TOR Network Isn’t So Anonymous
A new study says it is possible to unmask 81% of TOR users.
A recent research project claims it is possible for a well-funded and powerful entity such as a nation-state to identify up to 81% of people using the so-called TOR anonymity network. The technique relies on traffic analysis and depends on injecting a traffic pattern, such as an HTML file, then monitoring traffic at the exit node.
The study was conducted by a team led by Sambuddho Chakravarty, now with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology in Delhi, India, while he was a student at Columbia University, New York. According to the paper, costly and time-consuming packet-level traffic analysis is the most accurate means for unmasking anonymous users, but the 81% accuracy is actually achievable using the less accurate but more time-efficient NetFlow monitoring technology built into Cisco routers.
The full methodology described in the paper requires a well-funded and powerful organization such as the NSA or another government-funded agency, but according to the paper, a single autonomous system was able to monitor 39% of randomly generated TOR circuits.
The technique exploits the fact that TOR is designed for low latency. It is unclear at this point whether the TOR creators will have a fix for foiling this monitoring ploy or if another alternative anonymity tool will rise to replace the popular TOR. In either case, the anonymity arms race has started another chapter.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs