[9/7/16] Here’s Why 20 Million Tor Users Should Switch to VPN. Tor was released some 14 years ago and since then it has played a significant role in revolutionizing privacy and anonymity on a global scale.
But is it as good as it is perceived?
Sadly no! Other technologies have been invented and evolved since then that are not only more secure than Tor, but are also simpler to use, plus, they don’t have a feel of taboo attached to them. Case in point: VPN services.
A VPN service is more secure than Tor in some aspects since all the servers are controlled by the VPN service provider, which means that unlike Tor, a user knows where his data and information is passing through, and knowing this doesn’t lead to any ugly surprises. Plus, Business VPN service like PureVPN offers encryption, tunnels your information, DDoS Protection, masks your IP address and offer secure remote access which is essential for Online security and Business productivity.
About Tor:
About 20 million people around the world use Tor on a daily basis. Since it is easy to use, thanks to its app and browser, it is also popular among parents who are worried about their children’s online privacy and anonymity. However, most of these people don’t realize some of the inherent vulnerabilities of Tor.
The following are some user-case scenarios that would help you understand the vulnerabilities of Tor and how can a VPN cover them up.
Scenario: A kid using Tor to learn about online security
Problem:
Parents who plan to educate their children about online privacy and anonymity consider Tor as the easiest platform for their children to learn about the subject. However, if the child mistakenly opens Chrome, Edge, or any other web browser while using Tor, his security settings will automatically change. This will expose him to online predators, without you or anyone even knowing about it.
Solution:
Tor’s ease of use is obviously necessary for the child to learn about the important subject of online privacy. However, in order to be sure that your child does not mistakenly expose himself, it’s better that you use a VPN service alongside Tor. A VPN service is just as easy, if not easier than, Tor and you only need to turn on the VPN once and have it running in the background while your child uses Tor to browse the internet.
Scenario: People looking to avoid geo-restrictions
Problem:
Tor’s biggest audience is people who want to avoid geo-restrictions/censorships in their respective areas. These include journalists, social activists, freedom fighters as well as the average user who only wishes to download movies and stuff. However, most of them are unaware of Tor’s tendency to reveal user’s IP address once they run their Bit Torrent client through Tor.
Solution:
A VPN service, in any case, works better than Tor in overcoming geo-restrictions. It gives more options and control to users and allows them to connect with any server from the country of their choice. This makes it easier for the user to access websites that cannot be accessed even while using Tor.
Scenario: People using Tor as protection against cybercriminals
Problem:
People who use Tor to protect themselves against hackers and cybercriminals are probably not aware that Tor itself is highly vulnerable to cyber attacks. In fact, it was hacked in by the US government itself! Also, those managing the exit relays part of the Tor system can easily monitor or break into your computer system without you even knowing it. Recently, a hacking group by the name of Lizard squad revealed that they are in progress of hacking into Tor by taking over most of these exit relays.
Solution:
Again, using a premium VPN service alongside Tor helps in protecting the online communications of its users. It does this by encrypting all of the traffic leaving to-and-fro the user’s system. This makes it impossible, even for someone managing the exit nodes of Tor system, to monitor your online traffic or hack into your system.
Conclusion:
There are practically unlimited numbers of scenarios where a VPN service will prove to be extremely useful alongside Tor and as a complete replacement of Tor. Additionally, there are plenty of ways in which people can make use of a VPN service because it presents more number of options than Tor does. A good VPN service is always important, and comes in handy to any individual or a business.