Be Aware of the Cyber Security Risks of Using Tor on a Business Network The destination server only has knowledge of the last node, which is the only link that is unencrypted.ĭue to the layers of encryption and randomization of the traffic, it is practically impossible to identify the complete path that a data packet has taken. Each data package that leaves a user’s computer travels on a pathway through several random servers or nodes.Īll Tor traffic goes through a minimum of three nodes – the Entry node, the Middle Node and the Exit node. Not only does Tor encrypt communication – a mechanism provided by other applications – but it also hides the source and destination of the communication by encrypting and moving traffic across different nodes located around the globe.Ī node can be any computer connected to the Tor network and any Tor user can relay traffic via any node. Tor Hides the Source and Destination of Any Communication Tor’s anonymity traits make it popular among journalists, whistleblowers and political dissidents and make it attractive to malicious actors, as well. In fact, Tor has become one of the keys to accessing the Dark Web. Tor hides information such as the user’s activity and location from entities conducting network surveillance or doing traffic analysis. By default, it enables continuous private browsing mode. It uses Onion routing, which is a scheme based on layered encryption, to hide TCP traffic. Tor is built as a modified version of the Firefox browser. It is free, effective, and does not require very much technical knowledge to set up.
Naval Research Laboratory for military purposes to anonymize emails, today it is the most popular software available for browsing the Internet anonymously. The word Tor is derived from the acronym for the original software project name, “The Onion Router” (TOR). Let’s have a look at the main cyber security risks associated with using Tor, which include bypassing network security, connecting to criminal sites on the Dark Web, exposing the corporate network to malware infections, and associating an organization with criminal activities under investigation. While it has a number of benefits – especially when it comes to providing anonymity – the potential dangers raise more risks than it solves. Tor browser is defined as a “free and open-source software browser for enabling anonymous communication.” Initially released in September 2002, Tor’s intended use is to protect the personal privacy of its users, as well as to respect their freedom and ability to conduct confidential communication, by keeping their Internet activities unmonitored.īut as with many open-source tools, the unintended consequences are the cyber security risks involved in utilizing the Tor browser inside a business network.
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