Can I use Surfshark with TOR? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use Surfshark with TOR? ›

Yes, you can use Surfshark with TOR

Yes! Using Tor and a VPN together provides maximum security. Should I use a VPN to connect to Tor, or use Tor to connect to a VPN? Connect to a VPN first, then Tor.

You can access sites that block connections from known Tor exit nodes. The VPN provider only sees the IP address of the Tor exit node, not your actual one. All VPN traffic goes through the Tor network, offering comprehensive coverage.

Although they can't see your browsing activity or Tor-encrypted data, your ISP can still see that you're using Tor. You can also be identified if you log into an online account or provide personal details to a website while using Tor.

ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Tor Browser. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for the Tor browser in 2024. It's compatible with Tor traffic, provides very strong security and privacy features, and has very good speeds. All ExpressVPN servers (located in 105 countries) support Tor traffic.

You can connect to your VPN and then use the Tor Browser if you're really concerned, but combining the two is overkill for most people. You're better off using Tor if you need complete anonymity in extreme circ*mstances. If it's just all-round internet privacy you're looking for, choose a VPN.

A VPN app provides much more flexibility, such as encrypting your entire device's internet connection or choosing servers in specific locations to bypass geographical restrictions -- features Tor lacks.

There is no way to track live, encrypted VPN traffic.

Using the Tor browser could be suspicious to your ISP and, therefore, to the police. However, you're not going to get in trouble just because it looks a bit suspicious.

When using Tor Browser, no one can see the websites that you visit. However, your service provider or network admins may be able to see that you're connecting to the Tor network, though they won't know what you're doing when you get there.

Tor tries to prevent attackers from learning what destination websites you connect to. However, by default, it does not prevent somebody watching your Internet traffic from learning that you're using Tor.

Is using Tor a red flag? ›

Track IP Addresses

Use advanced fraud detection software to identify if a customer is using a Tor network. Tor users often have the same or similar IP addresses, which can be flagged as potential fraud risks.

Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.

Your ISP and government agencies can still see when you're using Tor and your IP address is visible to the entry node. Exit node traffic also isn't encrypted, so they are often an offloading site for malware like trackers and viruses.

Tor is better than a VPN in terms of online privacy and anonymity. The two tools offer a measure of security but excel in different areas. Tor is better for users who are after the highest level of online anonymity, who don't use it for data-intensive applications and who are willing to trade speed for privacy.

Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a decentralized network that routes your internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers, providing anonymity. A VPN, on the other hand, creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, offering privacy and security.

Is it safe to use Tor without a VPN? While using a VPN and Tor together can help prevent any of the nodes from seeing your IP address, Tor is still extremely secure on its own, making it very difficult for anyone to identify a specific Tor user.

Tor is more secure than most, but it isn't without its flaws. It's easy for your ISP to determine you're using Tor. Additionally, the exit node doesn't offer traffic encryption and may be tapped by cybercriminals waiting to offload malware. Always connect via a VPN service first.

Using a VPN with Tails can enhance your privacy and security, but it's crucial to use a dedicated VPN exclusively for Tails. Combining a VPN with your regular internet activity on your usual operating system can undermine the privacy benefits offered by Tails.

When you open Tor and click "Connect," you'll receive a new IP address for browsing. If you decide you want to change the IP address Tor assigns you, click the menu and select "New Identity."

Using Tor with a VPN gives you an extra layer of privacy because the VPN encryption prevents the Tor entry node (the Tor server where you enter the hidden network) from seeing your IP address. A compromised Tor entry node is one common way for an attacker to try to break Tor's anonymity.