Internet Anonymity
Step‑by‑step guide to staying anonymous online: from Tor and VPN to secure messaging, browsers, and day‑to‑day operational security.
Tor & Network Layer Privacy
Tor routes your traffic through multiple relays, hiding your IP from destinations. Use only the official Tor Browser, avoid installing extra extensions, and keep it updated.
- Download from torproject.org
- Prefer HTTPS websites; avoid logging into real‑name accounts via Tor
- Do not maximize the window; keep default browser fingerprint
🧅 Tor Browser
Pre‑configured for privacy, blocks many trackers and scripts.
🌐 Bridges
Bypass censorship by using bridge relays if Tor is blocked.
🧭 Exit Policy
Remember exit nodes see plaintext if site is not HTTPS. Use E2E where possible.
🔒 Onion Services
Prefer .onion endpoints for end‑to‑end Tor encryption.
Operational Security (OpSec)
Identities
Separate work and personal identities; do not mix contacts or devices.
Metadata
Disable geotags, scrub EXIF from photos, use compartmentalized email accounts.
Devices
Keep OS updated, enable full‑disk encryption, use strong passphrases and password managers.
Secure Messengers
Signal
Modern E2E messenger: IP hiding on calls, screen security, safety numbers verification.
Telegram (Secret Chats)
Use Secret Chats with self‑destruct timers and key verification.
XMPP/OMEMO
Decentralized model with OMEMO end‑to‑end encryption.
Browsers & Tracking
Fingerprinting
Do not change Tor settings or install plugins—they increase fingerprint uniqueness.
Containers
In regular browsers, use containers/profiles to isolate activities and cookies.
Blocking
uBlock Origin, HTTPS‑Only, disable autofill and third‑party cookies.