# webvpn.org

> Plain-English guides to anonymous browsing: web proxies, hiding your IP address, VPN safety and no-logs policies on every platform.

webvpn.org ran as a free web proxy (anonymizer) from 2010. The proxy service is closed; the site now publishes plain-English guides on anonymous browsing, hiding your IP address, VPN safety and no-logs policies. Every page has a plain-text twin at the same path with a .txt suffix.

## Guides and articles

- [What an anonymous browsing proxy does, and why ours closed](https://webvpn.org/web-proxy/): What an anonymous browsing proxy really hides, why the free webvpn.org proxy closed, how it compares with a VPN and Tor, and what to use instead today. (text: https://webvpn.org/web-proxy.txt)
- [Are VPNs safe? An honest answer for ordinary users](https://webvpn.org/are-vpns-safe/): Are VPNs safe to use? They move your trust from your ISP to one company. Learn the real risks, how to judge a provider, and whether Proton VPN and free VPNs hold up. (text: https://webvpn.org/are-vpns-safe.txt)
- [How to hide your IP address, step by step](https://webvpn.org/hide-ip-address/): Learn how to hide your IP address with a VPN, Tor, a proxy or your browser's built-in relay, what each method really conceals, and how to verify it worked. (text: https://webvpn.org/hide-ip-address.txt)
- [VPN provider no logs: what the claim means and how to check it](https://webvpn.org/no-logs-vpn/): What a VPN provider with no logs must not record, how to read a no-logs policy, what audits and court cases prove, and where free no-logs VPNs fit in. (text: https://webvpn.org/no-logs-vpn.txt)
- [How to hide your IP address on an iPhone](https://webvpn.org/hide-ip-address-iphone/): Three ways to hide your IP address on an iPhone: Safari's built-in relay, the Limit IP Address Tracking switch and a VPN app. Steps for every recent iPhone model. (text: https://webvpn.org/hide-ip-address-iphone.txt)
- [How to hide your IP address in a browser, and why private mode does not](https://webvpn.org/hide-ip-address-browser/): Does private browsing or incognito hide your IP address? No. Here is how to hide your IP in Safari and Chrome for real, and what each browser setting actually does. (text: https://webvpn.org/hide-ip-address-browser.txt)

## VPN guides: how the tunnel works and how to run it properly

Independent VPN guides from webvpn.org: what a VPN does, WireGuard vs OpenVPN, running a VPN on a router, DNS leak tests, free VPNs and using a VPN with Tor. Index: https://webvpn.org/vpn/ (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn.txt)

- [What is a VPN and why is it used: the plain-English version](https://webvpn.org/vpn/what-is-a-vpn/): What a VPN is in computer terms, why people use one, whether VPNs hide your IP address, what a VPN cannot do, and how to decide if you need one. No jargon, no pitch. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/what-is-a-vpn.txt)
- [Free VPN for privacy: the honest trade-offs before you install one](https://webvpn.org/vpn/free-vpn-for-privacy/): Can a free VPN protect your privacy or hide your IP address? How free VPN plans make money, which free tiers are trustworthy, what a free iPhone VPN does, safer options. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/free-vpn-for-privacy.txt)
- [WireGuard setup from a blank server to a working tunnel](https://webvpn.org/vpn/wireguard-setup/): A plain-English WireGuard setup guide: install the server, generate keys, write the config, add peers and connect a phone or laptop. Checklist and common mistakes. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/wireguard-setup.txt)
- [WireGuard vs OpenVPN performance and security, compared honestly](https://webvpn.org/vpn/wireguard-vs-openvpn/): WireGuard vs OpenVPN compared on performance, speed, security and compatibility, what secure VPN tunneling protocols share, and how to enable custom protocols on a Mac. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/wireguard-vs-openvpn.txt)
- [How to configure a VPN on a router so every device is covered](https://webvpn.org/vpn/vpn-on-router/): How to configure a VPN on a router step by step: which routers support it, where the settings live, WireGuard and OpenVPN client setup, speed limits, and free VPN limits. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/vpn-on-router.txt)
- [DNS leak test for a VPN: what to check and how to read the result](https://webvpn.org/vpn/dns-leak-test/): How to run a DNS leak test for your VPN, test DNS over HTTPS and encrypted DNS, and check your anonymity. What each result means and how to fix a leaking resolver. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/dns-leak-test.txt)
- [Best VPN for using Tor, and whether you need one at all](https://webvpn.org/vpn/vpn-with-tor/): Should you use a VPN with Tor? How Tor over VPN and VPN over Tor differ, what an anonymous VPN can and cannot add to Tor, and how to judge a provider without a ranking. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/vpn-with-tor.txt)

