Create Your Onion Site Today

How to Create a Website on an Onion Server: A Comprehensive Guide

In a world increasingly concerned about privacy and surveillance, the dark web offers a unique space for secure communication and anonymity. Among its many features, onion servers—accessible only via the Tor network—provide a powerful way to create and host websites without revealing your identity. Whether you're a privacy advocate, an activist, or simply curious about the hidden corners of the internet, this guide will help you set up your own onion site.

What Is an Onion Server?

An onion server is a website that uses the Tor network to obscure the identities and locations of its users and operators. These sites use the .onion domain, which can only be accessed with the Tor browser. The name “onion” comes from the way Tor encrypts and routes data through multiple servers, resembling the layers of an onion.

Why Host an Onion Site?

There are many compelling reasons to create a website on an onion server:

• Enhanced Privacy: Both you and your users remain anonymous, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes.
• Censorship Resistance: Onion sites can circumvent government censorship, providing a platform for free expression.
• Secure Communication: Ideal for whistleblowers and journalists, onion sites enable secure sharing of information without fear of exposure.

What You'll Need

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

• A Dedicated Server or VPS: A virtual private server is typically the best option for hosting your onion site.
• Tor Installed: You'll need the Tor software to create an onion service.
• Basic Linux Knowledge: Familiarity with the command line will be essential as you set everything up.

• Step 1: Setting Up Your Server

1. Choose Your Hosting Provider: Look for a VPS provider that supports Tor. Some popular options include DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode.
2. Install a Linux Distribution: Ubuntu is user-friendly and well-documented, making it a great choice for beginners.

• Step 2: Install Tor

Let’s get started by installing Tor:

1. Update Your Package List:

   bash
   
   sudo apt update
   

2. Install Tor:

   bash
   
   sudo apt install tor
   

3. Start the Tor Service:

   bash
   
   sudo systemctl start tor
   

4. Enable Tor to Start on Boot:

   bash
   
   sudo systemctl enable tor

• Step 3: Configure Tor for Your Onion Service

1. Edit the Tor Configuration File: Open the Tor configuration file to set up your onion service:

   bash
   
   sudo nano /etc/tor/torrc
   

2. Add the Following Lines: At the end of the file, add:

   bash
   
   HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/
   HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:8080

   • HiddenServiceDir: This directory will store your onion service’s private keys and hostname.
   • HiddenServicePort: This line maps your onion service to a local port (8080 in this example).

3. Restart Tor:

   bash
   
   sudo systemctl restart tor
   

4. Retrieve Your Onion Address: After restarting Tor, find your onion address:

   bash
   
   sudo cat /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/hostname
   

   Copy this address; it’s what you’ll share with users to access your site.

• Step 4: Set Up Your Web Server

To host your website, you’ll need a web server. Nginx is a lightweight and efficient choice.

1. Install Nginx:

   bash
   
   sudo apt install nginx
   

2. Configure Nginx: Open the default Nginx configuration file:

   bash
   
   sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/default
   

   Here’s a basic configuration:

   perl
   
   server {
       listen 8080;
       server_name 127.0.0.1;
       location / {
           root /var/www/html;  # Your website files location
           index index.html index.htm;
       }
   }

3. Test Nginx Configuration: Before restarting Nginx, make sure there are no errors:

   bash
   
   sudo nginx -t
   

4. Restart Nginx: If everything checks out, restart Nginx:

   bash
   
   sudo systemctl restart nginx
   

• Step 5: Create Your Website

1. Upload Your Website Files: Place your HTML, CSS, and other assets in the /var/www/html/ directory. You can use SFTP or SCP to transfer files securely.

2. Access Your Website: Open the Tor Browser and navigate to your onion address. Voilà! Your site should be live.

Best Practices for Running an Onion Site

• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your server and software to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use HTTPS: Even on the Tor network, using HTTPS can add an extra layer of security.
• Backup Your Data: Regular backups can save you from losing your site due to unexpected issues.

Conclusion

Creating a website on an onion server is a rewarding project that not only enhances your technical skills but also contributes to the vital landscape of online privacy. With this guide, you can set up a secure and anonymous platform that protects both you and your users.

Whether you’re advocating for freedom of speech, providing a secure space for discussions, or simply exploring the depths of the dark web, your onion site can make a difference.

Additional Resources

• Tor Project Official Documentation
• Nginx Documentation
• Privacy and Security Best Practices