VPN and Tor – Are they Any Different?
A lot of people are unclear about Tor and VPNs. In fact, many use the words interchangeably, often confusing them to be one and the same. Before opting for Tor Virtual Private Network, it would be a good idea to understand what Tor and VPNs are all about, and how different they really are.
To learn more about the tools and how they can be used together, read on.
Is Tor a VPN?
Tor is a free software program that is more or less the same in regards to the anonymity that VPNs offer. Apart from that, there are no similarities between the two.
Tor is an acronym for ‘The Onion Router’, and it started out as an interconnected series of network servers located across the globe developed by the U.S. Navy. The idea behind Tor was to make it easier to browse the internet anonymously which once again is not to be confused with how VPNs work.
How Tor works is that it relays your traffic across different Tor servers after encrypting it for foolproof security. If anyone tries to hack your data, all they will see is traffic from different nodes rather than your computer.
To join this network, all you need is a Tor browser. Basically, you do not need to configure or set up anything. Instead, all your traffic will automatically be routed through the Tor network. The primary drawback of using Tor is that it is incredibly slow which is understandable seeing how the data bounces off numerous relays.
VPN vs. Tor Browser
If you take a closer look at VPN and Tor, you will understand how the two tools are different from one another.
For starters, VPNs are not restricted to just keeping you anonymous online. Instead, they serve a higher purpose i.e. making it easier for you to remain secure online. What this means is that they not only keep you anonymous online but also make sure that your data does not fall into the wrong hands.
With a VPN, you also have several different servers you can choose to connect to. By switching to any one of these servers you gain access to the particular region’s IP and local content, which would otherwise not be available for access. This means that not only will you be able to remain secure and anonymous online, but you can access region-locked content.
TOR, on the other hand, is all about browsing anonymously. With its hidden services, TOR makes a great tool for hosting websites. The best part about TOR is that hosted sites are accessible only to TOR users.
However, the seemingly secretive nature of Tor and the hidden services sites that it hosts often makes it a hot target for law enforcement agencies, particularly for things like arms trading, drug trafficking, and adultery.
In a nutshell, Tor is not for everyday users, especially not for good law-abiding citizens who want nothing to do with the NSA.
Using Tor VPN
It is not necessary that everyone uses Tor to carry out illegal activities but it is under constant surveillance by government agencies. Understandably, this makes you an easy target. For this reason, entirely, it is a good idea to use VPN and Tor together.
With Tor VPN, you will get the best of both worlds. Not only will you be able to browse anonymously, but you will stay secure online. Since you are untraceable, you will never have to worry about being hacked or losing your data.
At the same time, you will also be able to combat the recent anti-privacy bill that has been signed by Trump, meaning your information can be sold off to advertisers by ISPs without your approval.
That being said, Ivacy VPN is by far the best Tor VPN out there in case you are wondering. It will help in your endeavors regardless of where you are located, that too without a need for you to acquire technical expertise to use it effectively.
Tor VPN for iOS
The best thing about Tor VPN is that it can be used on iOS devices as well. You can make the best of both worlds on your device for maximum online security and protection.
In order to use this Tor virtual network on iOS, download the app from here.
Tor VPN for Android
Similarly, Tor VPN is available for Android devices as well. If you own an Android device, you can install Tor VPN and start browsing the internet without having to worry about being compromised.
In order to use Ivacy’s Tor VPN on Android, download the app from here.
Tor VPN for Mac
Mac users will be pleased to know Tor VPN is available for their computer. It is easy to setup, and can be used by just about anyone, even non-tech savvy users.
In order to use Tor network on Mac, download Ivacy app from here.
Tor VPN for Windows
Windows users too can enjoy Tor VPN in all its glory. Just like Tor VPN for Mac, it is easy to setup and can be used for more than just bolstering your online security.
In order to use this Tor virtual network on Windows, download the app from here.
Once the respective Ivacy VPN for Tor apps have been installed, you need to select between country or purpose. Once the appropriate option has been selected, click ‘Connect’, and you are free to use Tor without having to worry about becoming a target.