## Online anonymity guides: tools, habits and honest limits

Plain-English anonymity guides: Tor Browser and onion routing, I2P, Tails, Whonix and Qubes, anonymous email and phone numbers, fingerprinting, private search, payments. Index: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/ (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity.txt)

- [How to create an anonymous email address, and keep it that way](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/create-anonymous-email/): How to create an anonymous email account step by step: choosing a provider, signing up without a phone number, and the habits that stop it being linked back to you. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/create-anonymous-email.txt)
- [How to send an email anonymously: three ways that actually work](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/send-anonymous-email/): Is there a way to send an anonymous email? Yes: a privacy email account over Tor, a no-registration sending service, or a temporary address. How each works and fails. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/send-anonymous-email.txt)
- [How to send an anonymous email from Gmail, and why it is only half anonymous](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-email-gmail/): Can you send an anonymous email from Gmail? You can hide your name from the recipient, but not from Google. What Gmail records and how to set up a pseudonymous account. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-email-gmail.txt)
- [Best anonymous email: the criteria that matter more than any ranking](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/best-anonymous-email/): How to choose the best anonymous email provider: what to demand from a free anonymous email account, how secure free email works, and the features that actually matter. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/best-anonymous-email.txt)
- [Anonymous temporary email: the right tool for signups, the wrong one for secrets](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/temporary-anonymous-email/): What a temporary anonymous email address is, when it protects you and when it exposes you, how disposable inboxes differ from aliases, and how to use temp email safely. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/temporary-anonymous-email.txt)
- [Tor Browser: the free onion routing browser, explained before you open it](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-browser/): Tor Browser is a free onion routing browser for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Where to download it safely, how onion routing protects you, and safe habits. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-browser.txt)
- [Tor Browser for iPhone: what exists, what iOS allows, and how to browse anonymously on iOS](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-browser-iphone/): There is no official Tor Browser for iPhone. What the Tor Project recommends for iOS, how Onion Browser works, what iOS limits, and how to browse anonymously on iPhone. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-browser-iphone.txt)
- [Tor Browser for Linux and macOS: getting it, verifying it and running it correctly](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-browser-linux-mac/): How to download Tor Browser for Mac and install Tor Browser on Linux safely: official sources, signature verification, the Linux launcher, first run and updates. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-browser-linux-mac.txt)
- [What is onion routing and how does it work inside Tor](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/onion-routing/): What onion routing is, how it works step by step, why Tor wraps traffic in three encrypted layers, the history of the project, and what onion routing cannot protect. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/onion-routing.txt)
- [Tor exit node explained: what the last relay sees and why the exit list is public](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-exit-node/): What a Tor exit node is, what it can and cannot see, why the Tor exit node list is public, how websites use it to block Tor users, and what that means for your anonymity. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-exit-node.txt)
- [Tor Browser bridges: how to get one and why there is no public list](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-bridges/): What Tor bridges are, how to get bridges from the Tor Project when your network blocks Tor, the difference between obfs4, Snowflake and WebTunnel, and how to enter one. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-bridges.txt)
- [What is I2P: the invisible internet project, its router and its browser setup](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/what-is-i2p/): What I2P is and what the name means, how the I2P network and router work, how it differs from Tor, where to download I2P and how to set up an I2P browser the first time. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/what-is-i2p.txt)
- [I2P sites and search: finding eepsites and using I2P torrenting](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/i2p-sites/): How to find I2P websites, why there is no complete list of eepsites, how I2P search engines and address books work, and how to browse I2P sites safely. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/i2p-sites.txt)
- [Tor vs I2P: two anonymity networks, two different jobs](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-vs-i2p/): Tor vs I2P compared honestly: design, speed, what each is for, exit nodes vs no exit, hidden services vs eepsites, and how to choose between them for a specific task. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tor-vs-i2p.txt)
- [What is Tails OS and how does it work: the amnesic system explained](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tails-os/): What Tails OS is, how the amnesic live system works, whether Tails is safe, hardware requirements and laptop choice, and why Tails cannot run on Android or macOS. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tails-os.txt)
- [How to install Tails OS on a USB drive, from download to first boot](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/install-tails/): Installing Tails OS from Windows, macOS or Linux: where to download the image, how to verify it, writing it to USB, first boot, Persistent Storage and common mistakes. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/install-tails.txt)
- [Tails OS alternatives: Whonix, Qubes and when each beats Tails](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tails-alternatives/): Tails OS alternatives compared: Whonix vs Tails, Qubes OS vs Tails, and where a hardened everyday Linux fits. Which system matches which threat, and how to decide. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/tails-alternatives.txt)
- [What is Whonix: the Linux operating system that cannot leak your IP address](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/whonix/): What Whonix is and how it works: the Gateway and Workstation design, why the Whonix browser cannot leak your IP address, what Whonix is based on, and whether it is legal. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/whonix.txt)
- [Whonix download and first run: importing the Gateway and Workstation VMs](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/whonix-download/): Where to download Whonix, why there is no Whonix ISO, how to import the Gateway and Workstation virtual machines into VirtualBox or KVM, first start and verification. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/whonix-download.txt)
