1. Anonymity Through Layered Routing:
- Tor is designed to create layers of encryption and routing for your internet traffic. This layered approach is where it gets the name “The Onion Router.” Here’s how it works:
2. Entry Node:
- When you connect to the Tor network, your internet traffic is first routed through an “entry node.” This initial node knows your IP address but does not have access to the actual content of your web traffic.
3. Middle Nodes:
- After leaving the entry node, your traffic is forwarded to multiple “middle nodes” in a random order. Each middle node peels away one layer of encryption, like peeling an onion, making it challenging to trace the origin of your data.
4. Exit Node:
- Finally, your traffic exits the Tor network through an “exit node” and enters the open internet. The exit node knows the destination of your data but doesn’t have access to your IP address or the original source of the traffic.
5. Encryption at Each Step:
- At each step of this routing process, your data is encrypted. When it passes through the entry node, it’s encrypted in a way that only the middle nodes can decrypt. Likewise, the data is re-encrypted between each pair of nodes. This means that even if an attacker manages to compromise a node, they can only see the information related to the previous and next nodes in the chain.
6. Constantly Changing Circuit:
- Tor circuits are regularly changed. Every 10 minutes or so, a new circuit is created, and your traffic is rerouted through a different set of nodes. This dynamic nature enhances security and prevents long-term tracking.
7. Protection Against Traffic Analysis:
- Tor also protects against traffic analysis, which involves monitoring the timing and patterns of data flow. By randomly routing your data through nodes, it becomes challenging for anyone to perform meaningful traffic analysis and deduce your online activities.
8. Hidden Services:
- Tor offers “hidden services” or “.onion” websites that are only accessible within the Tor network. These sites can provide services while preserving both the user’s and the server’s anonymity. It’s a unique feature of Tor that allows for a high level of privacy.
