Tor Browser - Anonymous Web Browsing

August 4, 2025

Protect your privacy and defend yourself against network surveillance

Tor Browser is a free and open-source web browser that enables anonymous communication by directing internet traffic through a worldwide network of servers. It protects users from traffic analysis and network surveillance that threatens personal freedom and privacy.

The Tor network uses onion routing to encrypt and bounce communications through multiple relays:

1. Entry Node - Your traffic enters the Tor network
2. Middle Relay - Traffic bounces through multiple relays
3. Exit Node - Traffic exits to reach destination
4. Layered Encryption - Each hop only knows the previous and next step

Key Features

• Anonymous Browsing - Hide your IP address and location
• Circumvent Censorship - Access blocked websites and services
• No Tracking - Blocks trackers and prevents fingerprinting
• Secure by Default - HTTPS Everywhere and NoScript built-in
• Cross-Platform - Available on all major operating systems

Privacy Protections

Built-in Security Features

• Traffic Encryption - Multi-layer encryption through Tor network
• Fingerprinting Protection - Standardized browser fingerprint
• Script Blocking - NoScript prevents malicious JavaScript
• Cookie Isolation - Cookies cleared between sessions
• DNS Protection - DNS requests routed through Tor

Security Levels

• Standard - Default security, all features enabled
• Safer - Disables some features that could be unsafe
• Safest - Maximum security, JavaScript disabled

Best Practices

Do’s ✅

• Keep Tor Browser updated
• Use HTTPS websites when possible
• Download files through Tor with caution
• Use Tor-specific search engines (DuckDuckGo)
• Enable security level based on your needs

Don’ts ❌

• Don’t log into personal accounts
• Don’t download and run files
• Don’t enable browser plugins
• Don’t use P2P/BitTorrent over Tor
• Don’t resize the browser window

Common Use Cases

Journalism & Activism

• Protect source confidentiality
• Access information in oppressive regimes
• Communicate securely with contacts

Privacy Protection

• Browse without being tracked
• Research sensitive topics privately
• Protect personal information

Circumvent Censorship

• Access blocked social media
• Read international news
• Use restricted services

Limitations

⚠️ Important Considerations:

• Slower browsing speeds due to routing
• Some websites block Tor traffic
• JavaScript can potentially compromise anonymity
• Not foolproof - requires proper usage

Installation

Official Downloads

• Windows/macOS/Linux: torproject.org
• Android: Tor Browser from F-Droid or Google Play
• iOS: Onion Browser (recommended by Tor Project)

Verification

Always verify downloads using PGP signatures to ensure authenticity.

Hidden Services (.onion sites)

Access websites only available on the Tor network:

• DuckDuckGo: 3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion
• Facebook: facebookwkhpilnemxj7asaniu7vnjjbiltxjqhye3mhbshg7kx5tfyd.onion
• ProPublica: p53lf57qovyuvwsc6xnrppddxpr23otqjweargqthejsu24ttc3a.onion

Additional Security Tools

Consider combining Tor with:

• Tails OS - Live operating system with Tor built-in
• VPN - Use VPN over Tor or Tor over VPN (advanced users)
• Encrypted Messaging - Signal, Element for communications

Learning Resources

• Tor Project Documentation
• Privacy Guides - Tor Browser
• EFF Surveillance Self-Defense

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Difficulty: Beginner
Usefulness: Essential for online privacy