


This doesn't just include times that we go to our bank's website and transfer money, or enter our social security number to take care of our taxes. So, what exactly is Tor, and how does it work? Every day when we use the internet, especially if we're using devices that don't have software that protects us from spyware, hacking, and other malicious activity, we are essentially at risk. Unfortunately, it’s currently only available for Android due to restrictions placed by Apple on iOS - but the Tor Project recommends using Onion Browser if you’re in need of privacy on iOS.Three layers of encryption keeps your data private. So whether you’re on the run from a shady government agency or just don’t want ad agencies getting hold of your data, Tor Browser for Android will help to keep your data safe.

For example, the browser doesn’t allow screenshots while the app is open - so a rogue app can’t capture images of your screen.īets of all, this protection is based on Firefox’s app, so you get all the conveniences we’ve come to expect, including tabbed browsing and a maybe-irrelevant Private Browsing mode. There are even more security features hidden inside. After all, there’s no point having all this security if Joe Schmo can just pick up your phone and browse your history. NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere are automatically installed and enabled, and all cookies and browser history are cleared after each session. But since this sort of tracking is only one element of online protection, so the Tor Project has built more security-conscious features into the app. The Tor Browser is built around this same principle, and it makes it much harder for any third parties to track your browsing history and search data. And, much like ogres, we know onions have many layers. In fact, the name Tor itself stands for “The Onion Router” - because the layers of encryption used in the program are nested like the layers of an onion. Instead, connections are bounced between more than seven thousand relays, making it harder to track activity back to the source. Unlike most browsers, anything Tor-related doesn’t rely on a single connection between you and a website. That juggernaut has finally arrived - a stable version of Tor Browser for Android has released.įor the uninformed, the Tor Project is free and open-source software that prioritizes data security and anonymous communication on the internet. But there are places where censorship and heavy surveillance make accessing the internet tough, and for those places, something a little more heavy-duty is required. There’s no shortage of ways to make yourself safe and private online, and many of our favorite Android browsers come with security features like incognito modes and tracking protection.
