Buzz
When it comes to security and privacy, there are several common terms we can explore. You may have encountered privacy issues and used the Tor browser to browse anonymously. And VPNs often appear in tech articles and tutorials. However, there's another option you might consider: I2P.
The name 'Tor' comes from the original software project: The Onion Router. Tor software directs web traffic through a worldwide network of relay connections. It's called 'Onion Routing' because your data passes through multiple layers.
Comparing I2P, Tor, and VPN
In addition to layers, Tor encrypts all network traffic, including the IP addresses of next nodes. Data is encrypted through multiple randomly selected relays, with only one layer containing the IP address for the next node decrypted while forwarding.
The final relay node decrypts the entire packet, sending data to the ultimate destination without 'leaking' data - at any point - the source IP address.
How to Use Tor?
Using the Tor web browser is the simplest way to utilize Tor software. Downloading and installing the Tor web browser is similar to installing any other software.
You can download the Tor browser to your computer and install it to experience the privacy and security technologies of the browser here: Download Tor Browser
After downloading and installing, open the browser and follow the steps to set up security for the browser, and you can browse the web as usual.
The process may be slower than usual - it takes time to send data through multiple relays.
Why Should You Use Tor?
The Tor browser encrypts all transmitted data. Hence, many users use Tor to avoid: criminals, journalists, hackers/crackers, government agencies, ... . In fact, the Tor Browser is a browser developed for the U.S. Navy (U.S. Naval Research) and the DARPA project.
The Tor browser is also one of the fastest direct pathways to the dark web. The dark web is also referred to as the 'dark underbelly' (sometimes called the 'surface') of the websites we browse daily.
Whenever you hear stories about an online marketplace selling illegal substances and goods, they're talking about a website hosted on the Dark net.
However, Tor can be used for various purposes. For example, airlines use complex algorithms to keep tabs on flights, adjusting prices according to demand.
Facebook is currently the largest social network, yet sometimes users still can't log into Facebook the usual way. In this case, the Tor Browser will help you access Facebook easily, referring to how to access Facebook with Tor Browser here will be one of the best methods to log in to Facebook without having to do anything else.
Does Tor Protect Your Privacy?
Tor is designed to protect privacy issues from bottom to top. If you only use the Tor Browser to browse the web on the Internet, you won't have to be 'on guard' against anyone, anywhere.
However, the Xkeyscore program of the National Security Agency (NSA) - the U.S. national security agency collects all users accessing Tor websites and downloading the Tor Browser.
Tor only encrypts data sent and received on the Tor browser (or another browser using Tor software). It does not encrypt network activity for your entire system.
Invisible Internet Project (I2P) is a 'garlic routing' protocol. It is a variant of the 'onion routing' protocol used by Tor.
I2P is an 'anonymous network layer.' The 'garlic routing' protocol encrypts multiple messages together to obscure data traffic analysis while increasing network access speed. The name of the 'garlic routing' protocol is derived from garlic in reality.
Each message is a 'garlic clove', the entire encrypted message is a garlic head. Each encrypted message has its own instructions, and each endpoint acts as a cryptographic identifier.
Comparing I2P, Tor, and VPN, which is safer
Each I2P client (router) constructs a series of tunnels to (inbound tunnel) and from (outbound tunnel) - direct peer-to-peer (P2P) network connections. The main difference between I2P and other P2P networks you've used is the choice of tunnel length. Tunnel length is an anonymity factor, latency, and throughput, forming part of the peer-to-peer (P2P) network model.
The result is the minimum number of small peer-to-peer networks that can relay messages according to the model of each sender and recipient.
If you're using the Chrome browser, you can still browse anonymously on Google Chrome using Tor, refer to how to go incognito on Chrome with Tor here to activate this highly effective feature.
How to Use I2P?
The simplest way to use I2P is to download and install the official I2P package. After installation, open Start I2P (restartable). This action will open a locally hosted web page in Internet Explorer, the default I2P browser (you can change this setting later). It's the I2P Router Console, or in other words, it's the virtual router used to maintain your I2P connections. You'll also see the I2P Service command prompt window - ignore this and let it run in the background.
It may take a few minutes for the I2P service to start running, especially on the first boot. Take the time to configure your bandwidth settings.
