SECURITY SETTINGS | Tor Project (2024)

FAQs

SECURITY SETTINGS | Tor Project? ›

ACCESSING THE SECURITY SETTINGS

Tor Browser is anonymous in terms of hiding your location and browsing activity — but there are limits. Although they can't see your browsing activity or Tor-encrypted data, your ISP can still see that you're using Tor.

Tor Browser must be kept updated at all times. If you continue to use an outdated version of the software, you may be vulnerable to serious security flaws that compromise your privacy and anonymity.

With an understanding of what the Tor browser is, the answer to that question—generally—is yes. Because of its onion routing protocols and data encryption, the Tor browser offers a reasonably high level of privacy and protection when used correctly.

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.

What's known as the dark web exists within the deep web; it's an area of the internet that is only accessible by users who have a Tor browser installed. In general, most average internet users will never need to access content on the dark web, although it is perfectly legal to use Tor.

The autologon feature is provided as a convenience. However, this feature may be a security risk. If you set a computer for autologon, anyone who can physically obtain access to the computer can gain access to all the computer's contents, including any networks it is connected to.

The best Wi-Fi security option for your router is WPA2-AES. You might see WPA2-TKIP as an option, but it's not as secure. WPA2-TKIP is, however, the second-most secure — followed by WPA, and then WEP.

In the Settings menu, locate Lock Screen and Security and then Secure Startup. Depending on the type of Android device you are using, this feature may be located under Storage > Storage Encryption or Storage > Lock Screen and Security > Other Security Settings.

Is DuckDuckGo a Tor Browser? ›

DuckDuckGo is the default search engine in Tor Browser. DuckDuckGo does not track its users nor does it store any data about user searches.

Yes, it is possible for police to track your IP address on the Tor network while using a VPN if they have the resources and technology to do so. This process typically involves analyzing network traffic, monitoring connections, and leveraging potential vulnerabilities in the VPN or Tor network.

Tor is a browser built to help you anonymize your web activity and stay private online. Tor also helps you visit sites on the dark web — the part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines.

If you visit a website using Tor Browser, they don't know who you are or your true location. Unfortunately many sites ask for more personal information than they need through web forms. If you sign in to that website, they still don't know your location but they know who you are.

While both Tor and VPNs work to protect your online anonymity, VPNs are the most secure choice if used properly.

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.

VPN over Tor: Best for strengthened anonymity

The VPN provider can't see your real IP address but only that of the Tor exit node, offering even more anonymity. All your VPN traffic passes through the Tor network, providing comprehensive coverage.

I2P is more secure than Tor, but generally can't be used to access the regular internet outside of services like email, chat and torrenting. Both Tor and I2P let you access the deep web. With I2P these are the only websites you can access, whereas Tor can be used as a regular browser as well.