The common misconception about VPNs is that they can render users truly anonymous online and the same goes for using Tor, an onion router that scatters the users' data online. The truth is, however, even VPNs and using Tor have their limitations.
How does a VPN Work?
Before continuing, it is important to understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is basically a virtual private network that works by encrypting a users' connection "over the internet" as per Cisco.
According to the story by HackerNoon, a VPN does add an extra layer of security like in instances where users should suspect a MITM or Man In The Middle type of attack. A good example of this is using the WiFi in a public airport.
The limitations on VPNs and Tor's Reputation
Not all VPN providers, however, are using the latest protocols making users more vulnerable than they think. Aside from the encryption, data should be unencrypted in order for users to allow internet traffic.
When it comes to Tor, on the other hand, the impression that it gets often includes "criminal activities" which is one problem but a lot of users, however, are using Tor for important reasons as well including freedom of speech.
How Does Tor Work and Is It Safe?
Tor basically works as an onion router that wraps the users' data with multi-layer encryption on a number of "random relay servers." In theory, none of the servers know the entire journey, especially the exit node otherwise known as the "last relay."
Tor is expected to provide a higher level of anonymity but it still does not reach 100% as advertised by some VPN providers. To add, Tor has actually been cracked a number of times by three-letter international organizations and agencies like Europol.
Tor's Limitations in Protecting Users from Malware
Tor has reportedly been cracked through different techniques with one of them being "correlation attacks." Aside from that, Tor does not protect users 100% from malware and viruses should users click on malicious links.
As per HackerNoon, however, the dark web still includes underlying risks like misinformation, scams, and even other electronic dangers which make it unsafe for those that aren't aware of what they are doing.
Read Also: Microsoft Teams Meetings Now Targeted by Hackers to Spread Trojan Malware
How Using a VPN and Tor can Benefit Users
When it comes to using both a VPN and Tor, HackerNoon notes that this doesn't solve all of the problems but at least, users' ISP won't know that they are using Tor. This means that this method could technically prevent people on the dark web from finding the users' real IP.
It is important to note that when using Tor, having a VPS is not mandatory but it is also beneficial for certain countries that block usage of Tor. To clarify, HackerNoon notes that there is no such thing as 100% anonymity both when using a VPN or Tor but a combination of them can add an extra layer of safety.
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Written by Urian B.
