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What Is Tor Browser?

Tor is free, open-source software that helps you stay anonymous online.It works just like a normal web browser at first glance. But there’s even more going on under the surface. Via a network of servers around the world, Tor randomly guides all your traffic, covering it in multiple layers of encryption to keep it secure from prying eyes.

“You can think of this encryption as the layers of an onion; in truth, Tor actually stands for “The Onion Router.” The Tor Browser can access its network, allowing you to keep your operation, identity, and location secret with some caveats as you browse the web.You are glad to know that it is pretty easy, when you wonder how to use the Tor Browser. You have to download, update and follow the new web browser version for your operating system.

Do not download Tor Browser from any source other than the official Tor website.

Note: Tor Browser does not have a version for iOS but its designers encourage iOS users to try out Onion Browser.

You need to wait for the app to update and then save and configure it on your computer in order to get Tor Browser. This is the same as downloading any other program, so there should be no problems. Only open the tab once installed, wait until it connects to the network.

But even the highest security level of Tor can’t defend against any threat. You would have to have a stable VPN to optimize your privacy and defend yourself completely against malicious attacks. My personal recommendation is NordVPN, which comes with built-in Onion browsing.

If you want to use Tor Browser with a VPN, there are a few extra steps to get started, which I’ll explain below.

How To Use Tor Browser to Access the Dark Web

The dark web is a secret part of the internet which gives you anonymous access to information. Tor may access the dark web, including websites explicitly designed for it. The New York Times and the CIA, for example, already have “onion” versions of their websites, accessible via Tor.

The dark web is also seen as a haven for illicit activities and shady dealings. And while there’s even more to it, it makes it easier to take advantage of unsuspecting users by following nothing. Apart from being common sense, Tor with VPN is the safest way to defend yourself against these risks.

You will have to do some research in order to find the places you are searching for – and to avoid falling into a scam. Onion websites are not Google indexed, but they can be found online. Make sure that each URL is double-checked and re-checked before you visit it.

Using Tor Browser to access the dark web is simple once you have found and checked the site URLs you want to visit. Think like any other browser – just remember to protect your protection and never to provide voluntary information that can affect your privacy.

Is Tor Browser a VPN?

No, it’s not a VPN for Tor Browser. Tor is specifically aimed at preserving anonymity, while a VPN’s principal goal is to protect the privacy. The two may sound like that, but they aren’t the same. And while Tor and VPNs are instruments for optimizing online security, they do so differently.

All your data with end-to-end encryption is safe when a VPN is used. It is then forwarded to a remote server via a secure channel connecting you to the website you are visiting. (See our final VPN beginner guide if you would like to learn more about VPNs and why we like them so much.)

This ensures that even your ISP cannot see you’re on the Tor network if you use a VPN in conjunction with Tor. In particular in countries with tight online censoring that is extremely significant. While Tor itself is not illegal, if anyone finds out that you are using it, you can get flagged for suspicious behavior.

Tor Browser runs on a device completely different from that of a VPN and preserves your privacy in a very specific way.

How Does Tor Browser Work?

To protect your info, Tor Browser is using several complex measures. Next, the data is embedded in encryption layers. The process is then rerouted and encrypted through a random relay, and over a decentralized node network the process is replicated.

Any time the data passes through one of the network nodes, an encryption layer will be removed to indicate where the next relay will be located. If you enter the final relay or exit node, the last coding layer is eliminated and your information is transmitted to its ultimate target.

Each relay only decrypts enough data to disclose the position of past and subsequent relays, generates every track randomly, and does not record any of the relays. After each session, Tor also removes your browsing history and cookies.

This almost makes it difficult to trace your company back to you – completely anonymous, right?

Nearly, okay. A few bugs exist in the system, but many of them can be covered with Tor using a VPN.

How Secure Is Tor Browser?

The final relay, called the exit node, removes the final layer of data encryption. It can’t access your original location or IP address, but the exit node can spy on your activity if you visit an unsecured website. One way to avoid this is by using the VPN over Tor method.

Remember: Even on Tor Browser, you have to be careful not to identify yourself or your location voluntarily (by releasing your name, email address, or other information).

What Are the Disadvantages of Tor Browser?

Besides some security concerns, Tor’s biggest downside is that it’s incredibly sluggish. This is normal since your data needs to be passed through multiple relays before reaching its destination. This is the confidentiality price you pay.

I don’t suggest using Tor Browser for streaming or downloading because of this. It is not only because of the pace but also because it may expose your IP address and jeopardize privacy that its creators strongly discourage torrenting.

I would suggest a VPN instead of Tor if you just want to stream or torrent while preserving privacy (see our best VPN for torrenting anonymously here)

Another inconvenience with Tor is that it will attract unfavorable attention to you. Even if you do not see your operation on your ISP, you will see you are connecting to Tor. This can be sufficient to raise suspicion and can even make you a candidate for government oversight.

Moreover, it should be noted that Tor Browser is just that: a browser. It can’t encrypt any of your other activity, so if you’re using other apps you won’t have any extra protection.