Drawbacks Of Onion Over VPN
Due to the heavy encryption overhead of both the VPN and Tor network, Onion over VPN negatively impacts your internet connection speeds.
Therefore, Onion over VPN isnt suitable for casual browsing or speed-intensive tasks. Also, you might run into some blocked Tor exits hence the internet service you are trying to access will be unavailable.
Peeling Off Each Layer Of The Onion Over VPN Solution
After spending a few couples of minutes looking for the perfect online privacy solution, you will be amazed by all the possibilities. VPN, Tor, or Proxy are only 3 good examples of popular anonymity tools.
With an impressive list of options, you need to make sure you pick the right solution for your needs.
When it all comes to Tor, I have to say that it is a great anonymity solution. Even so, it is a free tool, meaning that you cant trust it 100% when it comes to performance and reliance. As I am not the only one looking at things from this perfective, VPN providers found a solution to maximize users level of security when using Tor, by combining it with the VPN.
Tor over VPN is a great, modern, and easy-to-use solution that can make the difference between surfing the web and surfing the web as a guru.
Online privacy is as important as real-life privacy, so being in the know is mandatory, especially if youre preoccupied with these aspects.
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Via Browser + Trusted VPN
Heres a quick how-to video showing how I use a combination of Mullvad and the Tor browser.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to aweb browser thatsupports HTML5 video
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What Is Onion Over VPN The Transylvanian Explanation
In the little spare time, TomBat and I have, we like to share stories and memories. TomBat enjoys the stories of the trips that I took, the people that I met, and the beauty of the cities I visited, while I am delighted by his adventurous childhood memories. I am not sure if you are aware, but bats hang out with their friends too, and so did TomBat anytime he could escape GrandMaBats possessive attitude.
His favorite childhood game was hide and seek. TomBat and his best friend, AnonymousBat, liked to make the most out of the caves in the neighborhood and used the winding galleries as their perfect hiding place.
One day, the two friends decided to take their hide and seek game to the next level by exploring Castlevania for new caves where they could play.
I am sure you all know the importance of the perfect hideout. That place where your friends cant find you that easy, and the one that assures you that, at the end of the day, you will be the winner no one was able to find.
After a few minutes of flight over the colorful fields of Castlevania, they were in front of two new caves ready to be explored. TomBat entered one cave, and his friend entered the other.
The cave that TomBat entered was like a straight gallery and, no matter how far you went ahead, you were still able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. From TomBats point of view, this cave was great, as there were enough cracks on the walls where he could hide.
Tiene Algn Inconveniente Su Utilizacin
Ya hemos visto que mantener la privacidad y el anonimato es una buena opción porque mejora nuestra privacidad. Uno de los inconvenientes que tienen las VPN son que al utilizarlas vamos a perder velocidad respecto al ancho de banda que tenemos contratado. Hay que tener en cuenta que al transmitir nuestros datos cifrados van a ser mayores y también vamos a depender de la calidad de nuestro proveedor VPN. Por esta razón, los que suelen ofrecer una mejor velocidad son los de pago.
Al utilizar Onion over VPN, la cosa se complica más, pasarÃa por nuestro servidor VPN y luego por 3 nodos de la red Tor. Eso significa que va pasar por cuatro servidores diferentes y en función de eso se va reducir más o menos la velocidad. Evidentemente esto significa que se va a reducir sensiblemente más la velocidad que por el uso de una simple VPN.
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Onion Over VPN Still Missing
If you already changed your VPN protocol using the instructions above, but Onion Over VPN is still missing, theres an issue with those servers.
This happens from time to time, unfortunately.
One Reddit user was kind enough to share the reply they got from NordVPNs customer support when this happened to them a few years ago.
The provider doesnt explain the issue but promises their server admins are working to fix it.
If youre ever in the same situation and youve tried all other solutions, contact NordVPN.
In the meantime, you can still use the old-fashioned Tor Over VPN method by connecting to a NordVPN server and then launching the Tor Browser.
If youre using Windows and need to route other apps through Tor as well, I recommend using Tortilla.
Its a lot more complicated, though, so I strongly recommend reading the Usage Instructions on its GitHub page.
