Tor Browser has long been recognized for providing anonymity online and is considered essential by privacy-minded users instead of conventional methods like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Now, with its latest release of 14.0, there is much to celebrate regarding privacy, security, and usability enhancements!
To help you understand the significance of this release and how downloading and testing out Tor 14.0 will improve your digital security, privacy, and anonymity, I'll explain the notable updates and improvements introduced in this monumental release and then walk you through how to download Tor 14.0 on your Linux systems. Let's begin by understanding Tor Browser and how it differs from a VPN.
Understanding Tor Browser & How It Differs From a VPN
Tor is built upon onion routing technology for anonymous communication across computer networks. Tor uses over seven thousand relays as its encryption layer of choice. Each relay adds additional encryption layers that protect users and obscure their source and identity.
While both provide users with anonymity online, their methods vary considerably. VPN providers create tunnels through which you access internet traffic masked with IP addresses belonging to them, but providers can still see your traffic. However, due to its multilayer encryption approach, Tor prevents anyone from learning your location or browsing habits - including relays.
Tor Browser 14.0: What's New?
The Tor Browser 14.0 release contains numerous changes designed to empower users with enhanced privacy, security, performance, and usability. The most notable updates and improvements include:
Upgraded Foundations
Tor Browser 14.0 has upgraded its foundation by migrating to Firefox Extended Support Release 128 (ESR 128). This is an important milestone, as it ensures the browser has integrated one year's worth of Firefox updates into its architecture and becomes even stronger against online threats while offering a more user-friendly experience.
Enhanced Security
Tor has improved security by addressing over 200 vulnerabilities found in Firefox code that could threaten user security. Furthermore, new typography aims to enhance both readability and accessibility to make Tor more secure and easier on the eyes.
One of the update's core features is Encrypted Client Hello (ECH). As its successor to Server Name Indication encryption, ECH seals gaps that allow network observers to monitor which websites users are accessing despite using HTTPS encryption.
Tor's developers have also enhanced its user agent spoofing capabilities, which obscure a user's browser and operating system. This makes it harder for websites or individuals to track them across various websites (cross-site tracking) or identify them through browser fingerprinting, a technique in which websites collect data about your device for identification purposes.
Usability Improvements
Tor Browser 14.0 introduces a new circuit feature for Android, increasing flexibility and control. Suppose users experience connectivity issues with a website. In that case, they can now request a relay circuit directly within the app without needing new identification, improving both accessibility and usability of the browser on the go for all.
Known Issues and Transparency
Tor Project's commitment to transparency extends to their disclosure of known issues with each release. Users running their browser in compatibility mode on Windows may experience discrepancies in OS reporting that make Windows 10 and 11 appear as Windows 7. Therefore, switch off compatibility mode before updating to ensure a smooth transition during any updates.
Tor 14.0 offers excellent support for legacy systems, providing critical updates for older versions of Windows and macOS.
Installing Tor Browser 14.0 on Linux
Linux users, known for their dedication to open-source software and privacy, tend to take the lead when adopting security-focused updates such as Tor Browser 14.0 on Linux machines. Installing it should be relatively straightforward: just follow the steps below.
- Navigate to Tor Project's official website and locate its download section for Linux systems.
- Install the Tor Browser package compatible with your Linux distribution.
- Extract the archive.
- Ensure that LANG corresponds with your preferred language abbreviation and that x64 becomes x32 if running a 32-bit Linux system.
- Access the newly extracted Tor Browser folder and initiate its setup by double-clicking on its icon or running start-tor-browser.desktop from within a terminal session.
- This setup will guide you through a quick configuration process to help ensure optimal privacy settings based on your requirements.
Once completed, you can browse privately and securely using Tor Browser 14.0.
Have you given Tor Browser 14.0 a try? How has your experience been so far? We'd love to hear what you think of these updates and improvements! Reach out to us on X @lnxsec and let us know.
Our Final Thoughts on the Tor Browser 14.0 Release
Tor Browser 14.0 marks an impressive step forward in the browser's evolution, strengthening privacy, security, and user experience for every platform user. This latest iteration further illustrates Tor's dedication to online anonymity while assuring users' digital footprints remain secure across devices.
Linux users can use Tor's straightforward installation process to stay ahead of privacy and security threats. With Tor 14.0, users gain a comprehensive toolset to navigate online while confidently keeping their identities hidden.
