What Is Tor Browser and How Does It Work?

The internet has become an invaluable source of information for most people worldwide. Data by Statista shows that about 64.6 percent of the global population uses the internet. Individuals and businesses utilize the Internet for communications, work, and entertainment.

Conventional browsers such as Google and Bing cannot provide online anonymity and have no access to some sites. People turn to the Tor browser to protect their online activities and access the dark web. The data indicates there are more than 2 million daily active Tor users worldwide.

In this text, we break down the definition of Tor Browser and discuss how it works. Also, we state whether Tor is completely anonymous. Besides, we discuss if it is legal to use the browser. Finally, we provide the benefits of using the Tor browser.

Let’s dive in.

What Is the Tor Browser?

TOR stands for The Onion Router, a browser that lets online users surf the internet anonymously. People use the Tor Browser to access content on the dark web. The good thing about this browser is that it deletes your browsing history after each session and encrypts your traffic.

The original intention of the Tor Browser was to protect the online communications of US intelligence agencies. US Navy and other security agencies used the browser to mask their online activity but realized hackers could track them easily. For this reason, the US Navy released Tor in 2003 for general public use.

How Does the Tor Browser Work?

Tor’s purpose is to increase your online privacy and security. It hides your IP address from internet service providers and protects your connection from traffic.

The browser achieves its goal by passing data through different nodes. Here are the three Tor servers that hide your IP and secure your internet traffic:

• Entry Node: It is the first server on the Tor browser that receives information from an internet user. At this stage, pertinent information like the IP address and location of the user is visible on the browser. However, the entry node cannot see the website an internet user is searching.
• Relay Node: At this point, information is fully encrypted. The data is then decrypted by passing many nodes. The browser ensures anonymity by preventing middle nodes from identifying other nodes apart from their immediate neighbors. If someone is trying to identify the Tor user, they have a challenge bypassing all the middle nodes.
• Exit Node: It is the last server on the Tor browser where decrypted data leaves the Tor network to reach its final destination.

Although the working of the Tor browser seems challenging, you do not need IT expertise to use it. The browser handles all the processes and leads you to the desired content.

Can I Be Tracked On Tor Browser?

Tor is meant to provide its users with online anonymity through its many nodes. Nonetheless, Tor users are not completely protected against tracking. Tor does not prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from seeing the user’s IP address at the entry node and exit nodes.

Besides, government agencies with superior internet capabilities can track Tor users against illegal use such as child pornography. For example, the FBI arrested Muhhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari in 2020 for trying to offer material support to ISIS by tracking his activity on the dark web. Security agencies exploit Tor’s weaknesses through traffic analysis, exit nodes, and HoneyPot nodes to catch illegal Tor users. Therefore, you cannot boast of complete online anonymity while using the Tor browser.

 

How Can You Be Completely Anonymous On Tor?

Understanding how to be anonymous on Tor protects hackers or government agencies tracking your online activities on Tor. The best way to be anonymous is by using tails, VPN, and applying pseudonyms. The extra measures will make it challenging for anyone to trace you on Tor.

Is It Illegal to Use Tor Browser?

The legality of Tor depends on the user’s country. If you are in the United States, you are free to use the Tor browser. However, countries like China and Russia have banned Tor usage for their citizens. Blocking Tor usage helps governments to control online communication and prevent illegal dark web activities.

Advantages of Using Tor Browser

You may wonder why you would prefer to use the Tor browser instead of conventional browsers like Google to surf the web. Below are the benefits of the Tor browser.

1. Hides Your Information

The IP address is the most sensitive data in online activities. The IP address reveals your location and the device you use to browse the web. Thus, unwanted persons accessing your IP address could use it to hurt you.

Tor browser uses a string of nodes to hide your IP address from unauthorized individuals such as hackers. Thus, you can browse the web without worrying someone might be spying on your location.

1. Support Democratic Activities

World governments take action against people who post information that can breach national security. Individuals disgruntled with the government’s activities are forced to remain silent for fear of being jailed or killed.

The good thing about the Tor browser is that it allows you to post sensitive content online anonymously. If you have a message against the government, the Tor browser will protect you from being identified by authorities. For this reason, Tor is widely used by journalists and activists to spread sensitive messages online.

1. Access to Non-Indexed Pages

Website owners index their pages for SEO. However, a web designer may non-index a page to prevent excessive traffic from robots. If a web page is not indexed, it does not appear on the surface of conventional browsers such as Google and Bing.

Tor browser allows you to access encrypted online content found on the dark web. Thus, you can access crucial information on non-indexed pages, while using the Tor browser.

1. It Is Free

Unlike Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which can be expensive, the Tor browser is free. Using the Tor browser to access a web page saves you money. Nonetheless, you may consider using the Tor browser alongside a VPN to enhance anonymity online.

Conclusion

Tor browser is the answer for online users who need anonymity and access to the dark web. It passes browsing information through different nodes to protect its users from tracking. Although Tor provides anonymity, you should embrace other tools, like VPN, to ensure your online safety. In the future, IT experts may create better versions of the software that provide complete anonymity.