Using a bridge even if Tor isn't blocked

1. Should I use a bridge with Tor?
2. Can Russians access Tor?
3. How do you use a bridge in Tor?
4. Can ISP see Tor Bridge?
5. Do I still need a VPN if I use Tor?
6. What percentage of bridges are unsafe?
7. Which Tor bridge is best?
8. Can you be tracked over Tor?

Should I use a bridge with Tor?

Tor bridges are secret Tor relays that keep your connection to the Tor network hidden. Use a bridge as your first Tor relay if connecting to Tor is blocked or if using Tor could look suspicious to someone who monitors your Internet connection.

Can Russians access Tor?

In December 2021, Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, enacted a 4-year-old court order that allows it to order Internet service providers (ISPs) to block the Tor Project website, where the Tor Browser can be downloaded, and restrict access to its services.

How do you use a bridge in Tor?

If you're starting Tor Browser for the first time, click "Tor Network Settings" to open the Tor settings window. Under the "Bridges" section, select the checkbox "Use a bridge", choose "Provide a bridge I know" and enter each bridge address on a separate line. Click "Connect" to save your settings.

Can ISP see Tor Bridge?

Although your internet traffic is encrypted on Tor, your ISP can still see that you're connected to Tor. Plus, Tor cannot protect against tracking at the entry and exit nodes of its network. Anyone who owns and operates the entry node will see your real IP address.

Do I still need a VPN if I use Tor?

A VPN isn't a requirement to use Tor, but it helps a lot. It encrypts your whole traffic, masking it from the ISP. In short, it's much safer to use Tor with a VPN. Not all VPNs offer Tor features in their product.

What percentage of bridges are unsafe?

There are more than 617,000 bridges across the United States. Currently, 42% of all bridges are at least 50 years old, and 46,154, or 7.5% of the nation's bridges, are considered structurally deficient, meaning they are in “poor” condition.

Which Tor bridge is best?

Obfs4 Bridge is strongly recommended on the Tor official website. All of the analysis below is based on this kind of bridge.

Can you be tracked over Tor?

If you visit a website using Tor Browser, they don't know who you are or your true location. Unfortunately many sites ask for more personal information than they need through web forms. If you sign in to that website, they still don't know your location but they know who you are.