The internet can be an amazing place, but let’s face it — it’s also full of prying eyes. From advertisers tracking your every click to government agencies keeping tabs on online activity, true privacy online can feel like a myth. That’s where the Tor Browser comes in.
Tor (short for “The Onion Router”) helps you stay anonymous by bouncing your traffic through different servers around the world. It’s a solid tool for protecting your identity, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive information, living under a restrictive government, or simply want to keep your internet habits private.
But here’s the thing: just using Tor Browser isn’t enough to guarantee your privacy or safety. If you’re not careful, you can still leave digital footprints that others can follow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical, no-nonsense steps to secure your Tor Browser, stay anonymous, and protect your online activity from unwanted eyes.
How to Secure TOR Browser (Tricks)
Tor Browser is a secure gateway to the dark web, offering users a high level of privacy and anonymity. It’s especially useful in countries where internet access is heavily restricted, helping people bypass censorship and access the free web.
However, while Tor provides strong protections, it’s not completely foolproof. There are still potential security risks. That’s why we’ve put together this detail on how to secure Tor Browser before exploring the dark web.
Always Use the Latest Version of Tor Browser
This one might seem obvious, but it’s a big deal.
Why it matters: Each update of Tor includes important security patches. Using an outdated version means you could be vulnerable to known bugs or security holes that hackers or surveillance agencies can exploit.
What to do:
- Open Tor Browser regularly to check for updates.
- Turn on automatic updates so you don’t miss anything.
- Don’t download Tor Browser from sketchy websites — always use the official Tor Project website.
Change the Security Level
By default, Tor Browser is set to “Standard” security mode, which allows websites to function normally. But this also opens you up to more risks.
What to do:
Click the shield icon next to the address bar → Select “Advanced Security Settings” → Bump it up to “Safer” or “Safest.”
- Safer: Disables some risky website features like JavaScript on non-HTTPS sites.
- Safest: Turns off JavaScript completely and blocks most media.
Trade-off: Some websites may not look or work correctly. But if your goal is maximum privacy, it’s worth it.
Don’t Install Add-ons or Extensions
You might be tempted to add your favorite ad blocker or password manager, but don’t do it.
Why?
Extensions can reveal details about your browser fingerprint — basically, little bits of information that make your browser unique and traceable.
Stick with what Tor gives you. It already has built-in tools like HTTPS Everywhere and NoScript, which are carefully chosen to protect your identity.
Avoid Logging Into Personal Accounts
Logging into your email, Facebook, Instagram, or even Google while using Tor kills your anonymity.
Here’s why:
Once you log into an account tied to your real identity, your activity can be traced back to you, no matter how anonymous the connection is.
Tips:
- Use anonymous accounts if you need to log into anything while using Tor.
- Don’t check your regular email or online banking while using Tor.
- Keep your browsing and Tor browsing completely separate.
Disable JavaScript Completely
JavaScript is a web technology that powers things like animations, buttons, and videos — but it can also be used to track you or run malicious code.
What to do:
If you chose the “Safest” security setting in step 2, JavaScript is already disabled.
If you need more control:
Click the “S” icon (NoScript) in the upper-right corner and adjust which scripts are allowed to run.
Just remember: Disabling JavaScript will break many websites. You’ll have to decide what’s more important — usability or security.
Use a VPN With Tor
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with Tor can add an extra layer of protection, especially if you’re worried about your internet provider knowing that you’re using Tor.
There are two common ways to combine them:
- VPN before Tor (VPN → Tor): Your internet provider sees you’re using a VPN, but not that you’re using Tor.
- Tor before VPN (Tor → VPN): Less common and a bit riskier unless you know what you’re doing.
Important: Not all VPNs are trustworthy. Choose one with a no-logs policy and a good reputation.
Be Careful with Downloads
Downloading files — especially PDFs or Word docs — can expose your real IP address if you open them outside of Tor.
Why?
These files can contain hidden code that connects to the internet when opened in a regular program (like Adobe Reader or Microsoft Word).
Safe way to handle downloads:
- Avoid downloading files unless necessary.
- If you must, open them inside a virtual machine or offline.
- Better yet, use Tails OS if you’re dealing with sensitive stuff.
Avoid Torrenting on Tor
Just don’t. Torrent traffic is not anonymous on the Tor network and can easily leak your IP address. Plus, it slows down the entire network for everyone else. If you need anonymity for torrenting, use a specialized privacy-focused VPN, not Tor.
Final Thoughts
Tor is a powerful tool — but like any tool, it depends on how you use it.
If you treat it like a normal browser and start logging into your accounts, resizing your screen, installing plugins, or clicking on random downloads, you’re opening the door to the very risks you were trying to avoid.
But if you follow the steps on how to secure Tor Browser in this guide, stay disciplined, and prioritize privacy over convenience, Tor Browser can be one of the best ways to protect your online identity and freedom.