Why Tor Matters (and Why It’s Under Scrutiny)
Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a privacy tool that routes your internet traffic through several relays to hide your identity. People use it to browse anonymously, avoid censorship, or access .onion sites (the “dark web”). It’s especially useful for activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and anyone who doesn’t want their ISP—or government—tracking their activity. And famously it was used extensively by Edward Snowden but Tor’s been making headlines lately, and not in a good way.
The Big Question: Is Tor Broken?
Let’s get this out of the way—no, Tor itself hasn’t been totally cracked. But recent cases show that specific users can be unmasked, especially when governments bring out the big guns.
In late 2024, German authorities said they identified a dark web site operator using Tor. The case involved a mix of network monitoring and some older, flawed software. By carefully watching traffic going in and out of the network and comparing timestamps (called a “timing correlation attack”), they were able to track the user down.
This wasn’t a fluke. The operation ran for months and involved running their own Tor relays to collect enough data. It worked—but only because the target was using outdated tools that didn’t include newer protections like Vanguards, which guard against this kind of attack.
So no, Tor’s not broken wide open. But if your setup is out of date or misconfigured, you’re putting yourself at risk.
How Do These Attacks Work?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how agencies try to deanonymize Tor users:
1. Malicious Tor Nodes
Anyone can run a Tor relay. That’s the beauty—and the risk. If a government (or any attacker) runs enough nodes, they might see both ends of your connection. This makes it easier to match who you are with what you’re doing.
At one point, a mysterious actor called “KAX17” was running hundreds of relays—nobody’s sure who they were working for.
2. Timing Attacks
This was the method used in the German case. By observing when data enters and exits the network, an attacker can try to match traffic patterns. It’s not easy, but if they control parts of the internet or monitor key Tor relays, they can pull it off—especially against high-value targets.
3. Browser Exploits
The FBI and other agencies have a history of using malware to bypass Tor. In the “Playpen” case, they infected a hidden site with code that revealed visitors’ IP addresses. These attacks don’t break Tor itself—they exploit bugs in the browser (or the user’s operating system).
That’s why it’s crucial to keep the Tor Browser up to date and stick to the default settings.
4. ISP and Endpoint Surveillance
Even if you’re using Tor, your ISP can still tell you’re connecting to the network. In some countries, that alone could raise eyebrows. If a government controls or monitors your internet provider, they might connect the dots if they notice you accessing Tor frequently—especially if few others in your area are doing the same.
What Governments Can Really Do
The NSA reportedly said they “can deanonymize some users some of the time.” That pretty much sums it up. With enough money, computing power, and legal reach, governments can chip away at Tor’s protections—but it’s slow and expensive.
They’ll usually save those efforts for major investigations, not everyday users browsing Reddit or reading blocked news.
That said, if you’re doing something sensitive—say, leaking classified info or dodging surveillance in a high-risk country—you should assume you’re a possible target and take extra precautions.
Is Tor Still Safe to Use?
Yes—for most people, Tor is still one of the strongest privacy tools out there. But like any tool, it’s only as good as the way you use it.
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Keep Tor Browser updated. Don’t ignore those update prompts.
- Stick to HTTPS websites. Otherwise, exit nodes can see your traffic.
- Avoid downloads. Especially PDFs or Word docs—they can “phone home” outside Tor.
- Don’t install browser add-ons or change default settings.
- Use bridges if Tor is blocked in your country.
- Consider using Tails or Whonix if you’re in a high-risk situation.
And if you’re extra cautious, you can combine Tor with a trusted VPN. This won’t make you invisible, but it can add an extra layer between you and your ISP.
Reminder: The biggest threats come from what you do outside of Tor—clicking sketchy links, running unverified software, or logging into personal accounts while trying to stay anonymous.
What the Tor Project Says
The folks behind Tor have been clear: the network is still safe, and the recent cases don’t show any fatal flaw in Tor’s design. They’ve made improvements in response to attacks and continue to monitor for bad relays. In their words: “Don’t panic—but stay smart.”
They’ve also asked for more transparency from law enforcement, encouraging anyone with knowledge of new attack methods to report them responsibly.
Final Take
If you’re wondering whether Tor is compromised, the answer is nuanced. No, it hasn’t been “cracked.” But yes, it’s being targeted—and yes, users who aren’t careful can get caught.
For most privacy-conscious users, Tor still works and is worth using. Just know its limits, stay updated, and understand that anonymity is a process, not a switch you flip.
Want even more protection? Combine Tor with tools like:
- A no-logs VPN
- A secure OS like Tails
- Encrypted messaging apps (Signal, Session)
The internet’s getting more hostile to privacy—but you’ve still got options. Tor is one of the best. Just treat it with the respect it deserves.
