All while the original and intermediary node locations remain entirely unknown.Īt the end of its worldwide tour, your traffic will arrive at an exit node, removing the final encryption layer and sending the original data to its destination. And all without divulging the locations of its last relay.Įach node receives information about where next to send the encrypted layers throughout this global ping-pong. As your information passes from node to node, each one decrypts the layer that reveals the next node the data has to pass through. Tor Browser connects at random to one of the publicly listed entry nodes. Rather than sending you directly to a website, Tor encrypts the application layer of your activity and redirects your traffic through a worldwide network made up of thousands of relays or nodes.Īs the images below illustrate, these nodes can be an entry node, relay node, or exit node. On the other hand, Tor passes along your information using layers of encryption, hence the onion reference. Unfortunately, this digital line of communication is visible to online trackers and left wide open for anyone to see. In any regular online activity, you create a direct connection between your computer and the website you’re accessing. It functions like a virtual name tag that offers information about your name, location, and web browsing activity.īy making your IP address untraceable, Tor cloaks this identifying information of your online activity. There are many ways the internet can identify you, but the easiest and most common method is via your IP address. Sure it may have a reputation within the cybersecurity world as the dark web browser.īut don’t discredit this powerful privacy tool just because a few bad apples use it from time to time.ĭespite its darker users, Tor offers an unparalleled level of anonymity that can aid anyone in protecting their privacy.Īt its heart, Tor’s intended to protect the personal privacy of its users and their freedom from conducting confidential communication. Today we’re taking a closer look at The Onion Router, known better by its acronym Tor. It is free and open-source software that enables anonymous internet communication. If you are concerned about privacy and want one of the most well-protected browsers available, you should try the Tor Browser.

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