Knowledgebase

In an age where privacy is increasingly threatened, contributing to the Tor network by running a Tor relay is a noble and impactful way to promote digital freedom. Setting up a highly anonymous Tor relay on a VPS from AnonVM ensures that your relay operates in a secure and privacy-focused environment.

AnonVM’s bulletproof hosting and offshore DMCA-ignored servers make it a top choice for setting up a Tor relay. This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process of creating a Tor relay on AnonVM’s VPS.

What is a Tor Relay?

A Tor relay is a server that helps anonymize internet traffic by routing data through multiple encrypted layers. Running a relay supports the Tor network, allowing users worldwide to maintain their online privacy and evade censorship.

There are three types of Tor relays:

1. Guard Relay: The first point in the Tor circuit.
2. Middle Relay: Passes traffic between other relays.
3. Exit Relay: The final relay in the circuit that forwards traffic to its destination.

Note: Running an Exit Relay may attract more scrutiny, so a Middle or Guard Relay is often recommended for beginners.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

• An active AnonVM VPS.
• A basic understanding of Linux commands.
• A secure SSH client like PuTTY or Terminal.
• At least 2GB of RAM and 10GB of disk space on your VPS.

Step 1: Choose and Order an AnonVM VPS

1. Visit AnonVM and choose a bulletproof VPS plan.
2. Select a server location that aligns with your goals (avoid overly restrictive jurisdictions for optimal anonymity).
3. Complete the checkout process using one of the anonymous payment options, such as cryptocurrency.

Step 2: Access Your VPS

1. Once your VPS is active, retrieve the SSH credentials from the AnonVM dashboard.
2. Open your SSH client and connect to your server:
    

   ssh root@<your_vps_ip>
3. Enter your password when prompted.

Step 3: Update and Secure Your Server

Run the following commands to update your server:

Install essential security tools:

Enable the firewall and allow SSH:

Step 4: Install Tor

1. Add the Tor Project’s official repository:
    

   echo "deb https://deb.torproject.org/torproject.org $(lsb_release -cs) main" | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tor.list
2. Add the Tor GPG key:
    

   curl https://deb.torproject.org/torproject.org/keys.asc | gpg --dearmor | tee /usr/share/keyrings/tor-archive-keyring.gpg > /dev/null
3. Update your package list and install Tor:
    

   apt update && apt install tor deb.torproject.org-keyring -y

Step 5: Configure Your Tor Relay

1. Open the Tor configuration file:

    

   nano /etc/tor/torrc

2. Add the following configuration to set up your relay:

    

   # Tor Relay Configuration ORPort 9001 ExitRelay 0 Nickname AnonVMRelay ContactInfo [email protected] Log notice file /var/log/tor/notices.log RelayBandwidthRate 100 KB # Adjust based on VPS capacity RelayBandwidthBurst 200 KB

   Note: Replace [email protected] with your email address.

3. Save and exit (Ctrl + O, Enter, Ctrl + X).

Step 6: Start and Enable Tor

Start the Tor service and enable it to run on boot:

Verify that Tor is running:

Step 7: Monitor Your Relay

To check relay activity:

Visit the Tor Metrics page to track your relay’s contribution to the network. You can find your relay by searching for its nickname.

Step 8: Optimize for Anonymity

To maximize anonymity, follow these best practices:

1. Avoid Running an Exit Relay: This minimizes potential legal complications.
2. Regularly Update Your Server: Run apt update && apt upgrade weekly.
3. Use a VPN for SSH Access: Add an extra layer of anonymity when accessing your VPS.

Benefits of Using AnonVM for Tor Relays

• Offshore Privacy: AnonVM servers operate in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
• Flexible Payments: Accepts cryptocurrencies for anonymous transactions.
• High Performance: Reliable infrastructure to handle constant Tor traffic.

Common Questions

1. Is it legal to run a Tor relay?

Yes, running a Tor relay is legal in most jurisdictions. However, ensure you comply with local laws, especially if running an Exit Relay.

2. Can I scale my relay?

AnonVM makes it easy to upgrade your VPS plan if you need more bandwidth or resources.

By setting up a Tor relay with AnonVM, you’re actively contributing to online freedom and anonymity. The robust infrastructure and privacy-focused services of AnonVM ensure your relay remains secure and efficient. Start your journey today and make a difference in the fight for digital privacy!