How to Install Tor on Kali Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

C. Oscar Lawshea
BitWise Tech Tips
Published in
3 min readJun 20, 2024

The Tor network is renowned for its ability to provide anonymity and privacy online. If you’re using Kali Linux, installing Tor can enhance your security toolkit by enabling you to browse the internet without revealing your identity or location. This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Tor on Kali Linux and offer tips on staying safe while using it.

What is Tor?

Tor (The Onion Router) is free, open-source software that allows you to anonymize your internet traffic by routing it through a series of volunteer-operated servers around the world. This process, known as onion routing, ensures that your activity remains private and your location hidden.

Step 1: Add the Tor Project Repository

First, you need to add the Tor Project repository to your system. Open a terminal and run:

Add the following line to the end of the file:

Save and close the file (Ctrl+O to save, Ctrl+X to exit).

Step 2: Add the GPG Key

Next, use this command to add the Tor Project’s GPG key to your keyring to authenticate the packages:

curl https://deb.torproject.org/torproject.org/gpgkey.asc | sudo gpg — no-default-keyring — keyring /usr/share/keyrings/tor-archive-keyring.gpg — import

Step 3: Update the Package List

Update your package list to include the new repository:

Step 4: Install Tor

Install Tor and the Tor Browser Launcher by running:

Step 5: Start and Enable the Tor Service

Start the Tor service:

Enable Tor to start on boot:

Step 6: Verify the Installation

Check if Tor is running by checking its status:

You should see an output indicating that Tor is active and running.

Step 7: Run Tor Browser

To run the Tor Browser, use the Tor Browser Launcher:

This command will download and install the latest version of the Tor Browser. After the installation, it will automatically start the Tor Browser.

Tips for Staying Safe While Using Tor

  1. Avoid PII: Do not enter personally identifiable information while using Tor.
  2. Disable Plugins: Plugins like Flash and Java can bypass Tor and reveal your IP address.
  3. Use HTTPS: Always use websites with HTTPS to ensure your data is encrypted.
  4. Don’t Torrent: Avoid torrenting through Tor as it can expose your IP address.
  5. Regular Updates: Keep your Tor Browser updated to protect against vulnerabilities.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to install and use Tor on Kali Linux effectively, enhancing your online privacy and security.

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C. Oscar Lawshea
BitWise Tech Tips

I enjoy science and learning new tech skills. When I'm not blogging or tinkering with computers, I'm video/pc gaming, watching movies or being a gym bro.