{{Header}} {{hide_all_banners}} {{Title|title= Features, Advantages, Use Cases - {{project_name_long}} }} {{#seo: |description={{project_name_short}} Feature List |image=Drip-1037807-640.jpg }} [[File:Drip-1037807-640.jpg|thumb]] {{intro| {{project_name_short}} Feature List. {{project_name_short}} has a lot of features and advantages. This page gives an overview. }} = {{project_name_short}} Features = [[File:Whonix-logo-rectangle.png|thumb|100px|[[Dev/Logo|{{project_name_short}} rectangular logo]]]] {{project_name_short}} is an operating system focused on [https://www.whonix.org/#security anonymity and security]. It hides the user's IP address / location and uses the [[Why_does_Whonix_use_Tor|Tor network]] to anonymize data traffic. This means the contacted server, network eavesdroppers and operators of the Tor network cannot easily determine which sites are visited or the user's physical location. Without advanced, end-to-end, netflow correlation attacks which rely on statistical analysis of data volume and timing. For a comprehensive comparison of {{project_name_short}} with other popular anonymity platforms, see [[Comparison with Others]]. == Platform Flexibility / Virtualizer friendly == Most if not every compatible feature of every system that {{project_name_short}} is based on can be used in {{project_name_short}} too. There are no atificial restrictions. * Based on [https://www.debian.org Debian] GNU/Linux. * Based on the [https://www.torproject.org Tor] anonymity network. * Based on [[KVM]]. * Based on [[VirtualBox]]. * Based on [[{{q_project_name_short}}|Qubes]]. * [[Reasons for Freedom Software|Free]], Open Source, Libre, [https://forums.whonix.org/t/lets-call-it-freedom-software-rather-than-free-software-or-open-source/6961 Freedom] Software. This means flexibility for the user, because customization is possible and relatively simple. * Virtual machine images with [[Virtualization_Platform_Security#Type_1_vs_Type_2_Hypervisors|Type I or 2 hypervisors]]. This means that {{project_name_short}} is flexible enough to be ported to different hypervisors. == Pre-installed, Pre-configured Applications == A number of applications are pre-installed and pre-configured with safe defaults to make them ready for use. Most popular applications are compatible with the {{project_name_short}} design: * [[Tor Browser]] is included for Internet browsing. * Web server administration with Apache, ngnix, IRC servers, and more via [[Onion Services|onion services]]. * PGP-encrypted [[E-Mail]] with [[Encrypted_Email_with_Thunderbird|Thunderbird]]. * {{kicksecure_wiki |wikipage=Keepassxc |text=Keepassxc }} * Instant messengers like [[Chat#Gajim|Gajim]]. * The media player [[Software#Media_Player|VLC]] * The Xfce [[Software#Terminal|Terminal]] of course * The [[Electrum|Electrum Bitcoin wallet]] * Clients for [[Bitcoin]] * Clients for [[Monero]] * Secure data transfer to and from a server with [[File_Transfer|scp]]. * Unobserved administration of servers via [[SSH|SSH]]. * A host of other [[Software|software programs]]. The {{project_name_short}} design permits the "torification" of applications which are not capable of proxy support by themselves. Further, the user is not jeopardized by installing custom applications or personalizing the desktop. Detailed [[Documentation|documentation]] has been produced by developers and the {{project_name_short}} community. Various issues are explained in depth, including the {{project_name_short}} design, available software, the host of possible configurations, security and privacy considerations, and numerous advanced topics. == Security, Privacy and Anonymity Protection ==
