Tor Network Complete Guide
Master the onion router network for true anonymous browsing and communications
Current Version: Tor Browser 14.5.7
Latest release includes HTTPS-Only mode, NoScript protection, and enhanced security against browser fingerprinting. The network operates through over 7,000 active relays worldwide providing robust anonymity infrastructure.
Understanding The Onion Router
Tor (The Onion Router) uses onion routing to encrypt and reroute web traffic through multiple network nodes. Each relay peels away a layer of encryption, obscuring your origin by the time data reaches its destination.
Multi-Layer
Multiple encryption layers
Random Path
Randomized routing through relays
Anonymous
Origin obscured from destination
How Tor Network Functions
Entry Guard
First relay in the circuit, knows your IP but not destination
Middle Relay
Intermediate hop, knows neither source nor destination
Exit Node
Final relay, knows destination but not your IP
Circuit Path: Your traffic passes through three randomly selected relays, with each relay only knowing the previous and next hop in the chain. This creates a secure tunnel where no single relay can connect you to your destination.
Tor Browser Installation & Setup
1Download from Official Source
Always download from the official Tor Project website to avoid malicious versions:
Official URL:
https://www.torproject.org/download/• Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android)
• Download the latest stable release (currently 14.5.7)
• File size is approximately 150MB
Security Note:
Never download Tor Browser from third-party sites, torrents, or app stores. These may contain malware that defeats the purpose of using Tor.
2Verify Digital Signature (Recommended)
Signature verification ensures your download hasn't been tampered with:
1. Download the .asc signature file from the same page
2. Install GPG if you don't have it: gpg --version
3. Import Tor's signing key:
gpg --auto-key-locate nodefault,wkd --locate-keys torbrowser@torproject.org4. Verify the signature:
gpg --verify tor-browser-linux-x86_64-14.5.7.tar.xz.asc3Installation Process
Windows
- • Run the .exe installer
- • Choose installation location
- • Don't add to PATH or create shortcuts
- • Launch from installation folder
macOS
- • Open the .dmg file
- • Drag Tor Browser to Applications
- • Right-click > Open first time
- • Allow in Security preferences
Linux
- • Extract:
tar -xf file.tar.xz - • cd tor-browser
- • Run:
./start-tor-browser.desktop - • Create desktop shortcut if needed
4First Launch Configuration
Connection Options:
✓ Connect (Most Users):
Choose this if Tor isn't blocked in your country. Browser will connect directly to the Tor network.
⚙ Configure (Censored Areas):
Choose this if you're in China, Iran, or other countries that block Tor. You'll need to configure bridges.
Security Level (Accessible via Shield Icon):
Standard: Default security, all website features work
Safer: Disables JavaScript on non-HTTPS sites, some fonts/icons disabled
Safest: JavaScript disabled on all sites, images/media disabled, maximum security
Onion Services & Hidden Sites
1Understanding .onion Addresses
Onion addresses are special URLs that end in .onion instead of .com or .org. They provide true end-to-end anonymity:
v3 Onion Address Format:
duckduckgogg42ts72.onion• 56 characters long (v3 format) • Cryptographically derived from public key • Cannot be spoofed or faked • No DNS required, works entirely within Tor
Six-Hop Circuit:
Hidden services use 6 hops instead of 3:
- • You → Guard → Middle → Rendezvous
- • Service → Guard → Middle → Rendezvous
- • Neither party knows the other's location
- • Even exit nodes can't see traffic content
2Finding Legitimate Onion Services
Trusted Sources for Onion Links:
Official Website Verification:
- • Check company's main website for onion links
- • Look for "Tor" or ".onion" sections
- • Verify SSL certificates match
- • Use official social media announcements
Community Resources:
- • Hidden Wiki (use with extreme caution)
- • Tor Project directory when available
- • Privacy-focused forums and communities
- • Cross-reference multiple sources
Warning: Many onion link directories contain scams, malware, and illegal content. Only visit onion services you specifically need and have verified through official channels.
3Accessing Hidden Services Safely
Connection Process:
- 1.Copy the full .onion address exactly (case-sensitive)
- 2.Paste into Tor Browser address bar
- 3.Wait for connection (may take 10-30 seconds)
- 4.Verify you're on the correct site before interacting
Common Legitimate Onion Services:
DuckDuckGo: duckduckgogg42ts72.onion
ProtonMail: protonirockerxow.onion
BBC News: bbcnewsv2vjtpsuy.onion
* Always verify these addresses from official sources
4Security & Safety Guidelines
❌ Never Do:
- • Download files from unknown onion sites
- • Enable JavaScript on unfamiliar services
- • Enter personal information
- • Browse random onion link directories
- • Access illegal marketplaces or content
✓ Best Practices:
- • Bookmark verified onion addresses
- • Use highest security level for unknown sites
- • Cross-reference addresses from multiple sources
- • Check for HTTPS even on onion sites
- • Exit immediately if site seems suspicious
Bridge Configuration & Censorship Bypass
1Understanding Bridge Relays
Bridges are special Tor relays that aren't listed in the public directory. They help you connect to Tor when it's blocked:
Why Bridges Are Needed:
- • Countries block known Tor relay IP addresses
- • ISPs can detect Tor traffic patterns
- • Bridges provide unlisted entry points
- • Pluggable transports disguise traffic
Bridge Types:
obfs4 (Recommended)
Makes traffic look like random data
Snowflake
Uses volunteer proxies via WebRTC
meek
Routes through CDN services
2Getting Bridge Addresses Securely
Method 1: Built-in Bridge Request
- 1.Open Tor Browser and click "Configure" on startup
- 2.Select "Tor is censored in my country"
- 3.Choose "Request a bridge from torproject.org"
- 4.Select obfs4 transport (recommended for most users)
Method 2: BridgeDB Website
Steps:
- 1. Visit bridges.torproject.org (use VPN if blocked)
- 2. Complete the CAPTCHA verification
- 3. Choose obfs4 or snowflake transport
- 4. Copy the bridge addresses provided
Email Method:
- • Send email to bridges@torproject.org
- • Subject: "get transport obfs4"
- • Must send from Gmail/Riseup/Yahoo
- • Receive bridge list in response
3Configuring Bridge Connection
Manual Bridge Configuration:
- 1.Open Tor Browser settings (hamburger menu → Settings)
- 2.Navigate to "Connection" in the left sidebar
- 3.Check "Use a bridge" option
- 4.Select "Provide a bridge I know"
- 5.Paste your bridge addresses (one per line)
Bridge Format Examples:
obfs4 bridge:
obfs4 192.0.2.1:443 B31F31F31F... cert=AAA...snowflake bridge:
snowflake 192.0.2.2:443 2B2B2B2B...4Testing & Troubleshooting Bridges
✓ Connection Success Signs:
- • Tor circuit builds successfully
- • Browser shows connected status
- • Can access websites normally
- • Connection logs show bridge usage
- • No error messages in connection status
⚠ Troubleshooting Steps:
- • Try different bridge addresses
- • Switch to snowflake if obfs4 fails
- • Check bridge format is correct
- • Restart Tor Browser completely
- • Use VPN + bridge combination if needed
Note: Bridge connections may take longer to establish (30-60 seconds). If one bridge fails, try others from your list. Some countries block specific bridge types more aggressively than others.
Security Level Configuration
1Accessing Security Settings
Tor Browser includes three security levels that balance anonymity with functionality. Access them via the shield icon:
- 1.Look for the shield icon in the address bar
- 2.Click the shield to open security settings
- 3.Select "Advanced Security Settings"
- 4.Choose your desired security level
Screenshot Placeholder:
Tor Browser Shield Icon Location
2Understanding Security Levels
Standard Security
What's Enabled:
- • JavaScript enabled on all sites
- • Audio and video playback works
- • WebGL and fonts load normally
- • All website features function
Best For:
- • General browsing and research
- • Sites requiring full functionality
- • Users new to Tor
- • Maximum compatibility needed
Safer Security
What's Disabled:
- • JavaScript on non-HTTPS sites
- • Some fonts and font rendering
- • Mathematical symbols display
- • Audio/video on HTTP sites
Best For:
- • Moderate security needs
- • Browsing unknown websites
- • Mixed HTTP/HTTPS content
- • Balanced security/usability
Safest Security
What's Disabled:
- • JavaScript completely disabled
- • No audio or video playback
- • Custom fonts blocked
- • Images may be blocked
Best For:
- • Maximum security required
- • Sensitive research
- • High-risk environments
- • Text-only browsing acceptable
3Advanced NoScript Configuration
NoScript provides granular control over JavaScript execution. Access it through the browser toolbar:
- 1.Look for the "S" icon in the toolbar
- 2.Click to see script permissions for current site
- 3.Temporarily allow trusted scripts
- 4.Use "Trusted" for permanent exceptions
Screenshot Placeholder:
NoScript Interface & Options
4Security vs Usability Trade-offs
Common Scenarios & Recommendations:
Research & Reading:
Use Standard or Safer level. Most content works fine.
Streaming & Media:
Requires Standard level. JavaScript needed for players.
High-Risk Activities:
Use Safest level. Accept limited functionality for maximum security.
Online Shopping:
Avoid through Tor. Use regular browser with VPN instead.
Pro Tip: You can change security levels per-site. Start with Safest for unknown sites, then lower the level only if needed for specific functionality.
Operational Security (OPSEC)
Behavioral Security Practices
Essential practices to maintain anonymity while using Tor
This section will cover:
- • Never logging into personal accounts
- • Avoiding downloads and file sharing
- • Managing browser fingerprinting
- • Time correlation attack prevention
- • Physical security considerations
Advanced Tor Usage
Command Line & Custom Configurations
Advanced Tor configurations and command-line usage
This section will cover:
- • Running Tor as a service
- • Custom torrc configuration
- • SOCKS proxy configuration
- • Hosting your own onion service
- • Running a Tor relay or bridge
Mobile Tor Solutions
Anonymous Mobile Browsing
Tor solutions for Android and iOS devices
This section will cover:
- • Tor Browser for Android installation
- • Onion Browser for iOS setup
- • Orbot proxy configuration
- • Mobile security considerations
- • App-specific Tor routing
Security Analysis & Mitigation
The Problem
Exit Node Traffic Exposure
Traffic leaving exit nodes to reach websites is unencrypted. Exit node operators can intercept:
- HTTP website content and forms
- Login credentials to non-HTTPS sites
- Personal information in unencrypted forms
The Solution
End-to-End Encryption
Protect data from exit node to destination:
- HTTPS-Only mode (enabled by default)
- Use .onion hidden services when available
- Never enter personal credentials
What This Means
Practical Impact
Exit node vulnerability requires behavioral changes:
- Browse anonymously, research only
- Separate identity compartmentalization
- SSL/TLS provides adequate protection
Traffic Analysis Attacks
The Problem: Advanced adversaries can correlate timing and volume of traffic entering and leaving the Tor network to identify users, especially if they control multiple relays or monitor internet infrastructure.
Mitigation Strategies:
- Use public WiFi: Don't use your home connection for sensitive activities
- Vary your timing: Don't browse at predictable times
- Use bridges: Obscure your Tor entry point from ISP monitoring
Slower Browsing Speed
Why It's Slow: Your traffic bounces through 3 random relays worldwide, adding latency. Each hop adds encryption/decryption overhead. Relay bandwidth varies greatly.
Speed Optimization:
- Disable images/videos: Use NoScript and image blocking for faster loading
- New circuit: Ctrl+Shift+L to get new relays if current path is slow
- Be patient: Accept slower speeds as the price of anonymity
Operational Security is Critical
Human Error is the Weakness: Tor can't protect you from poor operational security. One mistake linking your anonymous and real identities can destroy all anonymity.
Essential OPSEC Rules:
- Never login to personal accounts: No Google, Facebook, email, banking
- Don't download files: Especially torrents, PDFs, or executables
- Keep browser default: Don't install plugins or change settings
- Separate identities completely: Different computers, networks, behaviors