Does using Tor guarantee anonymity?

No, using Tor WILL NOT always guarantee full anonymity. While Tor is hands-down the closest thing that we can get to complete privacy of our internet browsing, it does have its flaws. Let me explain.

Why is Tor not 100% anonymous?

Before diving deeper, it's essential to understand the basic working of Tor. Without getting too technical, the Tor browser allows users to access the internet in a way that their data takes a random path through several relays before reaching the final destination. By doing this, it hides a user's location and usage from potential network surveillance or traffic analysis, making it difficult for any potential eavesdroppers on the web to determine who and where they are.

While we will not get into much more detail on how Tor works, here is an article that covers it really well.

So when it comes to browsing anonymously on Tor, there is only one big issue, and it's that Tor is not used for casual browsing. Yes, people do say that Tor is used by people who feel like they are being stalked or journalists who want to hide their tracks, but there are currently 36 million Tor users and trust me, a good number of those users are not people who you would want to be your neighbors.

Moreover, when accessing the dark web through Tor, users need to be even more cautious. The dark web, a subset of the deep web, hosts sites and data that aren't indexed by traditional search engines. It's a place where both legitimate and illicit activities occur.

While Tor is decent at hiding your IP address, it does not mean that people who commit a crime through Tor are not criminals. Using Tor is not illegal, but that doesn't mean that the law will not TRY to knock on your doors if you do some illegal stuff through it. In other words, a hidden IP doesn't make a criminal not wanted by the law enforcement.

Vulnerabilities in the Tor Network

Another factor to consider is the exit nodes in the Tor network. The data exits the Tor network at the final relay, the "exit node", before it reaches its destination. If this data is not encrypted (say, for instance, if a user is accessing a non-HTTPS website), then the individual operating that exit node can view that data. This underscores the importance of not transmitting any personal or sensitive data through the Tor browser, even if you believe you are anonymous.

Also, while the Tor browser offers increased privacy on the internet, it doesn't encrypt your entire internet traffic. This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can come into play. By using a VPN in conjunction with Tor, users can ensure that all their data, not just that going through the Tor browser, is encrypted and secure.

Enhancing Your Anonymity: Beyond Tor

1. Using a VPN with Tor

As previously touched upon, a VPN is a crucial tool in the quest for internet privacy. When Tor and a VPN are used together, they provide a robust combination against potential intruders. A VPN hides your internet activity from your internet service provider (ISP) by encrypting your data. So, if you access Tor while connected to a VPN, your ISP cannot discern that you're using Tor. This double layer ensures that even if there's a breach in one security layer, there's another one to fall back on.

2. Avoiding Browser Fingerprinting

Every time you visit a website, your browser shares specific information like the browser type, screen resolution, installed plugins, and more. Over time, this can be used to create a unique 'fingerprint' of your browser. Even if you're using Tor, browser fingerprinting can compromise your anonymity. To combat this, always use the latest version of the Tor browser and avoid installing unnecessary plugins or extensions. Regularly clear your cookies and consider using tools designed to prevent fingerprinting.

3. HTTPS Everywhere

Although the Tor browser already comes with this extension installed, it's worth noting its importance. HTTPS Everywhere ensures that websites use HTTPS, a secure version of HTTP, which encrypts your data. This extra encryption is especially critical at Tor's exit nodes, as discussed earlier.

4. Be Wary of Cookies and JavaScript

Cookies are small files websites store on your device to remember information about you. While they can be useful for saving website preferences, they can also be used to track your online behavior. The Tor browser has a stringent cookie policy, but it's still a good practice to clear them regularly. Similarly, JavaScript can sometimes be exploited to reveal a user's real IP address. Consider disabling JavaScript, but be aware that this might break the functionality of some websites.

5. Stay Updated

Software vulnerabilities are a constant challenge in the tech world. Often, hackers exploit these vulnerabilities to compromise security. Hence, regularly updating all your software, especially your operating systems, browsers, and security tools, is essential. The Tor browser, like any other software, should always be kept updated to its latest version to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

In the evolving landscape of the digital world, where threats to privacy and security are omnipresent, it's essential to stay one step ahead. While the Tor browser offers a significant degree of anonymity, combining it with the practices and tools mentioned above can provide a comprehensive shield against potential intruders. Remember, the key to online anonymity is not just about using the right tools, but also about understanding their strengths and limitations. By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the internet more safely and anonymously.