* By using {{project_name_short}}, the user can anonymously use Java / Javascript. * A second, extra firewall is installed and protects {{project_name_workstation_long}} by default. * Full [[Protocol-Leak-Protection_and_Fingerprinting-Protection|IP/DNS protocol leak protection]] means the user's anonymity is extra protected. * [[Hide Tor from your Internet Service Provider|The user can hide their Tor use and their {{project_name_short}} use effectively from most network observers - even from their internet service providers]]. * [[Qubes/Disposables|{{project_name_workstation_short}}]] is available as a Disposable (loses all data after shutdown) in [[Qubes|{{q_project_name_long}}]]. * [[Live Mode]] is available in [[Non-Qubes-Whonix|{{non_q_project_name_short}}]]. * Installed software is hidden from network observers even from internet service providers * Optional [https://gitlab.torproject.org/legacy/trac/-/wikis/doc/TorifyHOWTO/IsolatingProxy isolating proxy]. * {{project_name_short}} prevents anyone from learning the user's IP address. * {{project_name_short}} prevents anyone from learning the user's physical location. * {{project_name_short}} prevents targeted malicious upgrades because all upgrades are downloaded over Tor. * [[Bridges|Private obfuscated bridges support is offered]]. * Simplification of Tor and (meek-lite) bridge connections via [[Anon_Connection_Wizard|Anon Connection Wizard]]. * {{project_name_short}} protects user privacy. * [[Protocol-Leak-Protection and Fingerprinting-Protection|Protocol Leak Protection and Fingerprinting Protection]]. * [[Sdwdate|Secure and distributed time synchronization mechanism]]. * [https://theinvisiblethings.blogspot.com/2008/09/three-approaches-to-computer-security.html Security by isolation]. * [[Stream Isolation]] prevents identity correlation through circuit sharing. * [https://gitlab.torproject.org/legacy/trac/-/wikis/doc/TransparentProxy Transparent Proxy]. * Whitelist Tor traffic with [[Corridor|corridor]]. * [[File:Kicksecure-icon-logo.png|30px]] {{Kicksecure_link | |{{Kicksecure}} }} Hardened. * [https://www.whonix.org/#security Numerous security and anonymity features]. * [[Keystroke_Deanonymization|Keystrokes]] can be used to track users. To prevent this, {{project_name_short}} comes with [[Keystroke_Deanonymization#Kloak|kloak]] installed by default. * [[vanguards|Protect against guard discovery and related traffic analysis attacks]] * Prevent [https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1180405.1180410 de-anonymization of Tor onion services] through [https://github.com/Kicksecure/tirdad Tirdad kernel module for random ISN generation]. * [[Dev/Entropy|Better encryption thanks to preinstalled random number generators.]] * [https://github.com/Kicksecure/security-misc security-misc] (misc security settings) ** Kernel Hardening Settings as recommended by the Kernel Self Protection Project (KSPP). ** Protect Linux user accounts against brute force attacks ** [[Dev/Strong Linux User Account Isolation|Strong Linux User Account Isolation]] ** [[Dev/Strong_Linux_User_Account_Isolation#Console_Lockdown|Console Lockdown]] disables legacy login methods for improved security hardening. * [https://github.com/Whonix/anon-apps-config anonymity, privacy and security settings pre-configuration]
== Tor Network / Torification / The Everything Tor OS == * [[Reliable_IP_Hiding|Reliable IP Hiding]] * Fail Closed Mechanism: Application's traffic is either sent over Tor or completely blocked. * Application unspecific: This applies to all applications and even [[Other Operating Systems]] connected to Whonix-Gateway. * Most applications in {{project_name_short}} can be routed to the internet over the Tor anonymity network instead of clearnet access. This process is called torification or torify. * '''Not only pre-installed but also [[Install Software|custom / user installed]] applications can be "torified"'''. There are [[Reasons_for_Freedom_Software#No_Intentional_User_Freedom_Restrictions|no intentional user freedom restrictions]]. ** Full [[Protocol-Leak-Protection_and_Fingerprinting-Protection|IP/DNS protocol leak protection]]. ** Depends on which internet protocols the application requires to function. ** Most applications do not require any awareness of being run inside {{project_name_short}} for functional connectivity. This is called [[Stream_Isolation#Transparent_Proxy|transparent proxying]]. (See [[Stream_Isolation#Transparent_Proxy|this chapter]].) *** It is difficult to know for users which application uses which internet protocol (TCP, UDP, ICMP). In doubt, **** [[Please_Use_Search_Engines_And_See_Documentation_First|Please use Search Engines and see Documentation First]], **** Ask the developers of the application, **** [[Install_Software|Try it out]]. *** Main supported protocol: TCP *** .onion domain reachablity: Yes. *** UDP: [[Tunnel_UDP_over_Tor|Tunnel UDP over Tor]]. *** ICMP: Same as above. *** [[Hosting Location Hidden Services]]. *** .onion services (server) support: Yes, see [[Onion Services]]. *** Ephemeral .onion services (server) support (for applications such as [[ZeroNet]], [[OnionShare]], [[Bisq]]): Yes, if an [[onion-grater]] profile was made available. *** [[File_Sharing|Filesharing and Torrenting]]. *** Some server are blocking connections from the Tor network. ([https://trac.torproject.org/projects/tor/wiki/org/doc/ListOfServicesBlockingTor inexhaustive list]) * Can torify [[Other Operating Systems|other operating systems]]. * Can torify Windows. * [[Bridges|Circumvents censorship]]. * [[Alternative_DNS_Resolver#Recursive_Authenticated_DNSSEC_over_Tor|DNSSEC over Tor]]. Via optional configuration. * Tor enforcement. * [[Vanguards]] protect against guard discovery. As well as related traffic analysis attacks. related: * [[Whonix_against_Real_Attacks|Whonix Track Record against Real Cyber Attacks]] * [[Dev/Leak_Tests|leak tests]] == Tunnels == This tunnels chapter and the tunnels sub chapters are for advanced users who have knowledge and experience with tunneling. === Tunnel and Chaining Support === * Connect to a [[Tunnels/Connecting_to_a_proxy_before_Tor|Proxy]], [[Tunnels/Connecting_to_a_VPN_before_Tor|VPN]] or [[Tunnels/Connecting_to_SSH_before_Tor|SSH]] before Tor. * Connect to Tor before a [[Tunnels/Connecting_to_Tor_before_a_proxy|Proxy]], [[Tunnels/Connecting_to_Tor_before_a_VPN|VPN]] or [[Tunnels/Connecting_to_Tor_before_SSH|SSH]]. * [[Tunnel_UDP_over_Tor|Tunnel UDP over Tor]]. * [[#Tunnel Support|VPN / tunnel support]]. === Tunnel Other Anonymizing Networks === * Tunnel [[Freenet]] through Tor. * Tunnel [[GNUnet]] through Tor. * Tunnel [[I2P]] through Tor. * Tunnel [[ZeroNet]] through Tor. === General Tunnel Support: TOR, SSH, VPN, Proxy === Various tunneling permutations are possible and functional in {{project_name_short}}. Connections can be routed through a VPN, SSH, or proxy before Tor, after Tor, or both.
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'''Table:''' ''{{project_name_short}} Tunnel Options'' {| class="wikitable" |- ! scope="col"| '''Tunnel Configuration''' ! scope="col"| '''Description''' |- ! scope="row"| Tunnel Tor through a Proxy, VPN or SSH | [[Tunnels/Connecting to a VPN before Tor | How to Connect to a VPN Before Tor: User → VPN → Tor → Internet]]
[[Tunnels/Connecting to a proxy before Tor | How to Connect to a Proxy Before Tor: User → Proxy → Tor → Internet]]
[[Tunnels/Connecting to SSH before Tor | How to Connect to SSH Before Tor: User → SSH → Tor → Internet]] |- ! scope="row"| Tunnel Proxy / Proxychains / SSH / VPN through Tor | [[Tunnels/Connecting to Tor before a VPN| How to Connect to Tor Before a VPN: User → Tor → VPN → Internet]]
[[Tunnels/Connecting to Tor before a proxy | How to Connect to Tor Before a Proxy: User → Tor → Proxy → Internet]]
[[Tunnels/Connecting to Tor before SSH | How to Connect to Tor Before SSH: User → Tor → SSH → Internet]] |- ! scope="row"| Combine Pre- and Post-Tor Tunnels | User → Proxy / SSH / VPN → Tor → Proxy / SSH / VPN → Internet |- ! scope="row"| Combine Tor with other Protocols | Tor can also be [[Other Anonymizing Networks|replaced with another anonymizing protocol]]. Note that only some combinations and networks will work in {{project_name_short}}, such as I2P and JonDonym. This work is partially complete, but features will remain unfinished for the foreseeable future. |} For further reading on this topic, see: * [[Whonix_versus_Proxies|Tor vs. Proxies, Proxy Chains]] * [[Tunnels/Examples|Free VPN Tunnel Setup Examples]] * Experts only: [[Chaining_Anonymizing_Gateways|Chaining Anonymizing Gateways]]