Pros And Cons Of Using Onion Over Tor
These are some of the advantages of Onion over VPN:
- Makes it easy to access dark web .onion sites securely and anonymously
- Prevents your ISP from seeing that you are using VPN
- Stops the VPN provider from seeing your traffic or the websites you visit
- Let you surf the internet anonymously and securely
- Flexibility to use a VPN with a normal browser for non-critical errands
- Thwarts the Tor exit node from seeing your actual IP address but only that of the VPN server
At the same time, there are some cons of Onion over VPN:
- The VPN provider can see your real IP address and that you are using the Tor network
- Apps and websites you visit can see your traffic emerging from a Tor exit node. In fact, they can block your connection or stop working altogether
- Compromised Tor exit nodes can potentially expose your data
- The combination of Tor and the VPN will significantly slow down your connection
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How Does The VPN Work
Compared to Tor, the VPN uses fewer servers, but its security is incontestably superior.
In order to work, the VPN combines a VPN server, with an encryption standard, and a VPN protocol. No matter if the VPN connection is enabled manually, or by using a VPN app , you are automatically connected to the VPN server which, helped by the VPN protocol and the encryption standard, encrypts your data and securely transports it to the destination on the web. As this process works back and forth, the whole Internet connection is completely secured and encrypted, so you can rest assured that your online activities are private and anonymous.
In More Detail: What Is Nordvpns Onion Over VPN
NordVPNs Onion Over VPN is a convenient built-in privacy solution.
Usually, to get the same functionality for browsing the internet, you need to connect to a VPN server, Tor Browser , and then set up a Tor connection.
It gets even more complicated if you want to route your internet connection from other apps on your device through the Tor Network as well.
Each app needs to be individually configured first and not all of them will let you do so.
NordVPNs Onion Over VPN bypasses this issue.
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Is Onion Over VPN Safe
In terms of online privacy, onion over a VPN should be your go-to option if you want to encrypt your data with another layer of protection. Furthermore, you do not have to bother yourself about IP leaks and other security hassles since you are using both onion over the VPN feature and VPN at the same time.
In case the TOR network compromises your privacy, VPN will still ensure your digital anonymity. Besides, you have the luxury of using various privacy and security features such as kill switch, split tunneling, dedicated IP, no-logging policy, simultaneous connections, and so on.
How Does Double VPN Work
Normally when you connect to a Virtual Private Network , it encrypts your traffic and sends it through a VPN tunnel to a remote server, which then decrypts your traffic and changes your IP address.
Heres the process on a step-by-step basis:
In a double VPN scenario, the server introduced comes in between the first server and the internet.
Image source nordvpn.com
When the first server receives your traffic, it doesnt decrypt it to know the intended destination, but it knows your real IP address.The second server knows the intended destination but not your real IP address.
Double VPN therefore boosts privacy and security by distributing your traffic through servers, making it hard for government agencies to correlate your activities even in the event of a court order. This is enhanced by the fact that double VPN servers are usually located in different countries, so they can only seize the server located in their country.
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What About VPN Over Tor
It is possible to set up a VPN to work over Tor. Or rather, to put a VPN after the Tor node network. This is useful if you want to access websites that dont allow Tor connections. Heres the Tor Projects list of websites that either block Tor connections or ask additional verification when you use Tor.
Is it safe, easy to use, or at all recommended? No, its not. It forgoes the most important reason for using Tor over VPN namely, keeping your identity secret from the person who hosts the entry node. Neither does it mask Tor use from scrutiny by your ISP.
So unless you really, really need to use a website that doesnt accept connections from the Tor network, stick to Tor over VPN.
What Is Onion Over VPN And How Does It Work
Security and privacy are the two main challenges of any modern digitized system. While data is vulnerable during the transfer from one system to another, unauthorized access compromises the privacy of the crucial information. Hence, the IT world is struggling to develop modern tools and technologies that add an extra layer to the existing security features. The leading security services like Norton offer much-needed protection and the ideal combination of Onion over VPN.
Let us go through the concept of this merging of two different security tools in one, its practical working in safeguarding any system followed by some quick questions on the same. However, before jumping to combination, let us understand Onion and VPN independently.
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How To Connect To Onion Over VPN
Many VPN providers offer the ability to connect to onion over VPN. Users can create a Tor over VPN connection using the Tor browser or Braves Tor window while connected to a trusted VPN server. The reverse connection, VPN over Onion or VPN over Tor, is done using a VPN from within a Whonix or Tails.
