A Guide to Safe Set-Up & Use of Onion Over VPN
The term “Onion over VPN” refers to a method of online security that protects personal information and activities from cybercriminals, surveillance agencies, and governments, ensuring privacy in a digital landscape.
If you’re curious about what it is, how it functions, and the levels of protection it offers, you’ve come to the right place. This article aims to demystify Onion over VPN, explaining its fundamentals and guiding you on how to harness it to safeguard your privacy in the era of mass surveillance.
What Is Onion?
The Onion Router, more commonly known as Tor, is a free anonymity service renowned for enabling individuals worldwide to evade censorship and access the entire internet, including the mysterious realm of the dark web. Like popular web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, Tor is open-source and free. It is an effective shield against many online trackers, be they ISPs, cybercriminals, websites, advertisers, or government surveillance operations.
Tor’s strength lies in its ability to encrypt your internet traffic thrice, sending it on a convoluted journey through randomly selected volunteer-hosted servers before it reaches its intended destination. This ensures you remain hidden under an anonymity cloak, appearing almost indistinguishable from any other Tor user. It is extremely difficult for trackers to “fingerprint” you using information about your browser and device thanks to this multi-layered encryption.
What Is Onion over VPN?
Onion over VPN, also known as Tor over VPN, is a method that combines VPN security and privacy with Tor’s anonymity, offering a more robust defense for digital identity and data.
However, it’s essential to understand that anonymity and privacy are not synonymous. When you’re anonymous, you appear similar to other users. However, your activity can still be examine by anyone with a vested interest (such as someone operating a Tor entry or exit node). On the other hand, privacy entails complete concealment within the private tunnel provided by the VPN, making you impervious to external observation. The caveat is that you must trust your VPN provider, who can peer behind the curtain if they choose to.
The journey your data takes when using Onion over VPN is as follows:
- Your data is encrypted by the VPN.
- The data is then encrypted again by Tor.
- The VPN server receives your data.
- The VPN decrypts the data before sending it to Tor, but it remains encrypted.
- Your data traverses the Tor network, losing an encryption layer at each node.
- Your data arrives at the destination site entirely unencrypted.
On its return journey:
- A website, app, or service sends data to you.
- Tor encrypts this data.
- The Tor network relays the data.
- The VPN encrypts the data once more.
- The VPN server sends the doubly-encrypted data to your device.
- Tor decrypts the data.
- The VPN decrypts the data again.
Also Read How to install a VPN on a school computer
Why Should You Use Onion over VPN?
Using Onion over VPN introduces an additional layer of encryption security to your online activities and overall internet connection. This effectively prevents any prying eyes from observing your online behaviour.
Without a VPN, your ISP can detect your use of Tor, potentially leading to disconnection or reporting for suspicious activity. Moreover, the entry node into the Tor network can ascertain your IP address, a risk particularly troubling in regions with heightened surveillance.
These privacy issues are eliminated by using an onion over VPN. Since the entry node seesYour anonymity is maintained because the VPN server’s IP address, not your own, is used. Using Tor is less noticeable and poses less security risks, even though your ISP might still be able to detect that you’re using a VPN.
| Advantages of Onion Over VPN: | Disadvantages of Onion Over VPN: |
|---|---|
| The Tor entry node cannot see your IP address. | This may lead to a noticeable decrease in connection speeds. |
| Your ISP can detect your VPN usage but not Tor, reducing suspicion. | Websites and applications can identify Tor network usage and may report or block you. |
| Access to onion sites on the dark web. | Your VPN provider can detect your use of Tor and see your IP address. |
| Anonymous surfing. | Not ideal for torrenting activities. |
| Use Tor on restricted networks like schools or countries where Tor is banned. | |
| Switching to a regular browser for non-sensitive tasks while maintaining VPN protection. | |
| Your VPN provider cannot monitor the websites you visit or your online activities. |
How to Set Up Onion over VPN
Configuring Onion over VPN is a straightforward process:
- Connect to your VPN service. CyberGhost VPN is recommended due to its user-friendly interface and speed, which helps offset some of Tor’s latency.