= Use Cases = == Anonymous Browsing == * Use [[Browser_Plugins#Introduction|plug-ins]] [[Tips_on_Remaining_Anonymous#Study:_Anonymity_and_Pseudonymity_are_not_the_same|pseudononymously]]. * Anonymous [[Tor_Browser|Internet Browsing]]. == Anonymous Communications, Hosting Hidden Servers and Publishing ==
* Anonymous [[Software#Publishing|publishing]]. * Anonymous [[E-Mail|Email]] with Mozilla Thunderbird. * Anonymous [[Chat|chat]]. * Anonymous IRC. * Anonymous [[VoIP]]. * Anonymous file sharing and chat with [[OnionShare|OnionShare]]. * [[Hosting Location Hidden Services|Host location / IP hidden servers]]. * [[Chat#Tox|qTox]] and other encrypted communications. * Send anonymous emails without registration.
= {{project_name_short}} Soft Features = '''Table:''' ''Primary {{project_name_short}} Advantages'' {| class="wikitable" |- ! scope="col"| '''{{project_name_short}} Feature''' ! scope="col"| '''Security and/or Anonymity Advantage''' |- ! scope="row"| Best Possible [[Protocol-Leak-Protection and Fingerprinting-Protection|Protocol Leak Protection and Fingerprinting Protection]] | Java, JavaScript, There is no functional JavaScript difference when it is enabled in {{project_name_short}} Tor Browser versus the standard Tor Browser (TB). Of course, using JavaScript in the {{project_name_short}} Tor Browser protects against IP address leaks, but browser fingerprinting risks still apply. For more information, see [https://gitlab.torproject.org/legacy/trac/-/wikis/doc/TorifyHOWTO/WebBrowsers Web-browser]! Flash, browser plugins Plugins are still not recommended, as they may decrease anonymity (for example, flash cookies) and they often have security vulnerabilities. Most popular plugins are closed source. Although deprecated, the [[Browser_Plugins#Plugin_Warnings|browser plugins warnings]] section is still valid. and mis-configured applications cannot leak the user's real external IP address. See [[Whonix against Real Attacks|Security in the Real World]]. |- ! scope="row"| Build Simplicity | Building {{project_name_short}} from source is easy; see [[Dev/Build Documentation|Build Documentation]]. |- ! scope="row"| Combine Anonymizing Networks | [[Other_Anonymizing_Networks|Other anonymizing networks]] like Freenet, GNUnet, I2P, JonDonym and ZeroNet can be used. |- ! scope="row"| Fully Featured | A host of [[Features#{{project_name_short}} Features|Features]] are available. |- ! scope="row"| Highly Configurable | Numerous optional configurations, additional features and add-ons are available. |- ! scope="row"| Open Source | Only free software is used. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software |- ! scope="row"| Private Obfuscated [[Bridges]] | Bridges can be added to the Tor configuration file. |- ! scope="row"| Process Separation | Tor https://www.torproject.org and Tor Browser https://www.torproject.org/download/ are not running inside the same virtual machine which means an exploit in the browser cannot affect the integrity of the Tor process. [[Deprecated/Vidalia|Vidalia]] is now deprecated; [[Tor Controller|arm]] is installed as the alternative. |- ! scope="row"| Protection Against IP Address / Location Discovery | Exploits using malware https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware with root rights inside {{project_name_workstation_short}} ({{project_name_workstation_vm}}) are foiled. However, users should avoid testing this protective feature. If {{project_name_workstation_short}} ({{project_name_workstation_vm}}) is rooted, the adversary cannot find out the user's real IP address / location. The reason is {{project_name_workstation_short}} ({{project_name_workstation_vm}}) can only connect through the {{project_name_gateway_long}} ({{project_name_gateway_vm}}). More skill is required to compromise {{project_name_short}}, see [[Comparison with Others#Attacks|Attack Comparison Matrix]] and [[Design]]. |- ! scope="row"| Protection Against De-anonymization Attacks | No IP address or DNS leaks are possible. {{project_name_short}} does not automatically protect against other possible leaks like username, time zone and so on. Users should read the [[Documentation]] to learn how to mitigate these threats. Additionally, {{project_name_short}} [[Protocol-Leak-Protection and Fingerprinting-Protection|Protocol Leak Protection and Fingerprinting Protection]] mitigates many possible fingerprinting attacks by using common, non-identifying defaults. For example, the username is set to user, the timezone is set to UTC etc. |- ! scope="row"| Safe Hosting of [[Onion Services]] | Even if someone hacks the user's hidden server software (lighttpd, thttpd, apache, etc.), they cannot steal the onion service key. The key is stored on the {{project_name_gateway_short}} ({{project_name_gateway_vm}}). Once a clean {{project_name_workstation_short}} ({{project_name_workstation_vm}}) is used, no one can impersonate the onion service anymore. The {{project_name_workstation_short}} ({{project_name_workstation_vm}}) is where the browser, IRC client and other user applications are run. The {{project_name_gateway_short}} ({{project_name_gateway_vm}}) is where Tor and the firewall are run. |- ! scope="row"| Software Flexibility | Installation of any software package is possible. The program must be able to run on Debian GNU/Linux or [[Other Operating Systems]] which are used. See also [[Install Software|Software installation on {{project_name_workstation_short}} ({{project_name_workstation_vm}})]] for further details. ICMP, ping, VoIP calls over UDP and so on. Skype works over TCP, but it is not recommended because it is proprietary, closed source software and there is no control over the encryption keys. Skype authorities can compromise a user at any moment. A secure encryption / authentication design looks different. For example GPG and OTR are secure, because the user has control over the keys, not the server. See [[Voip#Skype|VoIP Skype section]] for further details. [[Tunnel UDP over Tor]] |- ! scope="row"| Tor Data Persistence | A major {{project_name_short}} advantage over Live CDs is that Tor's data directory is still available after reboot due to persistent storage. Tor requires persistent storage to save its Entry Guards. https://support.torproject.org/#about_entry-guards |- ! scope="row"| Tor Enforcement | All applications are automatically routed via Tor, including those which do not support proxy settings. For application warnings, see [[Documentation]]. UDP is not natively supported by Tor and will therefore also not work in {{project_name_short}} (unless a [[Tunnel_UDP_over_Tor|VPN]] is used). Services that need to listen on publicly reachable ports (open / forwarded ports) are also not supported. However, users may run [[Onion Services]] which are reachable via Tor or tor2web ([https://gitlab.torproject.org/legacy/trac/-/wikis/doc/tor2web care is required]). [https://gitlab.torproject.org/legacy/trac/-/issues/7830 UDP is not supported by Tor] |- ! scope="row"| Torify Windows | {{project_name_gateway_short}} ({{project_name_gateway_vm}}) can also torify Windows. See [[Other Operating Systems]]. |- ! scope="row" | Tunnel Chaining | It is possible to combine {{project_name_short}} with VPNs, SSH and other proxies. Users should read the [https://gitlab.torproject.org/legacy/trac/-/wikis/doc/TorPlusVPN Tor plus VPN/proxies Warning] before proceeding. Every permutation is possible; VPNs / SSH / other proxies can be combined and used pre- and/or post-Tor tunnels. |} = License = {{JonDos}} The "{{project_name_short}} Features" section of this wiki page contains content sourced from the JonDonym documentation [https://web.archive.org/web/20200123130536/http://anonymous-proxy-servers.net/en/help/about.html Features] page. = Footnotes = {{reflist|close=1}} {{Footer}} [[Category:Documentation]]