🔐 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
