Tor explains “It’s a complex system with multiple protocol phases that involves many computers working together in perfect synergy. The end result is an algorithm that cannot be predicted through analytics-not even Tor developers can predict the new distributed RNG. The Tor Project has created a next-generation security system called a distributed RNG (random number generator) that connects two or more computers that communicate and generate random numbers and blends these outputs together. This makes the Tor upgrade bad news for law enforcement, but a welcome move for privacy-conscious users and advocates. Based on reports, the FBI seized the forum and domain’s servers and rerouted traffic to servers controlled by the FBI. In a recent case, the FBI used an exploit to compromise Tor’s network in order to track visitors to a website in the deep web that hosted child pornography. Essentially, the stronger the algorithm where the random number is generated, the more difficult it is for a threat group or an outsider to crack the number based on known patterns. The Tor network, also known as The Onion Router, uses nodes and relays to anonymize traffic flowing in and out to hide original IP addresses and make scrutiny or surveillance more difficult. Random numbers in secure communications and encryption are important for the generation of encryption keys.

According to a blog post on May 24th, a small group of Tor developers and researchers got together as part of a hackfest in Montreal to discuss ideas on implementing a new mechanism for generating random numbers.

The Tor Project wants to enhance the Tor network by designing a real-world distributed random number generator.

What is the tor project working on