Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up a Serverless Site with Tor

Question: What is a Serverless Website and Why Use it with Tor?

A serverless website is a website that does not require traditional server infrastructure. These types of sites typically consist of static HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images, and are hosted on cloud storage services (e.g., AWS S3, Netlify, Vercel). Serverless architecture offers advantages such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.

So why use it with Tor? Tor is a network that anonymizes internet traffic. Making a serverless site accessible through the Tor network provides an additional layer of protection for the identity of the site owner and visitors. This is especially important in regions with high censorship or when publishing sensitive content.

Important Point: While Tor provides anonymity, it can also reduce internet speed. Therefore, it is important to consider the user experience.

Real-Life Example: A journalist can set up a serverless site to publish sensitive information and make it accessible through the Tor network, ensuring the safety of their sources and themselves.

Question: What Tools and Technologies are Needed to Set Up a Serverless Site with Tor?

You will need the following tools and technologies to set up a serverless site with Tor:

• Tor Browser: Used to connect to the Tor network.
• Cloud Storage Service (AWS S3, Netlify, Vercel): Used to host your website's files.
• Static Site Generator (Hugo, Jekyll, Gatsby): (Optional) Can be used to generate static HTML files for more complex sites.
• Hidden Service Configuration File (torrc): Used to configure Tor's hidden service feature.
• DNS Service (Cloudflare, Route 53): (Optional) Used to connect your domain name to the Tor network.
• A Text Editor: Used to edit configuration files (e.g., Notepad++, VS Code, Sublime Text).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and install Tor Browser.
2. Sign up for a cloud storage service and upload your static website files.
3. Create the Hidden Service configuration file (torrc).
4. Configure the DNS service (optional).

Question: What is a Hidden Service and How is it Configured?

A Hidden Service is a service hosted on the Tor network that is only accessible by Tor users. Hidden services protect the anonymity of site owners and users by hiding their IP addresses and physical locations.

Hidden Service Configuration:

You can configure a hidden service by editing the Tor configuration file (torrc). This file is usually located in the installation directory of Tor Browser. Add the following lines to the torrc file:

HiddenServiceDir /path/to/your/hidden_service/
HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:8080

Explanation:

• HiddenServiceDir: Specifies the directory where your hidden service's private key and other configuration files will be stored. You need to create this directory.
• HiddenServicePort: Redirects the port on the Tor network (e.g., 80) to a port on your local machine (e.g., 127.0.0.1:8080). In this example, requests to port 80 on the Tor network are redirected to port 8080 on your local machine. A web server must be installed and running locally on this port. This is not necessary for a serverless site, but it can be used to serve dynamic content.

Important Note: Make sure you choose a secure directory for HiddenServiceDir and keep the contents of this directory private. Disclosure of the private key can compromise the security of your hidden service.

After restarting Tor, a file named hostname will be created in the HiddenServiceDir directory. This file contains the .onion address of your hidden service. You can use this address to access your site through Tor Browser.

Question: What Methods Can Be Used to Connect a Serverless Site to the Tor Network?

There is no direct method to connect a serverless site to the Tor network, as serverless sites typically serve static content and do not require a server. However, you can make your serverless site's content accessible over the Tor network using the following approaches:

1. Using Tor as a Proxy: You can serve the files of your serverless site using a local web server (e.g., Python's SimpleHTTPServer). Then, configure Tor as a proxy to this local server, making the content accessible over the Tor network. This is similar to the Hidden Service configuration described above.
2. Tor Hidden Service and Static Site Generator Combination: Create your site using a static site generator (e.g., Hugo) and store the files in a local directory. Then, configure this directory as a Hidden Service. This allows you to serve the static content of your site over the Tor network.
3. Opening Local Files in Tor Browser: The simplest method is to open your static HTML files directly in Tor Browser. However, this method does not make your site publicly accessible. It is only suitable for your own use.

Case Study: An activist group wants to set up a serverless site to share sensitive information. They create a static site using Hugo and then configure it as a Tor Hidden Service through a local web server. This allows the site's content to be shared anonymously and in a censorship-resistant manner.

Question: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Setting Up a Serverless Site with Tor?

Advantages:

• Anonymity: Protects the identity of the site owner and visitors.
• Censorship Resistance: Ensures the site is accessible in regions with high censorship.
• Security: Protects against attacks by hiding the IP address and physical location.
• Low Cost: Serverless architecture is more cost-effective compared to traditional servers.
• Scalability: Serverless platforms automatically scale according to traffic.

Disadvantages:

• Slow Speed: The Tor network can reduce internet speed.
• Complex Setup: Combining Tor and serverless technologies may require technical knowledge.
• Security Risks: Incorrect configuration can compromise anonymity.
• User Experience: Slow loading of the site for Tor users can negatively impact the user experience.

Question: What Security Considerations Should Be Taken Into Account When Setting Up a Serverless Site with Tor?

It is important to pay attention to the following security considerations when setting up a serverless site with Tor:

• Protect Your Private Key: Store your Hidden Service's private key in a secure location and do not share it with anyone.
• Use Up-to-Date Software: Use the latest versions of Tor Browser and other software you use.
• Use Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Use HTTPS: Make sure your site is accessible via HTTPS. (Although not usually required for serverless sites, it is important if you are serving dynamic content.)
• Monitor Logs: Regularly monitor server logs and investigate suspicious activity. (In a serverless architecture, this is generally less important, but use your cloud platform's security features.)
• Be Prepared for Attacks: Be prepared for DDoS attacks and other cyber attacks.
• Use JavaScript Carefully: JavaScript may contain tracking code that could compromise anonymity. Disable JavaScript if it is not necessary, or use it carefully.

Important Point: Anonymity and security cannot be achieved with a single tool or technique. It is important to adopt a layered approach and constantly review your security measures.

Question: How to do SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for a Serverless Site Accessed Through the Tor Network?

Traditional SEO methods are not very effective for a serverless site accessed through the Tor network. Because search engines (e.g., Google) generally do not index .onion addresses. Therefore, your SEO strategy should be different:

• Register with Onion Directory Sites: Onion directories are websites that list sites on the Tor network. By registering your site with these directories, you can increase its visibility. Examples include Ahmia and OnionLand Search Engine.
• Promote in Tor Communities: Promote your site in Tor-related forums, social media groups, and other communities.
• Create High-Quality Content: Create content that will attract users and provide valuable information.
• Make Your Site Easily Shareable: Make your site's .onion address easily copyable and shareable.
• Use Alternative Promotion Methods: Promote your site on other platforms (e.g., blogs, social media) and link to the .onion address. However, make sure these links do not compromise your anonymity.

Important Point: SEO for a site accessed via the Tor network is very different from traditional SEO. The goal is not to rank high in search engines, but to increase the visibility of your site among Tor users.

Visual Description: Imagine a diagram. At the center of the diagram is your serverless site accessed via the Tor network. Arrows are drawn outward from this site. These arrows represent SEO strategies such as registering with onion directories, promoting in Tor communities, creating high-quality content, and using alternative promotion methods. The diagram visually explains how these strategies can increase your site's visibility.

Additional Information: Because the Tor network is a network focused on privacy and anonymity, it prevents the tracking of users and the collection of personal data. Therefore, traditional SEO methods (e.g., keyword research, link building) are not very effective on the Tor network.