Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which Tor relay is typically suspected of malicious traffic origins?

1. Entry Relay

2. Middle Relay

3. Exit Relay

4. Guard Relay

The correct answer is: Exit Relay

The exit relay is generally considered the point in the Tor network where suspected malicious traffic originates. It is the last node that traffic passes through before it reaches the regular internet. Users' requests are decrypted at the exit relay, which means that any potential harmful activity, like illicit content access or cyber attacks, can be traced back to this exit point. Since exit relays communicate with the external internet on behalf of Tor users, they handle unencrypted traffic, which makes them particularly vulnerable to scrutiny and potential misuse by attackers. This context surrounding the exit relay's function within the Tor network leads to its association with malicious activities, making it the focus of concern among digital forensic investigators. In contrast, the other types of relays, such as entry, middle, and guard relays, do not interface directly with the broader internet and maintain the encryption of data, which reduces their visibility and worry about malicious traffic from them.