TuesdayTool 6: Tor Browser

Introduction

Imagine there is a discovery of the 8th wonder of the world. This wonder happens to be a big building that contains so many rooms with jaw-dropping views than we see in the everyday world. Out of excitement and curiosity, You took a trip with your last dime to see this wonder but on getting there you saw nothing but a blank and empty space……………….. it looks like you’ve been jinxed or scammed. Perplexed you ask why, and you are told you’re not following the rule by not using the designated glasses to access the room is why you can’t see anything!!!!!! So it is as a surface web surfer, using Google and Bing, you cannot use the same tools and approach to access the dark web. Just like the scenario mentioned earlier, you too need a TOR Browser to surf and discover the wonders hidden within the dark web. (although there are other tools similar to it, TOR is the most popular)

What is a TOR browser?

Tor, short for “The Onion Router”, is free and open-source software for enabling anonymous communication. With the TOR browser, the following are possible:

1. Anonymity: Your internet service provider, as well as anyone monitoring your local connection, will be unable to trace your online activity, including the specific websites you visit, and thus cannot gather information about their names and addresses.
2. Covers Network Track: When you access websites and services, the operators of these platforms and anyone observing their traffic will perceive a connection originating from the Tor network instead of your actual Internet (IP) address. They will remain unaware of your identity unless you explicitly disclose it.
3. No Browsing History: By default, Tor Browser maintains no browsing history. Cookies are only valid for a single session and expire when the Tor Browser is closed or when you request a new identity.

How does Tor work?

Tor is a network of virtual tunnels that allows you to improve your privacy and security on the Internet. Tor works by sending your traffic through three random servers (also known as relays) in the Tor network. The last relay in the circuit (the “exit relay”) then sends the traffic out onto the public Internet. The dark web is usually characterized by “.onion top-level domain (TLD)”.

How to use Tor Browser on Windows and Mac Tor is currently available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s a Firefox-based app that’s downloaded and installed on your computer. After installation, you can use Tor to access the public internet as well as .onion websites.

1. Visit the Tor project website
2. Click on the download link for your Operating System (OS).
3. Once downloaded, install the Tor Browser application.
4. Launch the Tor Browser application and connect to the Tor network.

For the sake of those who are still new to the deep and dark web, visit my article on dark web search engines to get started.

Other tools similar to TOR

1. VPN Services
2. Proxies
3. I2P (Invisible Internet Project)
4. Freenet
5. Lokinet
6. JonDo (formerly JAP)
7. Whonix
8. Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System)

Conclusion

The Tor Browser is illegal to use in most countries because it is often associated with cyber threats/actors. But despite this, the dark web is still host to many legitimate resources, like the dark web Wikipedia, secure email services, and research databases. If you’re not engaged in illicit activities, it’s not a crime to use the dark web, it is important to also note that the Tor Browser is generally considered safe and secure thanks to the onion routing protocol that encrypts your data and hides your IP address. Best used with VPN, for more information on the Tor browser visit the project site.

REGARDLESS I still see the dark web as a wonder of the modern world and TOR is the the right tool to access this WONDER!!!!!!

Till I come your way again next week Tuesday, #BeCyberSmart

Cyberliza writes TuesdayTool