What Is Tor?

Tor, short for The Onion Router, is an onion-routing network. The name refers to the way data is encrypted in layers as it travels through the network. Tor is free, open-source software. It relies on a network of proxy servers and encrypted virtual tunnels to provide more private access to the internet.

How Does Tor Work?

Tor uses layered encryption and routes traffic through multiple nodes. In simplified terms:

1. Only the sender initially knows the source address.
2. As data passes through each proxy server, it is processed and forwarded to the next node.
3. The information travels through several nodes, or proxy servers, before reaching its destination.
4. The final server in the chain knows the destination address but not the original sender.
5. Return traffic travels back through the network.

This routing model provides a high level of anonymity.

Benefits of Tor

In addition to the anonymity provided by its routing model, Tor can help you:

• Hide your online activity.
• Bypass blocks and access restricted websites.
• Open a website if your IP address has been blocked.

Using Tor

Until the early 2000s, the technology was classified and used by intelligence agencies. It gained broad public recognition in 2011. Today, the number of users exceeds 2 million.

Tor once required advanced technical knowledge and complex configuration. Tor Browser Bundle has made the process much simpler:

1. Download the archive.
2. Extract it.
3. Double-click the file.
4. Accept the agreement and start browsing.

Drawbacks

Vulnerability to Malware

Tor does not protect against malware, so antivirus software is recommended.

Criminal Misuse

Some people use Tor for fraudulent schemes, including:

• Get-rich-quick offers such as “send 100, get 500.”
• The sale of illegal goods.
• Requests for help and other questionable offers.

Restrictions in Some Countries

Some countries prohibit the use of Tor because security agencies consider it a threat to national security.

Features and Services

Services available through Tor offer a wide range of goods and services with a high degree of privacy:

• Blogs
• Hosting services
• Chats
• Marketplaces
• Search engines

Proxy Types and Their Use with Tor

Tor already uses a multi-layer proxy system, but other proxy types can also be used to add privacy:

• Private proxies provide a high level of security because they are assigned to a single user.
• Elite proxies provide strong anonymity and do not reveal your real IP address.
• Dedicated proxies are assigned to one customer, reducing delays caused by shared usage.
• Unlimited proxies allow unrestricted data transfer.
• Bulk proxies are sold in larger packages, making them more cost-effective for high-volume use.
• Datacenter proxies run on data center infrastructure and provide fast connections.

Using a proxy with Tor can add another layer of anonymity and may improve connection performance in some configurations.