All I keep seeing on this sub is LE starting to crack down on things. Is tor by itself ok for just small amounts domestically or is a vpn necessary all the time.
Is it necessary to pay for a Vpn???
All I keep seeing on this sub is LE starting to crack down on things. Is tor by itself ok for just small amounts domestically or is a vpn necessary all the time.
[11 Points] why_areyouso_sad:
[4 Points] egorgian:
What a VPN hides when connecting through TOR is the fact of your ISP knowing that you connected to TOR. LE is "starting to crack down" on vendors, not consumers. Knowing this fact you either have 2 choices, spoof your mac address and connect to a cracked/open wifi, or connect through tor with a VPN. As many people said here, you have to be VERY selective as to who you choose as most VPN providers will give out logs when asked by LE.
https://torrentfreak.com/vpn-anonymous-review-160220/
If you want my suggestion, I use Mullvad payed through BTC.
[3 Points] thealphaboy:
Which vpns are the best that dont keep logs????
[3 Points] got_pwnt:
the benefits are negligible at best. it isnt just a matter of "omg do they keep logs?!" at all. data retention laws in the country the vpn server is physically located in are equally (if not more so) important, amongst other things.
imho it's just another third party to trust and another point of potential failure. not having a vpn is highly unlikely to be what is getting people busted. keeping your irl opsec game correct and using your fucking brain online (if at all possible...) will do more to keep you safe.
besides which...it isn't exactly a secret that vpn traffic is heavily scrutinized/targeted as well.
edit: but ffs if youre going to use one, don't use a damn free one. you're the product for 100% of the free vpn services, not the consumer.
[3 Points] None:
Tor with bridges only (Tails -USB)
Vpns are only good for personal clearnet use. That said, they may just be "snake oil" in that case as well.
Edit: VPNs only compromise OPSEC on TAILS
[2 Points] RdZ-NL:
A VPN has the problem that all your communications go through the same tunnel and can be traced back to you by your credentials: single point of failure. Different entry points or a healivy used open wifi is probably safer when your connection is properly encrypted. And a free VPN is definitely a big no-no! But as a small buyer, I'd think TOR alone should be enough. Probably also depend on your country.
[1 Points] sapiophile:
[1 Points] AlpraKing:
the VPN will only hide your tor activity from LE / your ISP
Instead of seeing you using tor, your ISP / LE will see you are using a VPN
I believe VPN + TOR is safer, assuming you use a decent VPN that doesn't keep logs
[1 Points] justaniceyoungman:
Privateinternetaccess has been great so far. I've had it for just about a year. Used a gift card I got from work and bought a year.
[1 Points] NTdraught:
I've used PIA and AIRVPN for a couple of years each. Both of which I have nothing bad to say about. PIA- Turn key program, easy and simple to use AIRVPN- More technical minded, seemingly endless option/tweaks etc.
4 paid VPNs from 4 different providers is standard OPSEC these days