You can access the dark web securely with PrivateVPN by connecting to one of the VPN’s servers before opening onion sites on your Tor or Brave browser.
Premium PrivateVPN features like a kill switch and military-grade encryption will also help protect your identity and ensure anonymity on the dark web.
Remember, you can explore PrivateVPN over Tor or Tor over PrivateVPN methods.
Keep reading to learn more.
How to Set Up PrivateVPN to Access the Dark Web?
You can set up PrivateVPN to use your PC or mobile device with the dark web.
The process for both is relatively the same.
Method #1: Setup PrivateVPN via VPN Over Tor
PrivateVPN over Tor is when you open Tor first and then connect to the VPN.
This means Tor can see your IP address at the entry node.
The benefit of using this method is that it allows you to access sites that usually block Tor traffic.
Here’s how you set up PrivateVPN for VPN over Tor:
- Check out some PrivateVPN deals and sign up. I recommend the 36 Months deal for the best savings.
- Install the PrivateVPN app on your PC or mobile device. I’ll use PrivateVPN’s Windows PC app for this step.
- Before opening PrivateVPN, download Tor.
- Open the Tor browser and click “Connect.”
- Launch the PrivateVPN app and log in.
- Connect to one of PrivateVPN’s servers and use the OpenVPN protocol (which will be selected by default).
- Enjoy secure Tor browsing.
Method #2: Setup PrivateVPN for Tor Over VPN
Tor over VPN is the safest way to browse the dark web. It entails you connecting to your VPN first and then connecting to Tor.
This ensures Tor, or its server operators, never see your true IP address at the entry node.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Sign up using the best PrivateVPN deals.
- Install PrivateVPN on your device.
- Launch the app and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a PrivateVPN server. You can choose the nearest server for optimal performance or any other server in a Tor-supported region.
- After connecting, open up the Tor browser and click “Connect.”
- You’ll be completely safe to start browsing the dark web.
What Makes PrivateVPN Ideal for Dark Web Security and Privacy?
PrivateVPN is one of the best VPNs for staying safe on the dark web, given features like IP leak protection, encryption, fast server speeds, and more.
Here’s a general overview of what makes PrivateVPN ideal for the dark web:
Customizable Military-Grade Encryption
PrivateVPN is one of the few VPNs that allow you to change your encryption type to AES-128-GCM, which could give you a speed boost on the dark web.
I recommend AES-256-GCM to ensure the best encryption. Otherwise, malicious .onion websites or failed Tor nodes could identify your data from the encryption.
Fast Speeds
A lot of .onion sites are slower to load, and Tor is known for its slow speeds.
So, the last thing you need is a slow VPN to make Tor slower.
To put my money where my mouth is, I checked my base internet speed (478.90Mbps).
Then, I connected to the nearest server in New York, which got me 349.24Mbps.
I’m sure PrivateVPN performs better on some other networks and servers, so you’re in for a fast dark web experience.
If you’re having trouble with speeds on PrivateVPN, switch to the AES-128-GCM encryption or the PPTP/L2TP protocols. However, remember that these options mean you’ll have less security.
Zero-Logs Policy
PrivateVPN has a no-log policy that ensures no information about your connection (timestamp, entry IP, device type, connection duration, websites visited, etc.) is collected or stored.
So even if you use VPN over Tor (so your VPN will be able to see your browsing history), PrivateVPN won’t store it.
Hackers or ISPs could also see that you’re using PrivateVPN and try to target the VPN in a data breach to get information about you. With a no-logs policy, no personal data can be found except your VPN username and password, even in case of a data breach.
Unfortunately, PrivateVPN’s no-logs policy has not been independently audited, unlike other big-name VPNs with no-log policies.
Kill Switch
If the VPN loses connection, PrivateVPN’s kill switch will cut your internet and save you from transmitting unsecured data on the dark web. It’s a valuable tool, especially since PrivateVPN has a small server count and might face overcrowding issues.
A VPN connection might also drop if it’s having trouble loading a webpage or trying to use a specific Tor node. These instances are sometimes malicious and are put there intentionally by hackers to make your VPN disconnect to expose any information.
FAQs
Can My ISP Detect My Dark Usage Over PrivateVPN?
No, your ISP (or anyone trying to spy on you) won’t see if you’re on the dark web if you connect via the Tor over PrivateVPN method.
This is because PrivateVPN encrypts all your traffic before you access the dark web, and no information about your Tor usage will be accessible. However, your ISP may still see your Tor connection if you use PrivateVPN over Tor (connecting to Tor first).
Access the Dark Web Safely With PrivateVPN
The dark web is a valuable trove of information that can be assessed for several legal reasons. No matter the intent for using the dark web, you never want to rely on just Tor’s anonymity.
That’s where PrivateVPN protects your identity and encrypts your traffic as you explore the dark web. So your information is hidden from your ISP or even potential hackers.
Sign up for PrivateVPN with these huge savings to save more while enjoying premium Tor security.
