Tor (short for The Onion Router) is a system of protocols that prevents your IP address from being traced while browsing the internet, allowing you to effectively browse anonymously.
Though it's used quite frequently for nefarious acts, Tor is also helpful for fine upstanding people who wish to keep their identities, communications and web browsing habits secret.
These people include activists and whistleblowers, journalists and their sources and even people living in oppressive regimes.
Tor works by routing your internet traffic through a series of Tor relays, effectively giving your anonymity multiple layers of protection via middle relays, exit relays, and bridges.
Internet traffic is routed through these relays, with your data entering and exiting in different parts of the world.
Admittedly, this slows down your browsing significantly, but most people won't need to use Tor all the time.
Running Tor is as easy as downloading and installing Tor browser software, though its settings can be extensively customised for enhanced anonymity.
Here's an in-depth guide on how to maximise your privacy online with Tor.
