This is an excerpt from my popular Tor Browser Guide. In this excerpt, I'll cover the basics of using an online Tor browser, how it protects your privacy, and some common questions about the onion network security.
Online Tor Browser Demo
I and my team have created an online Tor browser version. Head over to browserling.com/tor use our cloud-based Tor browser. It works straight from your browser and there's nothing to download or install. Just click and go!
Online Tor Browser FAQ
What is an Online Tor Browser?
An Online Tor Browser is a cloud-based version of the Tor Browser that you can use without installing anything on your device. It lets you test your Onion websites by routing your traffic through the Tor network, just like the regular Tor Browser. This is useful if you can't install Tor or want extra privacy when using a shared or restricted device.
Can an online Tor browser protect against browser exploits and zero-day vulnerabilities?
Yes, an online Tor browser does protect against browser exploits and zero-day vulnerabilities. If an attacker finds a zero-day in an online Tor browser, they can only affect the virtual machine (VM) running it, not your actual device. Since the browser resets after each session, the attacks won't stick.
How do threat actors de-anonymize Tor users?
Attackers use correlation attacks, compromised exit nodes, and JavaScript-based exploits to track users. Nation-state actors may monitor entry and exit traffic to identify patterns. Using an online Tor browser adds an extra layer of protection.
Can a malicious exit node inject malware into Tor traffic?
Yes, exit nodes can modify unencrypted HTTP traffic. If you're not using HTTPS, an attacker controlling an exit node could alter content or inject malicious payloads. When using an online Tor browser, always make sure you're visiting HTTPS sites.
How do government agencies track Tor users?
Agencies like the NSA and FBI use traffic correlation, compromised relays, and malware exploits to track users. If they control both the entry and exit nodes a user is passing through, they can analyze timing and volume patterns to reveal identities. An online Tor browser prevents it as entry node runs in the cloud.
Can Tor users be tracked via WebRTC leaks?
No, WebRTC is disabled in online Tor Browser by default to prevent IP leaks. However, if a user enables WebRTC or modifies the browser settings, the remote servers's IP address could be exposed. Your IP will not be exposed as you haven't connected directly to Tor network.
What is a Sybil attack, and how does it affect Tor?
A Sybil attack happens when an attacker runs many malicious Tor relays to manipulate network traffic. This could allow them to monitor users' paths or perform deanonymization attacks. The Tor Project actively monitors and removes bad nodes to prevent this.
Can Tor be exploited for remote code execution (RCE) attacks?
Like any browser, if a Tor user visits a malicious website with an unpatched exploit, an attacker could achieve RCE. This has happened before, with law enforcement using Firefox vulnerabilities to unmask users.
Why do security researchers analyze Tor traffic?
Researchers study Tor traffic to understand anonymity risks, detect malicious use, and improve security. Some focus on finding ways to strengthen Tor, while others (like law enforcement) track activity on the dark web.
How do zero-day exploit developers test vulnerabilities in Tor?
Exploit developers often test Tor vulnerabilities in isolated environments using virtual machines and sandboxing. They look for ways to bypass protections like fingerprinting resistance and sandboxing, and sometimes pass their findings to security firms or government agencies.
What is Browserling?
Browserling is an online service that lets you use different web browsers in a virtual machine. It runs browsers in the cloud, so you don't have to download or install anything on your computer. You can use it to access an online Tor browser, which helps you test your onion websites.
Who Uses Browserling?
Browserling has now become the go-to online Tor browser platform for cybersecurity experts, onion website developers, and cypherpunks, and it's used by hundreds of thousands of users around the world every month. Browserling's customers include governments, states, cities, banks, stock exchanges, universities, newspapers, Fortune 100, Fortune 500 companies, and private multi-billion dollar companies.
Happy browsing!