An exit node acts as the gateway between a secure, encrypted overlay network and the open internet. Because it strips the final layer of encryption to forward the request to its destination, the exit node's IP address is what the target server sees. This makes exit nodes prime targets for monitoring, blocking, or legal scrutiny.
Heard on the job
We're seeing a lot of brute-force login attempts coming from known Tor exit nodes.
Insider tip
Administrators often block IP addresses associated with public exit nodes to prevent anonymous abuse.
Also heard as
- exit relay