Tor Browser is a free and open-source browser for enabling encrypted and anonymous data communication.

About Tor Browser

The name TOR is derived from the acronym "The Onion Router". Interestingly, the core principle of TOR was originally developed by the US Navy in the mid-1990s. In 2002, it was publicly released in order to protect users and help them get hold of their personal information.

The all-new Tor Browser was created as a Bundle by Steven Murdoch using a modified version of the open-source web browser, Mozilla Firefox.

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Why Use Tor?

It is free and open-source software that helps to keep you anonymous online. Today, Tor Web Browser offers the best anonymous web surfing, and developers are continuously working hard on programming to improve Tor's anonymity.

Download Tor Browser

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The software is available on a variety of platforms like Windows, Linux, MacOS, and Android.

Official Channel: Tor Project | Download Link

How Tor Browser Works?

As illustrated in network diagrams, Tor Browser anonymizes you by routing all of your internet web traffic through the Tor network.

Tor consists of a basic three-layer proxy, much like the layers of an onion (hence Tor's onion logo).

Tor Network Details

Data is bundled into a layer of packets of encrypted data before it enters the Tor network. It is then routed through a series of volunteer-operated public servers called nodes or relays.

The Tor network routes all types of TCP traffic optimized for web browsing. Note: It does not support UDP.

  • Entry Node: Tor Network connects at a random first node.
  • Middle Relay: It bounces the traffic through a randomly selected middle node.
  • Exit Node: Finally, it spits out the traffic through the third node to the destination.

Tor vs. VPN: What is the difference?

Many users confuse Tor with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). While both tools hide your IP address, they function very differently.

Feature Tor Browser VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Encryption Multi-layered (3 Nodes) Single-hop (1 Server)
Speed Significantly Slower Fast (Good for streaming)
Trust Trustless (Decentralized) Trust the Provider (Centralized)
Cost Free Usually Paid

Pro Tip: For ultimate security, some experts recommend using "Tor over VPN" (Connecting to a VPN first, then opening Tor), though this is usually unnecessary for average users.

Speed Warning

Thus, Tor protects the data by covering it in multiple layers of encryption like an onion. However, browsing through Tor will feel very slow, since your data needs to travel through multiple relays/nodes around the world before reaching its final destination.

Is using Tor Legal?

Yes, in most countries (including the US, UK, and most of Europe), using Tor is completely legal. It is simply a browser.

However, using Tor can make you a person of interest to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) because it looks suspicious. This is why many people use a VPN bridge to hide the fact they are using Tor.

Our Final Question - Is Tor Browser Really Safe?

The Tor browser isn't fully secured, and the system design has a few flaws, leaks, and weaknesses. Since the Tor network's servers are volunteer-operated, you never know who is behind the nodes/relays that your data goes through.

The Exit Node Problem

The exit relay removes the final encryption layer on the data. It cannot access your original IP address or location, but it is possible at the exit node to spy on the activity or data if you are visiting un-secured HTTP websites.

Critical Do's and Don'ts

If you are using Tor for serious privacy, you must follow these rules:

  • Don't Torrent: It slows down the network and reveals your IP.
  • Don't Maximize Screen: This reveals your monitor resolution (fingerprinting).
  • Don't Install Plugins: No Flash, no QuickTime. They leak real data.
  • Do Use HTTPS: Always ensure the lock icon is present.
  • Do Update: Always use the latest version of Tor Browser.

Deep Web and Dark Web

Websites in the Deep Web and Dark Web cannot be accessed through search engines and regular browsers. Those are part of the hidden internet and require Tor Browser to access the deepest parts.

While often associated with illegal activity, the Dark Web is also used by whistleblowers, journalists, and activists to communicate safely in oppressive regimes.

Our blog will continue on TOR, Deep Web, Dark Web, and Bitcoin. Stay tuned…