- [What is Qubes OS: security by compartmentalisation, from requirements to install](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/qubes-os/): What Qubes OS is and how security by compartmentalisation works, Qubes hardware requirements, where to download it, how to install it step by step, and Qubes-Whonix. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/qubes-os.txt)
- [How to do anonymous browsing: the best browser, the network and the habits](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-browsing/): How to browse the web anonymously: what anonymity means online, why private mode is not it, the best browser for anonymous browsing, and what Tor changes. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-browsing.txt)
- [Free anonymous browsing online: what works in Chrome, Safari and beyond](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/free-anonymous-browsing/): How to browse anonymously for free: Tor Browser, free anonymous browsing in Chrome and Safari and their limits, free web proxies, and which free tools are worth trusting. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/free-anonymous-browsing.txt)
- [Anonymous LinkedIn browsing and anonymous X browsing: what the platforms reveal](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-linkedin-x-browsing/): How anonymous LinkedIn browsing and anonymous X (Twitter) browsing work: LinkedIn private mode, viewing X without an account, and reading either without being identified. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-linkedin-x-browsing.txt)
- [Browser fingerprinting techniques: how sites identify you without cookies](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/browser-fingerprinting/): What browser fingerprinting is, the techniques trackers use from canvas to fonts, why it beats cookie blocking, and how large-scale deanonymization raises the stakes. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/browser-fingerprinting.txt)
- [Browser fingerprinting test: how to check your exposure and stop being tracked](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/browser-fingerprinting-test/): How to run a browser fingerprinting test and read the results, how Brave and Firefox compare, and the settings that prevent fingerprinting without breaking the web. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/browser-fingerprinting-test.txt)
- [What is a burner cell phone and how do you actually use one anonymously](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/burner-phone/): What a burner cell phone is, burner flip phone vs smartphone, prepaid phones with minutes, whether a free burner exists, and how to keep one separate from your identity. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/burner-phone.txt)
- [Burner phone apps for Android and iPhone: what a second number does and does not hide](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/burner-phone-apps/): What a burner phone app is, how second number apps for Android and iPhone work, what they hide and from whom, and when a real prepaid phone is the better tool. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/burner-phone-apps.txt)
- [How to get an anonymous phone number and what it can really hide](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-phone-number/): How to get an anonymous phone number for calls, texts and verification: prepaid SIMs, virtual numbers and second-line apps compared, plus whether it can be traced. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-phone-number.txt)
- [Best private search engine: what anonymous search engines really protect](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/private-search-engine/): How to choose the most private search engine: what DuckDuckGo, Brave Search, Startpage and metasearch engines hide, anonymous view features, and which fits your browser. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/private-search-engine.txt)
- [Does DuckDuckGo hide your IP address, and what does a private search engine actually protect?](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/does-duckduckgo-hide-ip/): Does DuckDuckGo hide your IP address? Not from the sites you visit. What DuckDuckGo actually does, what a private search engine protects, and what to add to hide your IP. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/does-duckduckgo-hide-ip.txt)
- [Anonymous payment methods: how to pay and receive money without a name attached](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-payment/): Anonymous payment options compared: cash, prepaid cards, privacy coins and gift cards, what anonymous credit card payment really means, and the legal limits each hits. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-payment.txt)
- [Anonymous payment apps: what PayPal, Cash App and Venmo can and cannot hide](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-payment-apps/): Can a payment app be anonymous? What PayPal, Cash App and Venmo hide, how to keep payments private from other users, and why no mainstream app hides you from its. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/anonymous-payment-apps.txt)
- [Metadata removal tools and metadata privacy: cleaning files before you share them](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/metadata-removal/): How metadata in photos, documents and PDFs identifies you, the removal tools built into Windows, macOS, Linux and phones, mat2 and ExifTool, and a workflow for sharing. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/metadata-removal.txt)
- [How to hide your IP address on Android: what works on a phone and what leaks](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/hide-ip-address-android/): How to hide your IP address on Android: VPN, Tor Browser for Android, Private DNS and proxy options compared, what each hides, and the Android-specific leaks to check. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/hide-ip-address-android.txt)
- [Hide my IP address with a proxy: how proxy servers and hide-IP websites work](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/hide-ip-address-proxy/): How to hide your IP address with a proxy server: how proxies work, HTTP vs SOCKS vs web proxies, what each hides, when a proxy beats a VPN or Tor, and how to choose one. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/hide-ip-address-proxy.txt)
- [How to be anonymous online: a realistic guide to digital anonymity](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/how-to-be-anonymous-online/): How to be anonymous online in practice: what digital anonymity means, why it is a spectrum, the layers from network to identity to behaviour, and a realistic plan. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/how-to-be-anonymous-online.txt)
- [What does OPSEC stand for, and how does the OPSEC process protect you online?](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/what-is-opsec/): What OPSEC stands for and means, the five-step OPSEC process, what critical information it safeguards, OPSEC in cybersecurity and personal privacy, and OPSEC fails. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/what-is-opsec.txt)
- [Encrypted notes app: what end-to-end encrypted notes protect on iPhone and Android](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/encrypted-notes-app/): How to choose an end-to-end encrypted notes app for iPhone and Android: what end-to-end means for notes, how it differs from locked notes, and free secure options. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/encrypted-notes-app.txt)
- [Best encrypted USB drive: what AES-256 hardware encryption really buys you](https://webvpn.org/anonymity/encrypted-usb-drive/): How to choose the best encrypted USB flash drive or hard drive: what AES-256 hardware encryption means, keypad and fingerprint drives vs software, and when VeraCrypt. (text: https://webvpn.org/anonymity/encrypted-usb-drive.txt)

