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Once you start learning about cybersecurity you might hear about something called Tor – The Onion Router. Tor is an open source software suite. It includes a network of servers run by volunteers that routes your traffic through multiple hops (other Tor servers) on the Tor network in order to provide anonymity. If you would like to use the Tor network you would install the Tor browser which would allow you to use the network.
So now that we know a bit about Tor, lets dig into a comparison of Tor versus another option called VPN (Virtual Private Networks). If you’re not familiar with VPNs, I have a previous article that provides some detail, here is the link →https://www.targetedtechtalk.com/2024/06/04/why-is-a-vpn-important-for-targeted-individuals/
So which one should you go with? Lets break it down by category.
Cost
- Tor is free. No subscriptions or costs. The people running the servers do so for free and also provide bandwidth.
- VPN comes in free and paid varieties. Some free VPN’s may sell user’s info to third parties. (Proton VPN has a free option and they do not sell user’s info to others).
Speed and Reliability
- Tor is generally fairly slow. There is a limited amount of servers and bandwidth available so don’t expect a zippy browsing experience. Reliability may also be low.
- VPN, free options may be slow sometimes. Paid options are generally fairly fast and reliable.
Anonymity
- Tor generally provides a high level of anonymity. The network includes enough hops that it is highly unlikely that you could trace an individual user to their source.
- A VPN itself is not anonymous. You log into the network using your credentials. In other words your VPN knows who you are. A VPN does anonymity from both your internet service provider, as well as the websites you visit.
Regions
- Tor does not provide you with the ability to pick a region.
- VPN’s allow you to pick a region to connect to.
Restrictions and Blocking
- Some ISP’s block Tor networks which my prevent you from joining a Tor network altogether.
- ISPs generally do not block reputable VPNs.
Gotchas
- In a Tor network the exit node has the ability to view the name of the websites you visit as well as access to any unencrypted traffic.
- A VPN company would have to comply with any legal court orders to provide any information they may log.
My analysis
If you identify as a targeted individual, I think the best option is a paid Proton account which includes VPN which is currently around $13 / monthly basis. Proton VPN has a no logs policy, so even if they are issued a legal order they would have no VPN traffic information to turn over. Second best would be free proton VPN. If I was ever in a situation where I had to choose between Tor and a regular network connection, I would choose Tor.
References:
The Tor Project | Privacy & Freedom Online. (n.d.). Torproject.org. https://www.torproject.org/download/
ProtonVPN. (2019, October). ProtonVPN: Secure and Free VPN service for protecting your privacy. ProtonVPN. https://protonvpn.com/
image is creative commons public domain. source: https://picryl.com/media/onion-red-onion-onion-edelweiss-food-drink-7ee9d8
targetedtechtalk@protonmail.com
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