Tor Guide

What Is Tor?

Tor (The Onion Router) routes your traffic through three randomly selected relays, encrypting each layer like an onion. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your activity back to you. It's the gold standard for anonymous browsing.

How to Install Tor Browser

1. Go to torproject.org
2. Download Tor Browser for your operating system
3. Run the installer — no admin rights needed
4. Open Tor Browser and click "Connect"

That's it. You're now browsing anonymously. The browser comes pre-configured with privacy-hardened settings — don't change them unless you know what you're doing.

Tor Bridges (Censored Networks)

If Tor is blocked by your ISP or government, you need a bridge. Bridges are private Tor relays that aren't publicly listed.

• Open Tor Browser → settings → "Bridges"
• Select "Request a bridge from torproject.org"
• Or use obfs4 bridges to disguise Tor traffic as random noise

VPN + Tor: Onion Over VPN

For maximum anonymity, combine a VPN with Tor (VPN → Tor). This hides your Tor usage from your ISP and adds a layer of encryption before entering the Tor network.

NordVPN has a built-in Onion Over VPN feature — just toggle it on and you're set.

NordVPN + Tor Onion Over VPN →

Tor Security Best Practices

• Don't resize the window — Tor window dimensions can be used to fingerprint you.
• Disable JavaScript — Set the security slider to "Safest" in Tor Browser settings.
• Don't use personal accounts — Avoid logging into Facebook, Google, or email on Tor.
• Use HTTPS-Only — Tor Browser enables this by default.
• Clear state on exit — Also enabled by default in Tor Browser.

Onion Services (.onion)

Websites with a .onion address are only accessible through Tor. They provide end-to-end encrypted connections and hide the server's location entirely. Major platforms like Facebook, The New York Times, and ProtonMail operate official .onion mirrors.