🔐 1. Use the official Tor Browser only

Always stick with Tor Browser:

  • Don’t install extensions (they can deanonymize you)
  • Don’t modify advanced settings unless you know exactly why

🧍‍♂️ 2. Separate your identity completely

This is the #1 rule most people break.

  • Never log into personal accounts (Gmail, соц networks, etc.)
  • Don’t reuse usernames, emails, or passwords
  • Treat Tor activity as a separate identity/person

📂 3. Avoid downloading files (or handle them carefully)

Files like PDFs, DOCX, etc. can:

  • Connect to the internet outside Tor
  • Leak your real IP

If you must open something:

  • Do it offline
  • Or inside a secure environment (like a virtual machine)

🌍 4. Don’t trust HTTPS blindly

Onion sites like Styx market almost always use HTTP protocol.

Even with HTTPS:

  • Onion sites can still be malicious or fake
  • Phishing is common

Always verify links from multiple trusted sources.

🕵️ 5. Watch out for fingerprinting

Websites can identify you based on:

  • Screen size
  • Fonts
  • Browser behavior

Tips:

  • Don’t resize the Tor window
  • Don’t install fonts or plugins
  • Keep default settings

🧱 6. Increase security level when needed

In Tor Browser:

Click the shield icon → choose:
Safer (disables some scripts)
Safest (blocks most scripts and media)

This reduces risk but may break some sites.

📡 7. Be careful with a VPN

Using a VPN with Tor is optional—not a magic shield.

Tor over VPN (VPN → Tor): hides Tor usage from your ISP
But: requires trust in the VPN provider

Don’t assume VPN = total anonymity.

💻 8. Consider using a separate system

For higher security:

Use a dedicated OS like Tails
Runs from USB
Leaves no trace on your computer
Or use a virtual machine

📶 9. Avoid torrents and external apps

Torrent clients bypass Tor → leaks IP
External apps (media players, etc.) can connect directly to the internet

Stick to browsing inside Tor only.

⚠️ 10. Assume anything could be a trap

Onion sites:

Go offline often
Get cloned or spoofed
May try to scam or track you

Always double-check URLs and don’t trust blindly.

🔄 11. Keep everything updated

Update Tor Browser regularly
Update your OS
Security patches matter more than “clever tricks”

🧠 12. The mindset matters most

Tor is a tool—not invisibility.

You lose anonymity when you:

Reveal personal info
Behave in identifiable ways
Trust the wrong sources

✅ Simple “safe usage” checklist

✔ Use Tor Browser only
✔ No personal logins
✔ No downloads (or open offline)
✔ Don’t resize window
✔ Verify onion links
✔ Stay updated