In any open-source project like Tor, it's essential to be aware of potential adversaries who exploit the transparency and openness of our workflows and communication channels.
These adversaries may aim to weaken our network and disrupt our community by infiltrating discussions, shaping decisions, or attacking the infrastructure that supports our project.
How project adversaries can attack Tor
Project adversaries are individuals or groups who take advantage of our open system to disrupt or manipulate the Tor network and its community.
Their tactics may include:
- Infiltrating communication channels:
These attackers may join mailing lists, forums, or other community spaces to influence discussions, steer proposals, and create division.
- Spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt:
They may attempt to erode trust in Tor by sharing misleading or harmful information on both internal and external platforms.
- Interfering with governance:
They may also attempt to disrupt proposal processes, particularly those related to community governance and the Tor development roadmap, to weaken the project's direction.
- Targeting key staff:
Individuals working on attack detection or mitigation may face direct intimidation, bribery attempts, or indirect attacks on the infrastructure they rely on.
- Attacking infrastructure related to bad-relay work:
The infrastructure supporting the detection and mitigation of malicious relays is a key target for adversaries.
By attacking this infrastructure, they might aim to undermine the detection systems and allow their malicious relays to operate undetected, ultimately weakening the network's defenses.