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TOR (The Onion Router) is a network that is designed to provide anonymity for its users by routing internet traffic through a series of nodes, making it difficult to trace the origin of the traffic. However, while TOR can provide a significant level of anonymity, it is not completely foolproof. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have developed techniques for identifying and tracking individuals who use TOR, and there have been several instances of individuals being arrested for illegal activities while using the network. It's important to note that using TOR for illegal activities is not recommended, and that you should always be aware of the risks associated with using any anonymity network.

In this article, we will see if TOR really keeps you anonymous, how FBI agency nabbed an illegal ISIS agent and we will also see how to stay truely anonymous while using TOR and surfing Darknet.

Building the Story:

TOR, or The Onion Router, is a network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. It’s often used by people who want to protect their privacy online, such as activists, journalists, and people living in oppressive regimes. But does TOR really keep you anonymous?

According to the article “The FBI Won’t Say Whether It Hacked Dark Web ISIS Site” in Vice website, in a case dealing with illegal ISIS activities, Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS in May 2020. The FBI discovered that Al-Azhari visited a dark web site multiple times on May 14, 2019, that hosted unofficial propaganda and photographs related to ISIS. The site was hosted on the Tor anonymity network, which makes it difficult to determine the real IP address of visitors. However, the FBI was able to trace Al-Azhari’s IP address back to his grandmother’s house in Riverside, California. The FBI also found specific pages Al-Azhari visited, including a page on donating Bitcoin, another focused on military operations conducted by ISIS fighters, and another page that provided links to material from ISIS’s media arm. The Department of Justice has not disclosed how the agency accessed Al-Azhari’s IP address and is blocking discussion of the issue from entering the public docket.

The TOR Principle:

The basic principle of the TOR network is that it bounces your internet connection through a series of servers, known as “nodes,” before it reaches its destination. Each node only knows the location of the previous and next nodes in the chain, so it’s difficult for anyone to trace the connection back to the original user.

Limitations of TOR:

However, TOR does have its limitations.

Exit Nodes:

One of the main weaknesses of the network is that the last node in the chain, known as the “exit node,” can see the user’s IP address. This means that anyone who controls the exit node can potentially see the user’s browsing activity and trace it back to the original user.

Traffic Analysis:

Another way that agencies can track down users on the TOR network is through traffic analysis. This involves analyzing the flow of data through the TOR network to try and identify the location of the user. Law enforcement can also use a technique called “TOR-Exit-Node” monitoring, where they monitor the IP addresses of the exit nodes in the TOR network, when a user makes a request to a website outside the TOR network, the request will exit the TOR network via an Exit-Node, this exit node IP address can be used to trace the user.

HoneyPot Nodes:

Additionally, law enforcement can also use “Honeypot” nodes, these are nodes that are set up to look like legitimate TOR nodes, but are actually controlled by the authorities. Once a user connects to these nodes, the authorities can collect information about the user’s IP address and browsing activity.

How Can You Stay Truely Anonymous

However, there are ways to increase your anonymity while using TOR.

Use Tails:

One of the best ways is to use the Tails operating system, which is a version of Linux that’s designed to be run from a USB drive. Tails routes all internet traffic through the TOR network and doesn’t leave any traces of your browsing activity on your computer.

VPN:

Another way to increase your anonymity is to use a VPN in conjunction with TOR. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and makes it difficult for anyone to see what you’re doing online. When you use a VPN with TOR, your internet connection is encrypted twice, making it even harder for anyone to trace your activity.

Identity Hide:

Finally, it’s important to be cautious about the information you share online. Even if you’re using TOR and a VPN, it’s still possible for someone to track you down if you’re sharing personal information on social media or other websites. It’s always a good idea to use a pseudonym and be cautious about the information you share online.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while TOR can provide a high level of anonymity, it’s not completely foolproof. There are ways that law enforcement and other agencies can track down users on the TOR network, such as traffic analysis, exploiting vulnerabilities in the TOR software, monitoring exit nodes and using Honeypot nodes. However, by using the Tails operating system, using a VPN, and being cautious about the information you share online, you can increase your anonymity while using TOR. It’s important to note that online anonymity and online privacy are complex topics and constantly evolving, as technology develops and with new hacking techniques, the security and privacy of any online tool or service can be compromised.

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