Onion Service (Hidden Service)
Definition
A server reachable through Tor using a .onion address derived from its public key. The server's real IP address is never exposed to clients. Both the client and the server route their connection through Tor rendezvous points, so neither party reveals its location to the other.
- Address format
- .onion, derived from the server's public key
- Routing
- Both client and server connect via Tor rendezvous points
- IP exposure
- Neither party's real IP is revealed to the other
Common questions
Is a hidden service the same thing as an onion service?+
Yes, "hidden service" is the older Tor terminology for the same construct now generally called an onion service; both describe a server reachable only via a .onion address through the Tor network.
How does hosting via this method affect takedown efforts?+
Because the hosting server's location is not exposed through the connection itself, taking a hidden service offline usually requires locating its infrastructure through operational security mistakes, seized records, or cooperation from a hosting provider rather than a simple IP trace.
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