The short answer is yes Tor is very safe even for normal browsing.
Using Tor is the same as driving a car. You can’t say that driving a car itself is unsafe but without proper knowledge, it can do more harm than good.
This article will show you the safety of using this browser for normal internet activities and what things you should keep in mind to remain safe and secure.
Is Tor Safe for Normal Browsing?
Tor or “The Onion Router” is a network that was created to provide anonymity in communication over the Internet. It directs the connection to the Internet through a group of distributed servers which are run by volunteers, called nodes or relays, to hide the user’s location and usage from surveillance and traffic analysis.
While Tor is often associated with privacy and security, particularly in contexts where censorship is prevalent, many users wonder whether it is safe for ordinary browsing.
In addition, the Tor Project that owns this browser is a nonprofit based in the US. It claims that it doesn’t collect or share any user data.
Understanding Tor’s Functionality
To understand the safety of Tor, one needs to know the way it operates. Tor is a network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously; when a user connects to the Tor network, traffic is encrypted and bounced through several nodes before it is sent to the planned destination.
This process of routing is multi-layered and is comparable to the process of unpeeling an onion, that’s why the name Onion Routing is given to it This is because each of the relays only knows the previous and the next node in the chain, and therefore the identity and location of the user can be protected.
Tor is commonly used for various purposes, including:
Bypassing censorship: Users in repressive regimes can access blocked websites.
Privacy protection: Individuals can browse the web without revealing their IP addresses.
Whistleblowing: Journalists and activists can communicate sensitive information securely.
Dark Web: Used to access the Dark Web by using overlay networks like Tor.
Keep in mind that accessing the dark web is very risky. It’s not illegal to use it but there are many hackers so for your safety do it with caution.
While these features are beneficial, they also raise questions about the safety of using Tor for everyday browsing.
Advantages of Using Tor
Enhanced Privacy: The first benefit of using Tor is that it offers more privacy than regular web surfing does. Tor helps in hiding the user’s IP address making it hard for websites, advertisers, and even governments to track the user’s activity on the internet.
Access to Restricted Content: Tor helps users browse sites that may be unavailable in the location the user is located in. This is especially beneficial to individuals who reside in countries where the Internet is heavily regulated.
Protection from Surveillance: Tor assists in preventing different types of surveillance such as tracking by the ISP and the government. This is especially so for those who are keen on their privacy online as this would be a way of ensuring that their privacy is protected.
Anonymity for Sensitive Activities: In cases where the user has to perform some highly risky activities for example reporting a company or organization or performing some activities that are prohibited by the government, Tor offers anonymity which can be very vital for the safety of the user.
Potential Risks of Using Tor
While Tor offers significant privacy benefits, it is not without its risks. Understanding these risks is vital for users considering Tor for normal browsing.
Exit Node Vulnerabilities: The last relay in the Tor network is called the exit node for the connection. Although the traffic is encrypted within the network, it is decrypted at the exit node of the circuit. This implies that any information entered into unencrypted sites can be accessed by the exit node owner. One should not input any credentials on non-HTTPS sites while browsing the internet.
Malicious Exit Nodes: Some exit nodes may be run by people who can see the traffic and probably intercept information that is being transmitted. Users should be careful and use other layers of security like, https to protect their information.
Slower Browsing Speeds: Since Tor directs the traffic through numerous relays it may considerably decrease the speed of Internet connection as compared to normal browsing. This can be quite annoying, especially for users who are in the process of browsing for information.
Suspicion and Blacklisting: It is also important to note that some websites may deliberately prevent or limit the connections coming from the known Tor exit nodes because of the possible abuse or malicious use. This can limit the chances of getting to some sites and services.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: While using Tor is legal in many countries, some jurisdictions may view it suspiciously. Users engaging in illegal activities on Tor can face legal repercussions, and even innocent users may attract unwanted attention.
Check out this article for more information on the legality of the Tor browser in different countries.
Best Practices for Safe Browsing on Tor
To maximize safety while using Tor for normal browsing, users should adhere to several best practices:
Use HTTPS: Always ensure that the websites visited use HTTPS encryption. This adds an additional layer of security, especially at the exit node.
Avoid Personal Information: Refrain from entering personal information, such as real names, addresses, or financial details.
Be Cautious with Downloads: Downloading files can expose users to risks, as these files may contain malware or lead to unintentional identification.
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update the Browser and any other software to protect against vulnerabilities.
Use Additional Privacy Tools: Consider using additional privacy tools, such as VPNs, in conjunction with Tor for enhanced security.
What People Say About Tor
“This app can work as a second VPN to hide your browsing IP while allowing you to use another VPN for a firewall. The safe browsing features are good.” – A review on the Google Play Store
“This app can work as a second VPN to hide your browsing IP while allowing you to use another VPN for a firewall. The safe browsing features are good.” – A review on the Google Play Store
“Totally private and awesome. Give it a go” – A review on the Google Play Store
Conclusion
To sum up, Tor can be used for normal browsing if a user wants more anonymity and freedom from censorship. However, one must not forget about the dangers of using this network, particularly regarding the weaknesses of exit nodes and the likelihood of having a slower connection speed.
So, for the common people who care about their privacy and are very selective with their Internet activities, it can be of great use. With the help of best practices and precautions, one can safely and efficiently use the Tor network for anonymous browsing. Consequently, the use of it should be made depending on the necessity, the assessment of the potential danger, and the adherence to the principles of safety on the Internet.
If you are using Tor and are worried is it illegal or not then make sure to get informed about your local area or country’s rules and conditions regarding its use.
Learn more about Tor data safety here.