## Encryption guides: from the definition to the tools you can run today

Encryption explained without hype: how AES, RSA and TLS work, PGP and GPG, end-to-end messaging, BitLocker, FileVault, LUKS and VeraCrypt, encrypted DNS and post-quantum. Index: https://webvpn.org/encryption/ (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption.txt)

- [What is encryption and what is its purpose? Encryption and decryption explained](https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-encryption/): The meaning of encryption in plain English: how encryption and decryption work, what an encryption key is, why encryption matters in cybersecurity. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-encryption.txt)
- [What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/symmetric-vs-asymmetric-encryption/): Symmetric vs asymmetric encryption explained: how public and private key encryption works, where each is used, and how password-based encryption fits in. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/symmetric-vs-asymmetric-encryption.txt)
- [How RSA encryption works, and how ECC encryption does the same job with smaller keys](https://webvpn.org/encryption/rsa-encryption/): What the RSA encryption algorithm is and how it works, the maths in plain language, how ECC encryption compares, and where RSA and elliptic curves are used. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/rsa-encryption.txt)
- [What is 256-bit AES encryption, and how secure is AES-256 in practice?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/aes-256-encryption/): What 256-bit AES encryption is, how secure AES-256 really is, AES 128 vs 256 compared, and why the key size is rarely the weakest part of a system. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/aes-256-encryption.txt)
- [How does AES 256 encryption work? The algorithm and AES-256-GCM explained](https://webvpn.org/encryption/how-aes-works/): How the Advanced Encryption Standard works: the AES-256 algorithm's rounds, key expansion and mixing steps explained, and how AES-256-GCM adds authentication. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/how-aes-works.txt)
- [AES-256-CBC encryption explained, and why GCM has mostly replaced it](https://webvpn.org/encryption/aes-cbc-vs-gcm/): AES-256-CBC encryption explained and compared with GCM: how CBC chains blocks, why padding and missing authentication cause trouble, and when each mode fits. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/aes-cbc-vs-gcm.txt)
- [AES-256 encryption software and online tools: which to trust, and how to generate a key](https://webvpn.org/encryption/aes-256-encryption-software/): How to choose AES-256 encryption software, why online AES tools and key generators are risky, what an AES-256 key actually is, and how to generate one safely. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/aes-256-encryption-software.txt)
- [What is the Data Encryption Standard (DES), and why DES and RC4 are no longer safe](https://webvpn.org/encryption/des-rc4-legacy-encryption/): What the Data Encryption Standard was, how DES worked, why its 56-bit key failed, what Triple DES and RC4 are, and why all three are retired in favour of AES. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/des-rc4-legacy-encryption.txt)
- [What is HTTP vs HTTPS? The difference, how TLS encryption works, and why it matters](https://webvpn.org/encryption/http-vs-https/): HTTP vs HTTPS explained: what each means, how HTTPS encryption works through TLS and certificates, why HTTPS is more secure, and why it matters for SEO. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/http-vs-https.txt)
- [HTTP vs HTTPS ports: what 80 and 443 mean, and how HTTP/2 and proxies fit in](https://webvpn.org/encryption/http-vs-https-ports/): HTTP vs HTTPS ports explained: why HTTP uses port 80 and HTTPS uses 443, how HTTP/2 relates to HTTPS, and how HTTP and HTTPS proxies handle encrypted traffic. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/http-vs-https-ports.txt)
- [What is email encryption, and how do PGP and end-to-end encrypted email providers protect your mail?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/email-encryption/): What email encryption means, the difference between TLS in transit and end-to-end encryption, PGP mail encryption, encrypted email providers, Gmail options, attachments. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/email-encryption.txt)
- [How does PGP encryption work? Pretty Good Privacy, keys and messages explained](https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-pgp/): What PGP encryption is and means, how Pretty Good Privacy works with public and private keys, PGP vs GPG, how a PGP message is encrypted and signed, and its limits. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-pgp.txt)
- [How to use PGP: getting a PGP key, exchanging keys and encrypting your first message](https://webvpn.org/encryption/how-to-use-pgp/): How to use PGP step by step: where to download PGP software, how to get a PGP key, share and verify public keys, encrypt and sign messages, and protect your private key. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/how-to-use-pgp.txt)