Comparing I2P, Tor, and VPN
I2P enables users to create and store hidden websites, also known as 'eepsites'. To access an eepsite, you'll need to configure your browser to use a specific I2P proxy.
Why Should You Use I2P?
I2P and Tor provide similar web browsing experiences. Depending on your I2P bandwidth configuration, I2P may be faster than the Tor Browser and run smoothly on your current browser. I2P has a full range of hidden services, many of which are faster than equivalent applications on Tor - a plus point for I2P over Tor.
I2P runs alongside your regular Internet connection and encrypts browser traffic. However, I2P is not the best tool for anonymous web browsing. It limits the number of outproxies (where your access traffic merges back into 'normal internet traffic') meaning less anonymity when using I2P.
Does I2P Protect Your Privacy?
The answer is yes. I2P protects your privacy very well, unless you're using it for regular web browsing. And even then, it would take considerable effort to 'de-anonymize' your web traffic.
I2P uses a P2P distribution model to ensure data collection, statistics gathering, and system network overview. Furthermore, this garlic routing protocol encrypts multiple messages together, making traffic analysis much more complex.
The I2P tunnels mentioned earlier are uni-directional: data only goes one way. One inbound tunnel, one outbound tunnel. This provides greater anonymity.
I2P only encrypts data sent and received through the configured browser. It does not encrypt network activity for your entire system.
Finally, the Virtual Private Network (VPN) - a virtual private network. VPN operates differently from Tor and I2P. Instead of focusing solely on encrypting browser traffic, VPN encrypts all network traffic in and out. Meaning VPN provides regular users with an easy 'pathway' to protect their data.
How Does VPN Work?
Typically, when you send a request (such as clicking a link in your web browser or activating Skype for a video call), your request pings the designated data hosting server and it returns the results to you. Data connections are often insecure, and any sufficiently knowledgeable computer user can access them (especially if using HTTP instead of HTTPS).
VPN connects to a pre-configured server, establishing a direct connection called a 'tunnel' (though with the increasing use of VPN, this term is less common). The direct connection between your system and the VPN server is encrypted, as well as all your data.
VPN is accessed through a client that you install on your computer. Most VPNs use public-key cryptography. When you open the VPN client and use your login information, it will exchange public keys, confirm the connection, and protect your network access traffic.
Why Should You Use VPN?
VPN encrypts your network traffic, ensuring that everything related to your internet connection on your system remains within a 'safe' scope, away from prying eyes. Nowadays, VPN is becoming increasingly popular and is useful in various cases:
- Safeguarding your data on public Wifi connections.
- Accessing geographically restricted content.
- Adding an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive information.
- Protecting your privacy from government surveillance or other agencies.
Does VPN Protect Your Privacy?
Certainly, VPN ensures the protection of your privacy issues. However, everything comes with a price. While there are many free VPN service providers, your privacy may not be fully safeguarded. To ensure your privacy, consider using paid VPN software with higher security measures.
For instance, many free VPN service providers store logs of all users and their internet traffic. So, while the data to and from the servers is securely encrypted, providers still maintain a record of user activities.
While most VPN service providers do not intend to 'hand you over' to authorities, they are obligated to provide whatever information they know about you in the event of legal proceedings. If you desire a truly secure connection with no logging, you may seek out and explore VPN software that offers this feature.
VPN is an excellent solution, effortlessly restoring privacy without needing to alter your regular browser or internet usage habits.
Many people still confuse VPN and Proxy on their computers. To gain a better understanding of these concepts, feel free to read our article on the difference between VPN and Proxy here.
Comparing Tor, I2P, and VPN: Which is Safer?
If you prioritize private browsing, accessing the dark web, and don't mind slightly slower internet speeds, you may opt for Tor.
If accessing hidden services, messaging tools within the peer-to-peer network, and faster internet speeds are your preferences, you may choose I2P.
Finally, if you aim to encrypt all incoming and outgoing network traffic, you can opt for VPN.
Some users opt to use the Tor Browser through a non-logging VPN. Others prefer a simpler approach, activating a free VPN when they want to access and conduct online transactions with their bank at a public location such as a coffee shop, ... .
However, VPNs have now become an integral part of security technologies, and you should consider using a VPN. There are many VPN software and services that provide good support for users. You can refer to the VPN list here to choose the most suitable software or service for yourself.