Why Do You Need An Onion Over VPN
Onion over VPN stands out from typical VPN services through its next level anonymity feature that allows you to secure your TOR traffic from ISPs and other surveillance actors. Apart from hiding your actual IP address from the entry nodes, it also routes your DNS requests through the TOR network.
You do not have to download separate browsers to use this technology, particularly. By connecting to an onion over the VPN server, you can route your entire network traffic via the TOR network.
You need an onion over VPN technology to keep notorious elements at bay like ISPs, snoopers, hackers, and other cyber goons. Likewise, it lets you improve your data security with a double encryption feature.
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Onion Over VPN Explained
Onion over VPN brings together the encryption of a VPN and the anonymity of the Tor network. Hence, it adds intermediaries between your device and the server you are contacting.
First, the VPN will encrypt your connection and mask your real IP address when you connect to a server. Second, the request is routed through at least three Tor relays before reaching the destination. As a result, it becomes impossible for anyone to trace the connection back to the source.
Related read: VPN vs. Tor detailed comparison
Access To Websites That Block Tor Traffic
Websites that are blocked to Tor IP addresses are also made accessible when using VPN over Tor. These websites will receive your decrypted traffic from the VPN server, which means they will not see the IP address of the Tor exit node. As a result, you can access websites that are usually blocked in the Tor Browser.
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When Should You Use Onion Over VPN
You should use “Onion over VPN” if youre very serious about maintaining your online privacy. In practice, this technology is often used by journalists, political activists, and similar.
As you can see, were talking about a very complex combination of technologies here. However, that doesnt mean that average home users shouldnt rely on it. Still, you need to be aware of the drawbacks and limitations that will surface as soon as you connect to an “Onion over VPN” server.
The biggest drawback will be the impact of this Web flow setup on your Internet connection speed. Since your data will be encrypted twice, you will experience significant slowdowns.
With that said, “Onion over VPN” is useful for low-bandwidth activities, such as Web browsing, sending and receiving emails, and uploading/downloading a limited amount of data. You wont get to use it to stream online media or download gigabytes of data in one go.
The Best VPNs For Tor Browser Full Analysis
How do you know which VPN is best for Tor? Ive made it simple for you. I extensively tested 33 VPNs to find the top 8 that offer advanced security, compatibility, speed, and most of all, features that make it easy for you to direct your internet traffic through the Onion network. All you need to do is decide which one is right for you.
If you have issues accessing your VPN, disconnect from the server thats giving you difficulty and then reconnect to another server. Once youre successfully on the VPN, then you can open up the Tor browser.
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ExpressVPN is another great choice for Tor. It has its own.onion site in the Tor network. This gives you a safe, anonymous way to access ExpressVPNs homepage and download the VPN app, even if youre in a country that censors VPNs.
ExpressVPNs 256-bit encryption hides online traffic so youre secure and anonymous at all nodes in the Tor network, including the entry and exit nodes. Its TrustedServer technology takes it one step further by ensuring that all of its servers are loaded with the most up-to-date software at all times. This includes its RAM-based servers, which wipe all the data stored on them each time they reboot. This means that ExpressVPN cant store any of your information.
There are plenty of security protocols for you to choose from, including OpenVPN. With this protocol, you have the most advanced security features with minimal impact on your speed.
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What Is VPN Software
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your data and sends it to an intermediary server. VPN service providers operate many servers in different locations and offer different VPN protocols and features, giving you plenty of choices.
VPNs also encrypt your internet traffic, making it invisible to hackers and snoopers. Premium VPNs use top-grade 256-bit encryption systems, which are impossible to brute-force using any currently known and available device. With a VPN enabled on your gadget, you can hide your IP address and enhance your online privacy.
Protect your online identity with a VPN.
VPNs work like this:
As you can see, it requires way fewer steps than Tor to ensure security and privacy.
VPNs also encrypt your data, making it invisible to hackers and snoopers. Premium VPNs use top-grade 256-bit encryption systems, which are impossible to brute-force using any currently known and available device.
Its easy to tell who runs the servers when it comes to reputable VPN providers, so the whole procedure is more transparent. There is always somebody accountable for the service, and they usually provide customer service. This makes it more stable and reliable than the Tor browser.
VPN pros:
VPN cons: