In the world of hacking and cybersecurity, the name “Tor Browser” is well-known. Tor, also known as “The Onion Router,” operates on a unique concept similar to the layers of an onion.

How Does Tor Browser Work?

Just as an onion has multiple layers, Tor Browser also functions through multiple layers of IP addresses to hide your identity.

To understand this, let’s first know what an IP address (Internet Protocol) is. An IP address is like your digital identity that reveals your location, internet service provider, and online activities. Just as you have an identity card in the real world, your IP address acts as your identification in the online world.

However, Tor Browser hides your actual IP address and replaces it with different IP addresses from around the world.

The Process Behind Tor’s Anonymity

When you access a website through Tor Browser, it doesn’t directly connect to the site. Instead, it passes your request through multiple IP addresses (nodes) in different countries. The first IP is covered by the second, the second is covered by the third, and so on. This process creates a chain of IP addresses, making it almost impossible to trace your original identity.

As a result, your original IP remains hidden, and tracking your online activity becomes extremely difficult for anyone.

Benefits of a Tor browser

The Tor browser does have several advantages, which is why some internet users can benefit from using it. However, not all of these will be relevant to regular internet users. Here are some of the main reasons why some users choose to use a Tor onion browser:

• The browser is a free, open-source program
• IP addresses and browsing history are masked
• Enjoy heightened network security because the Tor browser operates on secure, encrypted networks
• Easy access to non-indexed pages, especially through search engines

Disadvantages of Tor browser

Aside from security concerns and wondering “is the Tor browser safe,” there are some other potential disadvantages of using this software. Below are a few things to keep in mind before deciding to use the Tor onion browser.

• Because of the way it routes traffic, Tor connections are very slow, especially when compared to VPNs, and downloading large files is not practical.
• Activity may not be completely anonymous, and it is possible to decrypt a user’s identity
• Some countries and companies can block the Tor browser, and its usage can even be illegal in certain countries.
• The use of this browser can be suspicious, even if it is legal
• Not all websites function on Tor

Who Uses Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is widely used by ethical hackers (White Hat Hackers), security researchers, journalists, and individuals who prioritize privacy. It allows them to keep their identity anonymous and avoid being tracked. However, some Black Hat Hackers and cybercriminals misuse it for illegal activities as well.

Is Tor Browser Legal or Illegal?

Many people think that using Tor Browser is illegal, but that’s not true. Using Tor to protect your privacy and secure your identity is completely legal. However, using it for illegal purposes, such as hacking, accessing the dark web, or committing cyber crimes, is strictly illegal and punishable by law.

Why is Tor Browser Slow?

Since Tor Browser passes your request through multiple IP addresses and relays from different countries, it takes longer to access a website. This is the reason Tor works slower than regular browsers.