The Onion Router (TOR) is a free and open-source network that allows users to do two things. First, is to browse the internet anonymously; second, is to access parts of the internet that aren’t normally available. Developed by the U.S. Navy in the90s, the TOR Project was originally intended to protect government communications. Since then it has become widely popular amongst security enthusiasts and those concerned with online privacy.
On the surface level, TOR is simple and works by routing internet traffic through a network of volunteer-ran servers (i.e. nodes) located around the world. Every time a user spins up a TOR instance their internet traffic is routed through a chain of nodes (usually 3 or more), at each node it is encrypted and “wrapped”, hence the recurring onion theme. This makes it difficult for internet service providers (ISP’s) and governments, to definitively track user’s online activity or location.
TOR technology is accessed through a specialized Firefox browser. Once the TOR browser is installed, users can securely browse the internet and access websites that aren’t available on traditional web browsers (i.e. The Dark Web).
Essentially, the dark web is a deeper layer of the internet that contains everything not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, Twitter, and YouTube. These dark web sites don’t use generic TLD’s (Top-Level Domains) like Facebook(.)com, instead they use either a 16 (Version 2) or 56 (Version 3) alpha-numeric string of characters (A-Z, 2-7) and end in a *.onion.
Even though TOR is a useful tool for combating data trackers, it is important to note that it IS NOT foolproof. TOR traffic can still be intercepted, logged and categorized by 3 letter agencies as well as potential adversaries who have nothing but time on their hands (i.e. h@x0rs). Stay vigilant but stay curious. There’s a whole different world out their in cyberspace.
To download the TOR Browser click here.
