Is the Tor Browser Really Private? [Privacy Features and Concerns]

With the growing online engagement of users, issues about security breaches on the internet also increase. The NTIA reports that about 75% of online households in the US are concerned about their online privacy. 

Security breaches can expose personal information and other sensitive data. When that happens to a person, they could experience severe repercussions to their well-being and credit. For instance, financial damages due to data breaches in 2023 reached $4.45 million, increasing by 15% over the next 3 years.

That said, ensuring privacy when browsing online is critical. This is where the Tor browser comes in handy. It is a way to secure a user’s online activity.

Many negative issues with the Tor browser circulating online involve safety and privacy. In this article, you will learn whether the Tor browser is safe.

What is Tor Browser and How It Works

Tor (The onion router) helps users browse the internet anonymously. It redirects the web traffic through various routers, hiding the user’s IP address. 

These routers are known as nodes, also called “onion routers.” Every node “peels away” a layer of encryption until the encrypted data reaches its final stop.

Tor encrypts the data before anonymously transmitting it to three layers of international proxies, making up the Tor circuit. Then, the data arrives at its final destination.

See the picture below to visualize how the Tor browser sends web traffic from the entry node to the exit node.

The Tor circuit is made up of three layers of network nodes:

1. Entry node 

The entry node is also known as the guard node. It’s where the Tor client or source connects and introduces the data into the Tor circuit. 

The IP address is visible on the entry node. However, the attacker cannot know with whom it is connecting.

2. Middle node

This node is the second one to which Tor clients connect. The data here is fully encrypted. It is then sent to the next node, which decrypts the data one layer at a time.

Moreover, the middle node is randomly selected within the Tor circuit. IP addresses or the domain where Tor clients connect are not visible in the middle node.

3. Exit node

This is the node where the web traffic leaves the Tor network and is sent to the desired destination. The data that is left here has already been decrypted. 

That said, the Tor browser goes a long way to ensure user anonymity. However, there are still questions about its legitimacy and safety. Find out more about that in the next section.

Legit or Trap: Is the Tor Browser Private?

The Tor Network is designed for complete anonymity. Identities and online activity are never revealed within the Onion networks. However, it can only strengthen the user’s online privacy, not protect them from all the online dangers. That said, Tor is not 100% secure.

The traffic that passes through Tor nodes is decrypted before reaching the open internet. The IP address can be visible before the entry node, and the traffic is visible after the exit node.

When someone is spying on the exit node, they see the user’s activity, although they won’t know to whom it belongs.

To ensure security while using Tor, check out this video on how to avoid exit nodes.

Using the Tor browser gives users security and privacy advantages. However, there are also some downsides to using it.

To help users decide whether to use Tor, below is a list of some advantages and downsides to using the Tor Network. 

How to Stay Safe When Browsing on Tor? 

Users must always prioritize their safety when browsing on Tor to prevent data leaks, spying, and other forms of cyberattacks. 

To do that, you should be aware of the following security practices when using the Tor browser:

1. Configuration of Security Settings

Users can choose from three security levels when using the Tor browser. However, you must set it to the Safest level for the best setting:

1. Click the “shield icon” next to the address bar. 
2. Select the Advanced Security Setting.

2. Avoid Using Personal Information

Tor’s purpose is to protect anonymity, so you should avoid any activity that can reveal your identity. 

When doing Tor-related activities, avoid using your personal information, such as:

• Personal email
• Username 
• Debit and credit cards
• Other personal information

You can create a temporary email account when transacting in the Tor browser instead. You can access these temporary accounts once and delete them after each use.

3. Always Keep Your System Updated

Your device’s operating system can be prone to bugs. Additionally, outdated operating systems can be taken advantage of by attackers. They use it to exploit loopholes to get past the Tor shield.

That said, keep your system updated. Doing so helps prevent bugs, cyber attackers, and other vulnerabilities compromising safety and security.

4. Downloading Tor From Its Official Site

Hackers create fake Tor mirror sites to lure users to download malware-infected files. That is why you should never download Tor from a third-party website. 

Users can safely download Tor through this site https://www.torproject.org/.

5. Use Known Darkweb Search Engines

Instead of using Google searches, it is advisable to use index Onion sites.

Unlike Google Search, they don’t track, create logs, store cookies, or save anything to a device. Some reputable search engines include DuckDuckGo and Ahmia.

Best VPNs for Tor Browser

Using a VPN for the Tor Browser provides an added layer of security. VPNs provide various benefits to users,  including obscuring their traffic data and spoofing their location.

Security, privacy, and speed are the top considerations when choosing VPNs for the Tor browser. 

Here are the top 3 VPNs for the Tor browser:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN provides Tor users access to specific servers preconfigured with Tor over VPN. It first diverts all the traffic to a VPN, then redirects through the Tor network. 

This is great if users have apps other than an internet browser they want to use with Tor. NordVPN also has a double VPN option that uses two VPNs with the Tor browser. However, it may slow down the internet connection. 

Another great feature of NordVPN is its strict zero-log policy. No one can see the user's online activities. 

NordVPN also accepts Bitcoin payments for its 3 subscription plans: 

• Standard - $12.99/mo
• Plus - $12.99/mon
• Complete - $14.49/mo

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another good option for using Tor. It has a helpful feature called“Network Lock” or Internet Kill Switch. 

A VPN connection kill switch disconnects the user's internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. This can prevent data leaks that let the user’s ISP know they are using Tor. 

Recently, ExpressVPN has also launched its “.onion” version of its website. This is for users who want to make an account anonymously. Like other VPNs, ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin and has a strict no-logging policy.

Compared to other VPNs, ExpressVPN is more expensive. Its monthly subscription rate is $12.95 / month. If users opt for a longer plan of 6 months, it costs $9.99/month.

3. Surfshark

One of the best features of Surfshark for using the Tor browser is the split tunnelling feature called “bypasser.” It enables you to configure the Tor browser to utilize the VPN tunnel while permitting other apps to access the Internet directly.

Other features of Surfshark include camouflage mode and multi-hop features. It adds an extra layer of protection for users. The users can simultaneously connect to unlimited devices.

Surfshark offers 3 kinds of subscription plans:

• Surfshark Starter - $ 12.95/mon
• Surfshark One - $ 17.95/mon
• Surfshark One++ - $22.95/mon

Conclusion

Perfect protection for online security and privacy is nearly impossible, and the same applies to the Tor browser. It can provide anonymity and enhance the privacy of its users. However, it cannot protect users from all potential cyberattacks.

Nonetheless, using a Tor browser is better than not having any protection at all.