- [PGP encryption tools: the free software worth using, and the online tools to avoid](https://webvpn.org/encryption/pgp-encryption-tools/): Free PGP encryption tools compared: GnuPG, Gpg4win, GPG Suite, Kleopatra, Thunderbird and mobile apps, and why online PGP encryption and decryption tools are risky. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/pgp-encryption-tools.txt)
- [What is GPG, and how do you encrypt a file with GPG? A practical gpg command tutorial](https://webvpn.org/encryption/gpg-encrypt-file/): What GPG is and how to encrypt a file with GPG: the gpg commands for passphrase and public-key encryption, decryption, signing and verification, with a short tutorial. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/gpg-encrypt-file.txt)
- [How end-to-end encryption works, and what zero-knowledge encryption adds](https://webvpn.org/encryption/end-to-end-encryption/): How end-to-end encryption works, what E2EE means for your data, how it differs from encryption in transit, and what zero-knowledge encryption and architecture mean. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/end-to-end-encryption.txt)
- [How to turn on end-to-end encryption in Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp, and why it may show as off](https://webvpn.org/encryption/turn-on-end-to-end-encryption/): How to turn on end-to-end encryption in Meta's apps, what Messenger and Instagram encrypt by default, what an end-to-end encryption off notice means, and what to check. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/turn-on-end-to-end-encryption.txt)
- [Does Discord have end-to-end encryption? What is encrypted, what is readable, and how to stay private](https://webvpn.org/encryption/discord-end-to-end-encryption/): Does Discord have end-to-end encryption? Which parts of Discord are E2EE, what Discord can read, what encryption in transit protects, and how to keep chats private. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/discord-end-to-end-encryption.txt)
- [The most secure messaging apps: how to judge an encrypted messenger and which ones pass](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypted-messaging-apps/): How to choose the best encrypted messaging app: what makes a messenger secure, end-to-end encryption by default, metadata, open source and audits, leading options. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypted-messaging-apps.txt)
- [Signal or Telegram for privacy? Encryption defaults, metadata and features compared](https://webvpn.org/encryption/signal-vs-telegram/): Signal vs Telegram compared on encryption, metadata, backups, open source and features: why Signal is end-to-end encrypted by default and Telegram mostly is not. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/signal-vs-telegram.txt)
- [End-to-end encrypted cloud storage explained: zero-knowledge providers vs ordinary cloud drives](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypted-cloud-storage/): How end-to-end encrypted cloud storage works, what zero-knowledge means, why mainstream cloud drives are not it, free options, and a checklist for a secure cloud. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypted-cloud-storage.txt)
- [How to encrypt files for cloud storage: Dropbox vaults, MEGA's built-in encryption and manual options](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-for-cloud/): How to encrypt files for cloud storage before uploading: Cryptomator vaults on Dropbox and Google Drive, what MEGA encryption covers, 7-Zip archives, and what to avoid. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-for-cloud.txt)
- [What is full disk encryption, how does it work, and what does it actually protect against?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/full-disk-encryption/): What full disk encryption is, how FDE works with a key unlocked at boot, what it protects against and what it does not, encryption at rest, and how phones encrypt. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/full-disk-encryption.txt)
- [Full disk encryption software compared: which tool on which platform, and how to encrypt external drives](https://webvpn.org/encryption/full-disk-encryption-software/): Full disk encryption software compared: BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on macOS, LUKS on Linux, VeraCrypt cross-platform, and how to encrypt an external hard drive. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/full-disk-encryption-software.txt)
- [What is BitLocker drive encryption, and how do you set up full disk encryption on Windows?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/bitlocker/): What BitLocker drive encryption is, how it protects a Windows 10 or 11 disk with the TPM, how to turn it on, recovery key and Microsoft account pitfalls, BitLocker To Go. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/bitlocker.txt)
- [What is FileVault disk encryption, and how does full disk encryption on macOS work?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/filevault/): What FileVault disk encryption is, how Mac full disk encryption works with the Secure Enclave, how to turn it on, the iCloud vs local recovery key choice, and its limits. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/filevault.txt)
