Deanonymization
Deanonymization is the process of linking an anonymous or pseudonymous identity back to a real person or IP. In the Tor context: correlation, timing attacks, login mistakes, or a compromised device.
Tor does not protect against everything
Tor reduces anonymity at the network-metadata layer. Deanonymization often succeeds through other channels:
- Logging in with a real account
- Uploading distinctive files
- A compromised device (keylogger, malware)
- Correlation of timing and traffic patterns
OPSEC as a countermeasure
OPSEC addresses the layers beyond the network. Anyone who only uses Tor but identifies themselves is not anonymous.
Category: Security
This page is a short glossary definition, not a full encyclopedia article. See the Tor glossary A–Z for the rest of the set.