Dark Web vs VPN: What You Need to Know
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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6 May 2025
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17 mins read
You have probably heard the words dark web and VPN before, but they might sound a bit confusing. Are they the same thing? Do you need both? In this blog, we’ll explain what each one really means, how they’re different, and why people use them. Don’t worry; we’ll keep it simple and easy to follow. Let’s get started!
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is like a secret corner of the internet that you cannot access through a regular browser. You need a special browser, like Tor, to access it. The main idea behind it is privacy; people use it when they do not want their identity or location tracked.
Now, not everything on the dark web is dangerous, but yeah, some of it definitely is. It’s known for illegal things like stolen data or black markets. But it’s also a space for people who want to speak freely in countries with strict internet rules. Still, it’s not the kind of place you want to wander into without knowing what you’re doing.
What is a VPN?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is like a safety shield for your internet. It hides your real location and protects your personal information, so no one can see what you're doing on the internet, not even hackers or your internet company.
People use VPNs to stay safe on public Wi-Fi, like in cafes, offices, or airports. It also helps you open websites or watch videos that are not available in your country. So, a VPN helps you stay private and gives you more freedom on the internet.
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Is a VPN the Same as the Dark Web?
No, a VPN and the dark web are two different things. A VPN is a tool that keeps your online activity private by hiding your location and encrypting your internet connection. It’s like a privacy shield while you browse the internet.
On the other hand, as you know, the dark web is a secret part of the internet that you cannot access with regular search engines. To visit it, you need special software like Tor. While a VPN can help you stay safe online, it does not give you access to the dark web, which is a place where some things are legal, but others are illegal.
Can You Use a VPN to Access the Dark Web?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access the dark web. A VPN hides your location and keeps your internet activity private. Accessing it with Tor makes you even safer. It stops your internet provider from seeing what you're doing. However, always be careful and make sure you follow the rules while browsing the dark web.
Why Do You Need a VPN for the Dark Web?
Using a VPN on the dark web is really important to stay safe and keep your information private. Here’s why:
- A VPN hides your real IP address, so no one can see what you're doing online. This is super important on the dark web, where you want to stay anonymous.
- A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which means your data stays safe from hackers or anyone trying to steal it.
- In some places, the dark web or tools like Tor are blocked or monitored. A VPN helps you get around these blocks and keeps your location hidden.
Using a VPN with Tor makes your browsing safer and adds extra protection. Just always be careful and follow the rules when exploring the dark web.
Is Accessing the Dark Web Legal with a VPN?
The dark web itself isn't illegal in most places, and people use it for privacy, like journalists or activists. But there are illegal things happening there, like selling drugs or stolen stuff. If you get involved in that, you could get into trouble.
A VPN helps protect your privacy by hiding your real location, making it harder for anyone to track you. However, in some countries, using a VPN to access the dark web can be illegal, so you should know the rules where you live.
If you want to visit the dark web, make sure you understand the laws in your country and avoid anything illegal. Also, use a trusted VPN that keeps your data safe and follows the rules.
How to Stay Safe Online?
Here’s how you can keep your personal data safe online:
- Make sure your passwords are long and have a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), as this adds another step to logging in, like a code sent to your phone, to make your account extra secure.
- Do not do important tasks like banking on public Wi-Fi. If you have to, use a VPN to stay safe.
- Be careful of strange emails or messages that ask for personal details. Do not click on links you do not trust.
- Updates help fix security problems, so make sure your apps and devices are always up to date.
- Think about what you post online and adjust your privacy settings to control who sees it.
- Always look for HTTPS and a padlock icon in the address bar before sharing personal information.
- Save your important files somewhere safe, like an external hard drive or the cloud, in case of emergencies.
- Try to keep your personal info off public sites and ask for it to be removed if needed.
- Check your bank and credit card statements regularly and set up alerts for unusual activity.
Enable PurePrivacy’s Dark Web Monitoring
- Get PureMax.
- Install the app on your device.
- Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor.
- Add your email, phone number, or other sensitive details.
- Verify via the code sent to your registered number.
- Follow recommended actions if your data is found in a breach.
- Mark the breaches as resolved once you've taken corrective steps.
By following these steps, you’ll make it harder for anyone to access your personal information. Stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use a free VPN to access the dark web?
It’s not a good idea. Free VPNs can be unsafe, slow, or even track what you do online. A reliable paid VPN is better for protecting your online privacy.
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Is Tor the same as a VPN?
No, they’re different. Tor is a browser that lets you visit the dark web anonymously. A VPN hides your real location and keeps your internet connection safe.
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Can I get in trouble just for visiting the dark web?
Just visiting is not illegal, but if you open or download anything illegal, then yes, you could get into trouble.
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How do I know if my personal information is on the dark web?
You can use a tool like PurePrivacy’s dark web monitoring. It checks if your email or phone number has been leaked in a data breach.
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What are onion links?
Onion links are websites made for the dark web. They end in .onion and only work in the Tor browser.
Wrapping Up!
A VPN helps keep your online activity private, while the dark web is a secret part of the internet that not everyone uses or needs. If you ever plan to access it, make sure you're careful and always stay within the law. Use a reliable VPN for extra safety, and most importantly, protect your personal information no matter where you are on the internet.
