[tor-talk] VPN then Tor - is this safe?

[Bernard Tyers]

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Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

On 29/04/2014 23:03, Mirimir wrote:
> Using Tor through VPNs, it is VPN providers who see connections
> with entry guards, rather than ISPs. And ISPs see VPN links rather
> than connections with entry guards. Which is safer depends on how
> much one trusts ones ISP vs ones VPN provider.

In this person's case, they trusted the ISP less as it is a UK ISP and
so subject to the recent "Cameron Porn Filter", and all other filters
that are probably coming down the track.

Regarding the VPN provider, I don't know how trustworthy witopio is.

> Using VPNs tunneled through Tor is always less anonymous than using
> Tor alone. Even with free VPNs, the exit IP does not change, except
> in a limited way using different VPN exits. Also, Tor circuits
> don't change except when the VPN reconnects.

When you say "except when the VPN reconnects" you mean the VPN
end-point reconnecting to the Tor node, or the end-user reconnecting
to the VPN node? I presume the latter.

> However, using VPNs tunneled through Tor is always more anonymous
> than using VPNs alone. And that may be necessary for accessing
> websites that block Tor exits.

Good point. I will find out more.

Thanks,
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