Dark web browsers have been a hot topic for a while, as the need for anonymity and identity protection increased. The idea behind dark web browsers is to anonymize web traffic and serve as a guaranteed private web browsing. Nevertheless, services provided via the onion network allow anonymity for both servers and websites. Such web addresses can be accessed by using a specialized dark web browser and the Tor browser is at the top of the game. It comes with a complex encrypted connection that provides anonymity for not only the website but also its visitors. Tor will hide your IP address as well as the browsing part and redirect the traffic by utilizing more routers called nodes. As it blocks tracking, it has been a favorite choice of many journalists or similar professions that sometimes require extra protection of their online privacy.
VPN or Not?
To put it simply, it is not a VPN; it is just a browser whose main function is to provide the access to websites located on the dark web. Undoubtedly, there are similarities between these two, since the use of either one of them can ensure online anonymity. As long as your online activities are taking place, both VPN and Tor browsers will ensure security.
Is It Safe to Use?
It would be hard to diminish the levels of security that the Tor browser offers. As much as your traffic might be concerned, it will be protected as long as it is used inside the dark web browser. That does not cover everything used on your device in general, be aware of that. Also, keep in mind that your ISP can notice if you are a Tor user or not, which can further cause flag suspicions even if you are not guilty at all.
The Way It Works
Those who used Tor will first confirm that Tor encrypts the traffic by redirecting it through several stopping points before the final endpoint, which is a website you are trying to access. Voluntarily, Tor users serve the network as the nodes, further making the well-known 3 layers of nodes where the traffic goes through the entry, the stay, and the exit. Nodes operate as such so once one is reached – just enough information to reach the next destination will unfold. It is important to mention that no node can trace the whole route of traffic, which advocates the privacy layer provided by the Tor browser. However, the entry points of Tor represent its most vulnerable segments, because some parts of your data can be seen. Therefore the entry nodes can be spotted, and the exit node is informed about the site to that you send the request. In other words, some parts of your data are exposed all the time, whether at the entry or the exit.
How Does It Hide Your IP?
By now we know that the Tor browser uses onion routing technology to reach fascinating goals in terms of hiding the IP address from any network surveillance. Additionally, it is important to note that onion routing utilizes multi-layered layered encryption, which significantly contributes to a higher level of privacy protection. All of this serves as a piece of great evidence of the overall protection Tor provides.
Is It Anonymous?
When it comes to anonymity, the Tor browser is considered number one for a reason. It not only hides your IP address but also your browsing activity. However, none of this is unlimited. In that manner, one should still be aware that the ISP is still able to notice that you are using a Tor browser. As long as you log in to an account, you will have your data exposed and therefore increase the chance to be spotted.
About the Difference Between Tor Browser and a proxy server
Unlike proxy servers which primarily serve as an intermediary between the user and the website or service, the Tor browser will encrypt your internet traffic. However, that does not mean that your data will be safe in the process of transition. Regardless, the Tor browser is considered significantly more secure based on the onion routing and encryption that consists of multiple layers. By anonymizing your data you keep your data and location safe from various hackers, web trackers, or other cybercriminals.