- [LUKS encryption explained: how Linux full disk encryption works and how to set it up on your distribution](https://webvpn.org/encryption/luks-encryption/): What LUKS encryption is, the encryption LUKS uses, how Linux full disk encryption with dm-crypt works, setup on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Arch and Gentoo, plus key management. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/luks-encryption.txt)
- [Android full-disk encryption and iPhone encryption: what your phone protects, how to encrypt files, and whether VeraCrypt runs on mobile](https://webvpn.org/encryption/phone-encryption/): How Android file-based encryption and iPhone data protection work, how to encrypt files on Android and iPhone, and the truth about VeraCrypt on Android and iOS. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/phone-encryption.txt)
- [What is VeraCrypt, is it safe, and how does VeraCrypt encryption actually work?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-veracrypt/): What VeraCrypt is, how it works, whether VeraCrypt is safe and secure, why it is free and open source, where the official site and GitHub are, and TrueCrypt comparison. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-veracrypt.txt)
- [VeraCrypt tutorial: encrypting files and folders in a container, step by step](https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-tutorial/): A VeraCrypt tutorial for beginners: create an encrypted container, password protect a folder, mount and dismount, back up the header, plus hidden volumes and keyfiles. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-tutorial.txt)
- [VeraCrypt for Windows 11: installation, whole disk encryption and the rescue disk explained](https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-windows/): How to download and install VeraCrypt on Windows 11 and 10, encrypt the system drive with pre-boot authentication, create the rescue disk, and use VeraCrypt Portable. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-windows.txt)
- [VeraCrypt for Linux and macOS: installing on Ubuntu, Mint and Mac, and what works differently](https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-linux-mac/): How to install VeraCrypt on Ubuntu, Linux Mint and other Linux distributions, and on macOS with macFUSE, then create and mount containers and cross-platform drives. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-linux-mac.txt)
- [VeraCrypt USB drive encryption: container or whole drive, and how to set up a flash drive that opens anywhere](https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-usb/): How to encrypt a USB flash drive with VeraCrypt: container vs whole-drive encryption, step-by-step setup, VeraCrypt Portable, cross-platform file systems and safe habits. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-usb.txt)
- [VeraCrypt alternatives: how VeraCrypt compares with BitLocker, TrueCrypt, LUKS and Cryptomator, and when to switch](https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-alternatives/): VeraCrypt alternatives compared: VeraCrypt vs BitLocker, VeraCrypt vs TrueCrypt, LUKS, Cryptomator, age and 7-Zip, plus performance and how to detect an encrypted disk. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/veracrypt-alternatives.txt)
- [How to encrypt files: what it means, the best way for each situation, and free software that does it right](https://webvpn.org/encryption/how-to-encrypt-files/): What file encryption means, how to encrypt a file with a password on any system, the best free programs to encrypt files, and choosing between archives and containers. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/how-to-encrypt-files.txt)
- [How to encrypt files on Windows 10 and 11 with 7-Zip AES-256, encrypted RAR, EFS and BitLocker](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-windows/): How to encrypt files on Windows 11 and 10: zip and encrypt with 7-Zip AES-256 step by step, encrypted RAR archives, why ZipCrypto is unsafe, and EFS and BitLocker. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-windows.txt)
- [How to encrypt files on Mac: encrypted disk images, password-protected zip archives and encrypted USB drives](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-mac/): How to encrypt files on a Mac with encrypted disk images, how to zip and encrypt files on macOS from the terminal, and how to encrypt a USB drive for Mac with APFS. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-mac.txt)
- [How to encrypt files on Linux: gpg and age commands, OpenSSL done right, and encrypting text files safely](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-linux/): How to encrypt files on Linux with gpg and age, how to encrypt files with OpenSSL correctly and why it is a poor default, encrypting text files, and GUI options. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-files-linux.txt)
- [How to encrypt PDF files for email: password protecting a PDF, sending encrypted files, and avoiding online tools](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-pdf-for-email/): How to encrypt PDF files for email with a password using built-in tools on Windows, Mac and Linux, how to send any encrypted file by email, and why online tools fail. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypt-pdf-for-email.txt)
- [What is encrypted DNS, what does encrypted DNS traffic mean, and which encrypted DNS server should you use?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypted-dns/): What encrypted DNS means, how DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS protect lookups, and how encrypted DNS servers such as Quad9, NextDNS, AdGuard and Cloudflare differ. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/encrypted-dns.txt)
