (handily beating the built-in protections on my devices).

4. Stick to Trusted Sites

Unlike the clear web, where websites are often rated or reviewed, most dark web sites are unregulated. This is why it’s important to visit only well-known, reputable sites with a history of providing safe, reliable information or services.

Be cautious of random or obscure links — these could lead to dangerous or malicious websites. If you’re unsure about a link, do some research or ask trusted sources within dark web communities.

5. Don’t Reveal Any Personal Information

Never sign in to any account linked to your real identity (email, social media, banking, etc.) while browsing the dark web. Doing so can tie your activity back to you, destroying your anonymity. If you need to create accounts on dark web services, use a burner email and never reuse usernames or passwords from your real life. If you must purchase anything on the dark web — which I don’t recommend — you should always pay in cryptocurrencies.

6. Don’t Download Files or Click Ads

Files from the dark web can easily contain malware or tracking code. If you must download something, scan it with antivirus software and consider using a separate device or virtual machine. You should also avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups, as they may contain malware or lead you to scam sites.

7. Keep JavaScript Disabled

JavaScript is a programming language used by websites to add interactive features, such as videos, forms, and dynamic content. However, on the dark web, JavaScript can also be exploited by hackers to track your activity or deliver malware to your device. To reduce the risk of these threats, it’s highly recommended to disable JavaScript when browsing dark web sites.

To disable JavaScript on the Tor Browser, go to the Privacy and Security tab in the settings menu and set the Security Level to Safer or Safest.

8. Don’t Use Your Main Device

Using a dedicated device reduces the risk of exposing your personal information or infecting your main device with malware. Some people opt for a virtual machine (VM) or a live operating system (such as Tails) that runs off a USB stick and leaves no trace once you shut it down.

If you must use your primary device, take extra precautions, like regularly backing up important files and using antivirus software to monitor for malware. The goal is to minimize any potential damage if you accidentally stumble upon harmful content or download something malicious.

Is Using the Dark Web Illegal?

No, simply accessing the dark web isn’t illegal in most countries. The dark web is just a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines and requires special software like the Tor Browser to access. It’s used for plenty of legitimate purposes. For example, journalists, whistleblowers, and privacy-conscious individuals often use it to communicate securely or access uncensored information in restrictive regions.

There’s a reason why the dark web has such a bad reputation, though: the lack of oversight and anonymity on the dark web compared to the clear web makes it a hotspot for cybercrime, like the buying or selling of illegal goods or accessing exploitative content. In some countries, even viewing certain types of content can be a legal risk, so you should be careful about the sites that you visit. As long as you avoid engaging with illegal content, you have nothing to worry about.

Tor Over VPN vs. VPN Over Tor — What’s the Difference?

Tor over VPN and VPN over Tor both involve using a VPN with the Tor network, but in different orders. Tor over VPN means you connect to a VPN first, then open the Tor Browser, so your internet traffic is encrypted by the VPN before it enters the Tor network. VPN over Tor means you connect to the Tor network first, and then your traffic goes through a VPN.

For most people, Tor over VPN is the safer and more practical choice. It protects your real IP address even if Tor leaks, is easier to set up, and works with most major VPN services.

In contrast, VPN over Tor setups won’t protect your real IP address if Tor leaks, require more technical setup, and aren’t supported by many VPN providers.

There are a few reasons why you might choose VPN over Tor, but only attempt this if you know what you’re doing.

First, VPN over Tor hides your internet activity from the Tor exit node (the last server in the Tor chain), which could see the data you’re sending to websites if the site doesn’t use HTTPS encryption, but most sites do.

Second, it allows you to access websites or services that block Tor but accept VPN traffic, such as streaming or banking sites. Finally, it lets you appear as if you’re browsing from a specific country (the country the VPN server you’re connected to is in).

Frequently Asked Questions