Security - IT-Service-Commander.de

2025-05-17: Anonymous. Secure. Free: TOR Network

Why you should not only use the network, but also support it:

The internet should be a place of freedom — a space where you can inform yourself, communicate, and express your opinion without being constantly watched or controlled. Unfortunately, the reality looks quite different: surveillance, data collection, censorship. That’s where TOR comes in — the “The Onion Router” network. And no, it’s not just for hackers or whistleblowers. TOR is for anyone who wants to protect their privacy online.

? TOR Is Not a Hiding Place for Criminals — It’s a Shield for Citizens

TOR often has a bad reputation because it’s associated with the so-called “dark web.” But that image is misleading. TOR was not created for illegal purposes — it was developed as a tool for ordinary citizens who want to keep their online activity private.

Whether you want to browse anonymously, avoid being tracked by advertisers, or bypass censorship in authoritarian regimes — TOR gives you the ability to move through the internet securely and without being watched.

?️‍♂️ Snowden, Assange, and the Reality of Mass Surveillance

You may remember Edward Snowden, who revealed in 2013 how extensively the NSA and other intelligence agencies are monitoring people around the world. Or Julian Assange, who, through WikiLeaks, published confidential documents exposing war crimes and corruption.

Both men used secure, anonymous communication methods — including TOR — to protect their sources and themselves. Without such tools, many of these truths would have remained hidden. TOR is not just a piece of software — it’s a symbol of transparency, accountability, and freedom of information.

⚙️ How You Can Support TOR — By Running a Relay

TOR relies on its users to stay strong. Especially important are Middle Relays — the servers that forward encrypted traffic through the network. The more of these relays exist, the faster, more stable, and more secure the entire system becomes.

The good news: Running a relay is technically simple, inexpensive, and has a big impact — for you and for millions of users around the globe.

I have provided a corresponding tutorial for your own Linux server here for free:

https://it-service-commander.de/en/tutorials-2/docker/install-tor-server-in-a-docker-container-on-your-vps/

? Digital Freedom Is Not a Given

Data retention laws, chat control, constant tracking — these are not just buzzwords. They represent real threats to civil liberties. Both governments and corporations are collecting data at a scale that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Privacy is not a luxury — it is a fundamental digital right. And now, more than ever, it needs to be defended.

✅ Conclusion

TOR is not a criminal hiding place, but a protective tool for free speech, journalism, and digital self-determination.

If you use TOR, you protect your own data.
If you actively support TOR, for example by running a relay, you help make the internet a freer and safer place — for everyone.

Real freedom begins with digital responsibility — and that’s in your hands.

More Information: https://www.torproject.org/

2025-04-30: Avoid Port Forwarding – Use VPN Instead

? In an increasingly interconnected world, many people want secure access to their home network from anywhere. However, significant security risks exist, especially if you simply open ports on your router. A better alternative is using VPN technologies like WireGuard or OpenVPN.

VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and refers to a secure connection that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a protected tunnel between your device and the network. This keeps your data safe from prying eyes and ensures that only authorized users gain access.

⚠️ Risks of Port Forwarding

Port forwarding on a router may initially seem like a simple solution for accessing NAS devices, smart home systems, or surveillance cameras remotely. However, each open port creates a potential entry point for cybercriminals:

? Open Attack Surface: Every forwarded port can be discovered and attacked from the outside. Hackers and automated scripts actively look for open ports and vulnerabilities.
? Lack of Encryption: Without additional security measures, data traffic usually remains unencrypted, making sensitive information easily readable.
? Weak Authentication: Many devices offer insufficient protection or default passwords that can easily be compromised.

✅ Benefits of WireGuard and OpenVPN

Instead of directly forwarding ports, you should use VPN solutions like WireGuard or OpenVPN, which offer numerous advantages:

? Enhanced Security Through Encryption: All data traffic is securely encrypted, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties.
?️ Strong Authentication: Only authorized users can access your network, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
?️ Hidden Infrastructure: No directly visible ports from outside, effectively making your devices invisible to automated attacks.

? Why Choose WireGuard or OpenVPN?

Both technologies have proven their reliability:

? WireGuard is lightweight, fast, easy to set up, and offers state-of-the-art cryptography. Ideal for home users looking for straightforward and quick access.
⚙️ OpenVPN has been established for years, is highly flexible, and widely supported. Perfect for complex requirements and professional environments.

? Conclusion

If you take your privacy and security seriously, avoid simple port forwarding and instead use proven VPN solutions such as WireGuard or OpenVPN. This ensures your data remains protected and your home network stays safe from attackers.