- [Privacy warning: this network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic. What it means on iPhone and whether you should worry](https://webvpn.org/encryption/network-blocking-encrypted-dns-traffic/): What the iPhone warning This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic means, why a Wi-Fi network shows it, whether it is dangerous, and what it says about the router. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/network-blocking-encrypted-dns-traffic.txt)
- [Why is my network blocking encrypted DNS traffic, and how to fix it on your router, UniFi, Pi-hole or iPhone](https://webvpn.org/encryption/fix-network-blocking-encrypted-dns/): How to fix the network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic warning: why Wi-Fi blocks it, router and Pi-hole settings, UniFi fixes, iPhone DNS profiles, VPN fallback. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/fix-network-blocking-encrypted-dns.txt)
- [What is DNS over HTTPS, should you enable DoH, and how does it compare with DNS over TLS?](https://webvpn.org/encryption/dns-over-https/): What DNS over HTTPS means, how DoH works, whether you should enable DNS over HTTPS or leave it off, how it compares to DNS over TLS, and when it beats plain DNS. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/dns-over-https.txt)
- [DNS over HTTPS servers and providers: templates, ports, DoT hostnames and how to choose one](https://webvpn.org/encryption/dns-over-https-servers/): DNS over HTTPS servers and providers with DoH templates and DoT hostnames: Cloudflare, Quad9, NextDNS, AdGuard, Google and more, DoH ports explained, and Oblivious DoH. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/dns-over-https-servers.txt)
- [How to enable DNS over HTTPS on every platform: Windows 11, macOS, iPhone, Android, Firefox and Chrome](https://webvpn.org/encryption/enable-dns-over-https/): How to enable DNS over HTTPS on Windows 11 with a template, on macOS and iOS with a profile, Private DNS on Android, and in Firefox and Chrome, plus how to turn it off. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/enable-dns-over-https.txt)
- [Blocking DNS over HTTPS on a home network: keeping devices on Pi-hole or AdGuard Home with encrypted DNS upstream](https://webvpn.org/encryption/block-dns-over-https/): How and why to block DNS over HTTPS on a home network so devices use your Pi-hole or AdGuard Home, how to give the filter an encrypted upstream, and the limits. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/block-dns-over-https.txt)
- [Passkeys vs 2FA: what a FIDO2 hardware security key is, how passkeys differ, and which to use](https://webvpn.org/encryption/passkeys-vs-2fa/): Passkeys vs 2FA compared, what a hardware security key is, how FIDO2 keys stop phishing, what to look for in a security key, and how passkeys and keys fit together. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/passkeys-vs-2fa.txt)
- [Will quantum computers break encryption? Which algorithms are at risk, which are not, and why it matters now](https://webvpn.org/encryption/will-quantum-computers-break-encryption/): Will quantum computers break encryption? Which algorithms Shor's algorithm threatens, why AES survives, what harvest-now-decrypt-later means, and what to do today. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/will-quantum-computers-break-encryption.txt)
- [What is quantum encryption? Quantum key distribution vs post-quantum algorithms, the timeline risk, and homomorphic encryption](https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-quantum-encryption/): What quantum encryption means, how quantum key distribution differs from post-quantum algorithms, when quantum computers might break encryption, and homomorphic. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/what-is-quantum-encryption.txt)
- [Post-quantum cryptography algorithms: how PQC works, the standards, and a diagram of a hybrid key exchange](https://webvpn.org/encryption/post-quantum-cryptography/): How post-quantum cryptography works, the standardised algorithms ML-KEM, ML-DSA and SLH-DSA, lattice and hash-based schemes explained, and how they fit into TLS. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/post-quantum-cryptography.txt)
- [Quantum-safe encryption: what quantum-resistant encryption is, how it works in practice, and where you already have it](https://webvpn.org/encryption/quantum-safe-encryption/): What quantum-safe and quantum-resistant encryption mean, how quantum-safe encryption works, which algorithms qualify, where it is deployed, and how to spot marketing. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/quantum-safe-encryption.txt)
- [What is the purpose of post-quantum cryptography? Why it matters now, the solutions and software, and how to stay quantum ready](https://webvpn.org/encryption/why-post-quantum-cryptography-matters/): What the purpose of post-quantum cryptography is, why organisations and individuals should care before quantum computers exist, the software available today, and news. (text: https://webvpn.org/encryption/why-post-quantum-cryptography-matters.txt)

