What is Tor?
In its simplest definition, Tor is a web browser software that conceals your identity when you’re online. It does this in a few different ways. First, it uses encryption to scramble the data that’s being communicated within the network. Second, it routes that data between random servers within the Tor network to hide your online identity, including data tied to your personal IP address.What is Tor used for?
You’ve probably heard some unnerving things associated with Tor. We’re not going to pretend there isn’t truth to those claims. Tor can be used for good things and bad.Positives: The best thing about Tor is that it provides anonymity for people who would want to browse the web without being tracked by their internet service provider, websites, the government and other interest parties. You can also use Tor to access services that are blocked by some internet providers, or governments.Note: If you’d like to increase your privacy online without downloading Tor software, click here for tips on disabling web browser tracking.
Negatives: It’s true that Tor has a dark side. Not the software itself, but the places to where it grants access on the internet. You may have heard the term “Dark Web” before. This is a portion of the internet that is often used for illegal activities such as child pornography, the sale of drugs, prostitution, etc. Tor software is needed to access the Dark Web, so needless to say, using the software could lead you into some pretty dark places. Click here for more information on the Dark Web and what’s hiding in the shadows of the internet.