A hacking group has created a browser that allows users to surf anonymously. The Torpark browser was created by hacking group Hacktivismo and has been backed by digital rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
The browser uses a network of net routers to anonymise the traffic people generate when they browse the web. Whenever
any computer connects to the net it freely shares information about the address it is using. This is so any data it requests is sent back to the right place.
The Tor network tries to stop this information being shared in two ways. First, it encrypts traffic between a computer and the Tor network of routers – this makes it much harder to spy on the traffic and pinpoint who is doing what.
Second, the Tor network regularly changes the net address that someone appears to be browsing from – again this frustrates any attempt to pin a particular browsing session on any individual.
Hacktivisimo said that anyone using Torpark might see a slight reduction in their browsing speed as the package of programs connect to the Tor network and scramble traffic.
The Torpark browser includes an clickable icon that lets people switch between anonymous and ordinary browsing.
It may also cause frustration as the regular change of net address may make some sites think that a new user is visiting and ask once more for login details.