Use of Tor (The Onion Router) disallowed from within CERN

Tor is a freely available system enabling anonymous communication via the Internet between its users. Traffic is encrypted in multiple layers and flows through proxy servers . The use of Tor and similar anonymity systems may interfere with CERN’s security monitoring systems and increases the exposure of the CERN network to malicious or illegal material distributed via so-called "Tor Hidden Services". In addition, Tor has been used to mount attacks, including against CERN computers, and its installation could indicate a break-in.

For the above reasons Tor and any similar systems will be added to the list of applications whose use is restricted at CERN and anyone who has used such an application is instructed to no longer do so. If a legitimate professional use can be justified then the Computer Security team should be informed and a prior security check made before installation of the software.

CERN IT Department


by IT Department