What is Tor Browser? The Onion Router Explained
Tor, also known as the Onion Router, is a popular web browser that is primarily used to surf the web anonymously and protect users from having their traffic tracked. It was originally developed by the United States Navy to secure government information.
1. How does Tor work?
2. Tor's proof-of-work mechanism
3. Tor's application in the blockchain world
4. Is using Tor browser legal?
5. Can Tor browser be detected?
6. Can police track Tor?
7. How to download Tor browser
8. Why is Tor slow?
Today, Tor browser is often associated with the dark web and anonymous activities on the internet. However, besides individuals using it for illegal purposes, many people still use Tor for legitimate security purposes and to avoid surveillance.
How does Tor work?
To understand how Tor works, it is important to understand onion routing, a multi-layer encryption technology that protects user privacy. When you use Tor, your data is encrypted multiple times and sent through multiple relays before reaching its destination. This makes it extremely difficult to trace the source of the information. Additionally, Tor does not store browsing history or cookies, which helps protect user privacy.
Websites on Tor use the top-level domain “.onion” instead of common domains like “.com”. These sites, also known as “onion sites”, allow anonymous communication and hide information about the server.
Tor has three security levels: default, medium, and high. At the highest level, the browser disables many features, making browsing more secure but significantly slower.
Tor's Proof of Work Mechanism
In August 2023, Tor introduced a "proof of work" mechanism to improve performance and prevent attacks. This mechanism requires users to perform certain tasks before accessing the service, helping to classify and prioritize legitimate traffic while making it difficult for attackers.
This mechanism is similar to Bitcoin's proof of work system, but is customized to fit Tor's security environment. When the onion service is under high load, users will have to perform more complex tasks, reducing the possibility of attacks on the Tor network.
Tor's application in the blockchain world
Anonymity is an important factor in blockchain technology, and Tor helps blockchain users protect their personal information. Although cryptocurrency transactions are usually anonymous, users' IP addresses can be exposed. By using Tor, users can hide their IP address, reducing the ability of third parties to track their transactions.
For example, Monero users can connect their wallets to remote nodes through Tor to ensure the privacy of their transactions.
Is using the Tor browser legal?
Using Tor is not illegal. It is simply a tool to help you browse the web anonymously. However, the activities you perform on Tor determine whether you are breaking the law or not. While Tor attracts cybercriminals, it is also a useful tool for those who want to protect their privacy online.
Is the Tor browser detectable?
Tor is not completely undetectable. Although it provides a high level of security, there is still a possibility that some exit node operators can see some of your data, especially when you visit unencrypted websites.
Can the police monitor Tor?
While Tor offers a higher level of security than the regular internet, sophisticated law enforcement agencies like the FBI can still monitor activities on Tor, especially if they monitor exit nodes. However, this process is more complicated and time-consuming than on the standard internet.
How to download the Tor browser
You can download the Tor browser from its official website. Choose the version that fits your operating system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android, and follow the installation instructions.
Why is Tor slow?
Tor is often slower than regular browsers because traffic has to pass through multiple layers of encryption and volunteer servers. With a large number of users but only 6,000 relay servers, the Tor network sometimes becomes overloaded.
You can improve Tor's speed by setting up or running your own relay servers.
Conclusion: Tor is a powerful tool for protecting your privacy on the internet. While not completely undetectable, it still offers a higher level of security than regular browsers.
