Tor is a free web browser that lets you visit dark websites safely and anonymously. It can block trackers, resist surveillance, evade fingerprinting, provide multi-layered encryption, and allow free browsing. Because of its many layers of encryption, Tor is famous for “The Onion Router” (TOR). It is based on Firefox and lets users access regular websites like YouTube and Wikipedia.
Although the Tor browser’s security and privacy may be tighter, bad actors easily started up Tor nodes in 2014. Additionally, government officials exploited a loophole in the Tor browser that enabled them to deliver JavaScript malware and infect suspected targets.
How Does Tor Browser Work?
Tor is a good alternative for multi-level encoding. However, it does not secure all traffic. It sends data through various nodes and obtains encrypted information from the exit point, which is when hackers can get in and spy around simultaneously.
Even though Tor might slow down your link speed due to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) monitoring, you should know they can watch it.
Risks Involved in Using the Tor Browser
To use it, you must know its risks and problems associated with Tor browsers. However, the common challenges faced by users of the above browser include the following:
- Your ISP may detect that you are using the Tor browser but fail to monitor your activities. It may start throttling your connection speed and even surveilling you.
- Some network administrators have restricted access to Tor web browsers.
- Due to its susceptibility at the exit node and attacks by hackers, it is not entirely secure.
- The exit node might keep logs of your history, switch nodes, or add viruses.
- The Tor browser affects Internet speed because it routes traffic through many nodes, thus increasing loading times while reducing overall speeds.
Tips to Use Tor Browser Safely
In case you want to access the dark net and as well as privacy with the Tor browser, you should follow these 07 steps:
1. Install Tor Browser Safely
Your ISP can see when you connect to it but not what you do online. However, your IP address is contained within suspicious profiles, so they may not care about the times you log in to the internet. Before you download/install and use this software, ensure you are connected via VPN. Follow the below steps to install the Tor browser:
- Firstly, the VPN needs to be installed.
- Secondly, you should download the Tor Browser.
- Third, open the file to set up the Tor browser.
- After that, select any folder where you want to save it.
- Lastly, click the “Install” button to download the Tor browser.
2. Use Private Search Engines
Google and Microsoft store facts connected to your internet history. Search terms, personal data, and also records of sites visited are some of the things they sell. An anonymous browsing experience can be achieved by utilizing Tor with a private search engine so that you can mask your search history IP address from being revealed by anyone who might want to know what you have been up to online, even if it is only curiosity getting the better of them; also this will deter hackers from ruining your time when surfing the web.
3. Use a VPN
A secure VPN conceals the user’s IP address, encrypts their traffic, and prevents their Internet Service Provider from snooping on what they do. You can improve how safe your Tor browser experience is by doing two things:
4. Install Antivirus Software
While on the dark web, hackers may trick you into planting spyware on your computer. The spyware could corrupt all files or even breach your privacy. Be keen since the dark web harbors many illegal activities. To prevent such calamities, ensure you have updated your antivirus. It is designed to detect and delete any malware that may find its way into your device, thus enhancing safety.
5. Practice Safe Browsing Tips
To enhance your security while using the Tor browser, you can consider these helpful methods:
- Clear local data, temporary files, and cookies possibly infected by malicious codes.;
- Ensure that you have a VPN connection that is always compatible with Tor.
- Verify the URL of the website before visiting. Ensure that it is HTTPS and not HTTP.
- Input your virtual identity instead of real identification.
- Choose security settings for your Tor Browser according to the level of security you want to achieve.
- Stay away from suspicious social media sites like X or Facebook.
6. Avoid Torrenting
P2P file sharing should not be done using the Tor Browser. If you torrent while using it, remember that your speeds will be very slow because Tor exit nodes block file-sharing traffic. To prevent loss of anonymity, do not download over Tor. Additionally, the software weaknesses of BitTorrent can uncover your real IP address and allow others to track your online activities.
7. Use Bridges
The usage of bridges allows one to bypass such restrictions. These links take your traffic off the Tor browser and make it seem like regular data. Moreover, as not all bridges are detected, an ISP can’t block Tor relays even if it filters connections to find them all out. The application of brides raises your level of anonymity while using this web browser and avoids discovery.
The Best VPNs for Tor Browser
1. ExtremeVPN
ExtremeVPN indeed provides boosted security aspects alongside unmatched functionality reliability. You must run an instance on a different computer or server to modify your character and server setup. Everything will be affected just as it sounds.
Since this is a multipurpose bot, always remember to configure the server accordingly; hence, be patient with yourself. There might be errors when starting for the first time or even when running because the server is not set up well yet, and that’s fine.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN ensures necessary security through its Onion site. However, the VPN features are not widely supported in countries where restrictions apply to VPN use. The VPN features include leak protection, network kill switch, threat manager blocker, no-logs policy, and AES-256 bit encryption. They also support 5 simultaneous connections, Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows, and 24/7 live chat.
Through ExpressVPN, you can access your favorite Tor browser and dark websites. The VPN uses obfuscation techniques, including Deep Pocket Inspection(DPI). In addition to the features mentioned above, the VPN offers discounts and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the services, you can refund the premium.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN offers high-quality services like P2P servers, automatic kill switches, split tunneling, a strict no-logs policy, fast and secure downloading with AES-256-bit encryption, a dedicated IP address add-on, and 24/7 support. It has 6,100 servers in 60 countries.
There are advanced protocols in NordVPN, such as Nordlynx, based on the WireGuard VPN protocol. This VPN enhances the dark web experience by providing split tunneling that helps route traffic outside the VPN tunnel.
Some Other Ways to Use Tor Securely
The following measures will help secure you while using the Tor browser:
- Only install Tor from its official website.
- Check each Onion URL before use.
- Have trusty antivirus software and malware removal installed.
- Keep your browser up to date at all times.
- Do not resize your Tor window.
- Protect your camera and microphone.
- Use cryptocurrency for all transactions made online.
Conclusion
The internet privacy provided by the Tor browser is excellent. However, these risks raise questions about its dependability and safety. Tor is insecure because it has compromised nodes, multi-layered encryption, and slow connection speeds. However, you can mitigate these risks using a VPN, privacy search engines, antivirus software, and other secure browsing methods to minimize privacy risks and enhance Tor’s security.
FAQs
Is a VPN necessary while using Tor?
To truly protect your identity, layer TOR over a VPN. However, even then, realize encrypted connections might still be watched on the TOR network. Thus, it’s uncertain if TOR alone could give you complete anonymity. To make sure nobody else finds out who you are or where you are, use VPN and Tor.
Can the NSA track Tor?
The NSA could track Tor users if they wanted to; however, the CIA typically does not go after individuals utilizing Tor for nonlethal reasons. Rather, those doing so for illegal activities are more likely to be focused by the NSA.
Is it legal to use Tor?
The Tor browser is legal software, although it is commonly misused to access the dark web and engage in criminal activities. Nevertheless, the illegality of any action performed using Tor remains unchanged.
