Tor is open network software that enhances online privacy and security. It is the perfect tool to combat the fear of any form of online surveillance.
Tor ensures to route your internet traffic from various places on the network resulting in concealing the source of origin. This guarantees that your personal information and identity always remain hidden and secure.
TOR Anonymity: Things Not To Do While Using TOR
Unfortunately, regardless of how good Tor can be for your online security and privacy, it will always be second to another online security and privacy tool known as Virtual Private Network. I say this because VPNs are super easy and hassle-free to use.
Fortunately, there is a way to use these two services and combine their strengths to obtain ultimate online security and protection. Using the best VPN services for Tor, you can achieve the best of two worlds as they complement each other to ensure that you get the best cyberspace protection.
Before you go any further and start using Tor, there are some tips and guidelines you need to be aware of. We have assembled a list of things to avoid while using Tor to defend your online communications rigorously.
Avoid using Windows OS with Tor
Tor might not be a good idea for Windows users. Windows is pretty famous for different security vulnerabilities, so even if you use Tor, there is a good chance your online privacy will still be compromised.
Using a virtual private network would be a much better option, or you can think about using Linux operating systems such as Tails and Whonix that are pretty compatible with Tor.
Between Tor and a VPN, there are plenty of other security tools that you should consider installing on your computer for security and privacy.
Avoid accessing HTTP Websites with Tor
The Tor network only conceals the origin of your traffic or the data source; it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic outside the Tor network.
It means if your internet traffic is unencrypted, it can easily be read by the exit nodes of the network. Therefore, it is recommended to always use end-to-end encryption in SSL or TLS when using cyberspace.
You can also install add-ons such as HTTPS everywhere that automatically switch to HTTPS-mode browsing for designated websites.
Avoid using Tor Browser Bundle
Tor browser bundle should be avoided at all costs if you wish to ensure complete online privacy and security.
Freedom Hosting, an anonymous web-hosting service running by the Tor network, was recently taken down by the FBI. The reason behind this takedown is said to be the vulnerabilities in the Tor Browser Bundle.
Avoid downloading P2P/File sharing content
Tor network is simply not built to handle P2P/File-sharing purposes. Its exit nodes even block P2P traffic. Not only will you be slowing down the network but at the same time jeopardize your online anonymity as well.
As many torrents, clients send your actual IP address directly to trackers and other peers, using a Tor network with a torrent client seriously puts you at risk by compromising your online privacy, security, and identity as well.
As far as P2P/File sharing is concerned, VPNs are still the most popular and effective tool for downloading blocked content from anywhere in the world with complete anonymity.
Check out why you need a VPN for torrenting for in-depth information and the best providers right now for the job.
Avoid using your actual email address with Tor
It is always a good idea not to give you any information that could potentially lead someone to you. Therefore, even if you use the Tor network to protect your online privacy and hide the real identity, you mustn’t use your actual email address on websites.
If you have to use an email address, it’d be best to create a proxy email address that can never lead anyone back to your real-world identity.
Avoid using Google searches with Tor
Google is famous for storing users browsing history and search data, analyzing it, and then targeting different advertisements towards you based on that information.
You can use some alternatives that don’t store a record of our IP address or cookies while you are searching on the internet. These alternatives include Startpage and DuckDuckGo.
These search engines are entirely safe, and you can use them while using Tor. Then again, there are countless otherways too to keep your online searches private.
Avoid Cookies while using Tor
Cookies are small records of your browsing habits and other data a website keeps on your device so that it can quickly recognize you on the next visit.
It is imperative that you delete cookies after every browsing session done with the help of Tor. As it turns out, these cookies can be responsible for tracking your actual location and IP address.
The latest version of Tor possesses the capability to delete the cookies after you have ended your browsing session.
Final Thoughts
Tor still is one of the best online security tools to protect your anonymity from malicious hackers and organizations. If you don’t follow the rules or comply with security tips and guidelines, the technology itself won’t protect you.
Therefore, while using Tor, you need to make sure to adopt the security guidelines mentioned above so that you can achieve 100% anonymity and online privacy.