- Launch your Tor browser, which you can download from the official Tor website for free.
- Begin your browsing session, now fortified with double layers of security and privacy.
Onion over VPN is built-in support by some VPN service providers. In this scenario, you don’t need to open a Tor browser separately. Instead, after you’ve established a connection to a Tor-over-VPN server, Tor will be used to encrypt all of your internet traffic. Your whole online connection and browsing history become anonymous as a result.
However, this approach has its drawbacks. You won’t benefit from key Tor browser features like script and tracker blocking, and your regular cookies and other identifiers will still be stored by the browser, allowing websites to track you across the web.
To protect your privacy, it’s crucial to choose a VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy, as they can monitor all your online activities.
When selecting a VPN, prioritize one that you can trust.
With your most sensitive information. Look for a VPN service that boasts a no-logs policy, assuring you that your Tor-related activities won’t be reported to authorities.
CyberGhost VPN fully supports the guiding principle of Tor, which states that “Everyone has the right to enjoy private access to an uncensored web.” We recognize that the dark web is not solely a realm of hostility, as there are legitimate reasons for individuals, such as journalists, those residing under oppressive regimes, or researchers handling sensitive data, to seek the anonymity and confidentiality offered by the dark web.
Bottom Line
In an era where online privacy is precious, Onion over VPN is a formidable tool to shield your digital identity from prying eyes. By combining the security of a VPN with the anonymity of Tor, you can confidently navigate the internet, knowing that your data remains encrypted and your online activities are shielded from surveillance.
However, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of Onion over VPN is essential to determine if it aligns with your specific online needs and priorities.
10 Useful and Unique FAQs with Answers
Is using Onion over VPN legal?
Yes, using Onion over VPN is legal in most countries. It combines two legitimate tools, a VPN and the Tor network, to enhance online privacy and security. However, it’s essential to abide by the laws and regulations of your specific jurisdiction while using these tools.
Can I use any VPN with Tor for Onion over VPN?
Not all VPNs are suitable for Onion over VPN. It’s crucial to choose a VPN provider that explicitly supports this configuration. Look for VPNs with Tor-over-VPN servers and strong privacy policies.
Does Onion over VPN slow down my internet connection?
Yes, Onion over VPN can result in slower connection speeds due to the added encryption and routing through the Tor network. However, this slowdown may vary depending on your VPN provider and your internet connection’s speed.
Can I use Onion over VPN for torrenting?
There are better choices than Onion over VPN for torrenting. The added encryption layers can significantly reduce download and upload speeds, making it less than ideal for P2P file sharing. Many VPN providers offer dedicated servers for torrenting, which may be a better option.
Does Onion over VPN make me completely anonymous online?
While Onion over VPN enhances your anonymity, it does not provide absolute anonymity. Your level of obscurity depends on various factors, including the VPN provider’s policies and the specific websites or services you access.
Are there any privacy risks associated with using Onion over VPN?
One potential privacy risk is that your VPN provider can see you use Tor. However, they won’t have access to the content of your online activities. Choosing a trustworthy VPN with a no-logs policy is essential to mitigate this risk.
Can I use Onion over VPN on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use Onion over VPN on mobile devices. Many VPN providers offer mobile apps that support this configuration, allowing you to browse securely on your smartphone or tablet.
Are there any additional costs associated with using Onion over VPN?
Using Onion over VPN typically doesn’t incur additional costs beyond your VPN subscription fee. However, checking with your VPN provider to confirm their pricing structure is advisable.
Can I access the dark web with Onion over VPN?
Yes, Onion over VPN enables you to access .onion websites on the dark web while enjoying the added security of a VPN. It’s essential to exercise caution and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines when exploring the dark web.
What are the alternatives to Onion over VPN for online privacy?
Alternative methods for enhancing online privacy include using a VPN alone, using the Tor browser without a VPN, or utilizing privacy-focused browsers and search engines. The choice depends on your specific privacy needs and preferences.
