Category: Glossary

  • Dark Web

    The “dark web” refers to websites which are not accessible via the normal internet. The Tor network allows access to a dark web of .onion websites, but other dark webs exist which are unrelated to Tor.

  • Threat Model

    Be sure to read our threat modeling guide for a full explanation on why threat modeling is the first step you need to take when deciding which privacy tools are right for you.

  • Open-source

    Open-source software is software which is released under a Copyright license which allows anyone the ability to inspect, modify, and distribute the code for any purpose. It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner.

  • Privacy Software

    Privacy Software is software built to protect the privacy of its users. There are typically two main ways software will accomplish this: Privacy Guides is a non-profit, independent resource which provides software information and reviews, without sponsors or affiliates. Our recommended privacy tools are primarily chosen based on security features, with additional emphasis on decentralized…

  • Tor Network

    Tor is a free to use, decentralized network designed for using the internet with as much privacy as possible. If used properly, the network enables private and anonymous browsing and communications. Tor works by routing your internet traffic through those volunteer-operated servers, instead of making a direct connection to the site you’re trying to visit.…

  • VPN

    A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service which allows you to route your internet traffic to another server somewhere else in the world. This protects your privacy by giving you an IP address which is shared by everyone else using the same VPN, and by hiding your internet traffic from your Internet Service Provider…

  • Entry Node

    An entry node is the server you connect to when you use the Tor network. Traffic through the Tor network is routed through 3 servers: An entry, middle, and exit node. This route is also called a circuit. The entry node sees your computer’s IP address, but it doesn’t see what website you’re connecting to…

  • Exit Node

    An exit node is a server which acts as a gateway between the network you’re connected to and the rest of the internet. When you connect to the Tor Network, your traffic is sent through three servers before reaching its destination, this connection is called a circuit. When you visit a website with the Tor…