Set Up a Private Tor Exit Relay

June 20, 2024 (7mo ago)

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Running a Tor exit node is one of the easiest, quickiest and most important ways volunteers can strengthen the Tor network. Unfortunately, it can also put them at risk if they run it from home since it could appear that someone on their network is visiting sites they may not be.

Remember when Tr*mp wanted to get the IP addresses of activists that visited an anti-Tr*mp website? Maybe an exit operator visited the site, maybe they didn’t, but it doesn’t matter because it looks like they did. Before you consider running an exit relay, read these tips from the Tor Project.

I’ll show you how to get an exit node running without revealing any personal information about yourself.

Requirements for setting up exit node :

  • Tor Browser

  • 5–10$

  • An Email address

  • A terminal app

Step 1: Buy a VPS

In Tor Browser, go to https://tornadovps.com and buy a new virtual private server (VPS) using Zcash or Monero. If you need a new email account that isn’t associated with your real identity, you can create one using Proton mail or Skiff Mail.

When you choose your server, pick a familiar operating system. I have selected Ubuntu 24.04.

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Step 2: Log In

Open your Terminal app, and log in to your new server.

Step 3: Install Software

apt update && apt -y dist-upgrade && apt -y autoremove && apt install -y tor nyx nano

Step 4: Configure your relay

Now we’ll get the exit setup. Edit the torrc file:

nano /etc/tor/torrc

Uncomment the following lines:

RunAsDaemon 1
ControlPort 9051
CookieAuthentication 1
ORPort 9001
Nickname yournickname
AccountingStart day 00:00
AccountingMax 50 GBytes # Update to your plan's bandwidth limits - this permits 1.5TB/mo

Add these lines to the end of the file:

ExitPolicy accept *:* # Accept exit connections
ExitPolicy reject private:* # Block private IPv4
IPv6Exit 1 # Allow IPv6 connections
ExitPolicy accept6 *:* # Accept IPv6
ExitPolicy reject6 [FC00::]/7:* # Block private IPv6
ExitPolicy reject6 [FE80::]/10:* # Block link-local IPv6
ExitPolicy reject6 [2002::]/16:* # Block 6to4 addresses

Save and exit.

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Step 5: Restart Tor

systemctl restart tor

Step 6. Open Nyx

nyx
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Give it some time, and then check atlas.torproject.org for your relay.

🎉 Congratulations! You just added a trusted, private exit node to the Tor network!

Have any Questions ? Connect on X