If you want to browse the dark web, your first port of call is the Tor Browser. However, Tor Browser can be dangerous if used improperly—but there are ways you can use it safely.
1Use Tor’s Safest Security Mode
Tor has three default security modes: Standard, Safer, and Safest.Standarddoesn’t disable any features.Saferdisables the most dangerous features of websites, whileSafestblocks everything but basic website features.
you’re able to activate Tor’s Safest mode by taking the following steps:
Once activated, your dark web browsing experience will be much safer.
2Update Tor Regularly
You should also update Tor regularly. If you’re using an outdated version of Tor, you may be exposed to vulnerabilities that criminals have discovered. Updating ensures that you have the latest patches.
If an update is available, you’re able to update by opening themain menu (≡)and clickingUpdate available — restart now. You can also manually update by uninstalling Tor Browser and reinstalling it using the latest release from the Tor website.
you may also manually check for updates by clicking theCheck for updatesbutton inMenu (|||) > Settings > General > Tor Browser Updates.
3Don’t Use Personal Accounts on Tor
If you want to keep your identity secret on Tor, you should be careful about using personal accounts. You should never log in to a personal account during a session of any activity you would prefer to be private.
Tor Browser clears cookies, browsing history, and cached web content at the end of each session—so if you close and reopen Tor, you shouldn’t need to worry about your activity being linked.
4Don’t Worry About Resizing the Tor Window
In the past, resizing your Tor window could put your privacy at risk because of a practice known as “fingerprinting.” Characteristics like your window resolution could be combined with other characteristics to “identify you” or at least to distinguish you from the masses.
That isn’t a concern today because Tor Browser uses a technique called “letterboxing,” which involves adding margins to your browser window to keep you in one of a few massive groups of users. In other words, you get a good resolution for your screen size while remaining anonymous.
5Don’t Customize Tor
While resizing your Tor window is okay, you should still avoid customizing Tor in other ways. Installing any add-ons will make your browser distinct from others (especially if you install multiple), so you should avoid it whenever possible.
You shouldn’t change configuration options other than your safety level unless you have a strong reason to do so. Small changes are usually inconsequential, but they come withthe risk of giving your browser a unique fingerprint. Generally, browsing onSafestis enough to protect you.
6Don’t Share PII or Reuse Usernames on Tor
While it might be questionable (but mostly safe) to reuse usernames or share your phone number with retailers on the regular internet, those practices are out of the question when browsing the dark web. Different rules apply, and anything that could end your anonymity is a no-go.
You should come up with unique usernames that don’t hint anything about you when you need to create an account (such as for an anonymous email). Username generators like the one provided byNordPasscan help.
Before sharing any information about yourself, you should ask if you have a good reason to do so. You should aim to share as little information about yourself as possible.
It’s important to read aboutwhat personally identifying information (PII) isbefore using Tor if you want to prevent any accidental disclosures.
7Be Careful When Using a VPN With Tor
Despite what you may have heard, using a VPN with Tor is also typically inadvisable. This rule isn’t set in stone, andTor statesthat you’re able to use both together if you’re an advanced user who can configure them in a way that doesn’t hamper your privacy.
If you don’t know how to configure the two applications, the VPN might do more harm than good. Your ISP and router already see when you connect to Tor, and introducing another third party can also be risky. On the upside, connecting your VPN to Tor will hide that you’re using the browser from your ISP.
If you must use a VPN, configure it correctly, andchoose a VPN that will keep your information truly safe.
8Exercise Caution With Files From Tor
You should exercise caution with any files you download from the web, but that practice is doubly important when browsing on Tor. You’ll need to take steps to verify the authenticity of files you download before you ever consider opening or running them.
If a signature (.asc) file is provided, you can verify the signature’s authenticity withGnuPG. You can also check the file in your antivirus, run it in an isolated environment like a virtual machine, or upload it to a website likeVirusTotalto check for any known malicious code.
9Remember That Tor Isn’t Protection
Most importantly, you should remember that Tor Browser isn’t protection—it’s justa browser that offers privacy. By combining good browsing practices with the safest settings on Tor, you may keep yourself safe while browsing the dark web. But you should never take any risks you don’t know how to shield yourself from.