## VPN by platform

- [What is a VPN in an iPhone, and what does it do on an iPad?](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/ios-iphone-ipad): What a VPN in an iPhone or iPad actually does, how the built-in VPN settings work, which free and paid apps have audited policies, and what a VPN cannot hide. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/ios-iphone-ipad.txt)
- [Proton VPN app for Android and how VPNs work on the platform](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/android): How the Proton VPN app for Android works, how to turn on always-on VPN and block connections without it, and how to hide the IP address on an Android phone. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/android.txt)
- [What is a good VPN for Windows, and what does a VPN do on a computer?](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/windows): What makes a good VPN for Windows, what a VPN does on a computer, how to hide your IP address on Windows 11 and how to check the kill switch actually works. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/windows.txt)
- [Proton VPN free for Mac: what the free plan gives you and how to set it up](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/macos): How Proton VPN's free plan works on a Mac, how to install and configure it, what the free tier leaves out, and how it compares with Private Relay and other Mac VPN apps. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/macos.txt)
- [Proton VPN on Linux: the official app, WireGuard configs and how Mullvad compares](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/linux): How to run Proton VPN on Linux with the official app or WireGuard configs, notes for Arch and Linux Mint, how Mullvad compares, and how to verify the tunnel. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/linux.txt)
- [Proton VPN free Chrome extension: what it covers and what it leaves out](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/chrome): How the Proton VPN Chrome extension works, what its free tier includes, how a browser extension differs from the full app, and how to change the address Chrome shows. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/chrome.txt)
- [Proton VPN extension for Firefox: installation, coverage and limits](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/firefox): How the Proton VPN extension for Firefox works, how to install it and check for WebRTC leaks, how it compares with Mozilla VPN, and what it does not protect. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/firefox.txt)
- [VPN for Android TV: apps, router alternatives and what to expect](https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/android-tv): How a VPN for Android TV and Google TV works, which providers publish TV apps, how to sideload or use a router instead, and what a VPN on a TV does and does not change. (text: https://webvpn.org/vpn/category/android-tv.txt)

## Site

- [Web proxy anonymous browsing, explained without the sales pitch](https://webvpn.org/): webvpn.org explains web proxies for anonymous browsing, how to hide your IP address and whether VPNs are safe, with guides for iPhone, Android, Windows and more. (text: https://webvpn.org/index.txt)
- [Onion and clearnet links for privacy services](https://webvpn.org/links/): A short directory of privacy services with both their clearnet address and their onion address, so you can compare the two and reach a service the safe way. (text: https://webvpn.org/links.txt)
- [About webvpn.org](https://webvpn.org/about/): The history of webvpn.org, from the free web proxy that ran from 2010 to a VPN directory and now independent privacy guides, plus how the site is written and funded. (text: https://webvpn.org/about.txt)
- [Privacy policy](https://webvpn.org/privacy/): What webvpn.org records when you visit, what it does not collect, how the static host handles logs, and how to contact the site about your data. (text: https://webvpn.org/privacy.txt)
- [Contact](https://webvpn.org/contact): How to reach the webvpn.org editors for corrections, updated provider information, broken links or questions about the site. Email only, no forms, no proxy support. (text: https://webvpn.org/contact.txt)