# Tor: Why does HTTPS still matter when using Tor?

Tor encrypts traffic inside the Tor network, but an ordinary website is reached from an exit relay.

2026-08-25
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Tor encrypts traffic inside the Tor network, but an ordinary website is reached from an exit relay. HTTPS protects the connection from that exit to the website and helps authenticate the website. Before entering a password or payment information, check the address and secure connection indicators. An onion service uses a different end-to-end encrypted connection within Tor.

## Sources

[Tor Project: Secure connections](https://tb-manual.torproject.org/en-US//secure-connections/), [Tor Project: Onion services](https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/features/onion-services/).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tor-why-does-https-still-matter-when-using-tor/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-25T07:25:31+00:00

Description: A practical answer to Why does HTTPS still matter when using Tor?