SECURITY

Anonymous Browsing Tips

Anonymous Browsing Tips

Anonymous Browsing

Tor routes your traffic through the network so sites cannot see your real IP ā€” but they can still recognize you through browser fingerprinting. This guide covers in-browser defenses that complement Tor Browser installation: why fingerprinting matters and how Tor Browser's Security Levels address it.

Why Fingerprinting Defenses Matter

Even without cookies, websites can build a fingerprint from your browser environment: window size, screen resolution, installed fonts, timezone, and other characteristics. Combined, these traits are often distinctive enough to track you across sites and sessions.

That is why several practices below exist. Tor Browser deliberately limits window sizes to a small set of common dimensions and warns against resizing or maximizing ā€” an unusual window size stands out in a crowd. It also standardizes fonts, canvas behavior, and other environmental details by default so Tor users look more alike, not more unique.

Tor Browser's Security Levels

Tor Browser includes three built-in Security Levels. Open the shield icon in the toolbar to switch between them (for download and first launch, see the Tor Browser Setup guide).

Standard

All browser features enabled ā€” JavaScript runs everywhere. Suitable only for sites you fully trust.

Safer

Disables JavaScript on non-HTTPS sites and blocks some other risky features. The sensible default for market access ā€” most pages work while reducing attack surface.

Safest

Disables JavaScript everywhere and blocks most media and fonts. Strongest protection, but many sites break or lose functionality. Reserve for higher-risk situations.

Recommendation: Start at Safer for routine market access. Move to Safest only when the added breakage is worth the extra hardening.

Best Practices

  • Always use Tor Browser ā€” install steps are in the Tor Browser Setup guide
  • Disable JavaScript ā€” set Security Level to Safer or Safest (see above)
  • Don't maximize browser window ā€” resizing creates a more unique fingerprint (see "Why Fingerprinting Defenses Matter" above)
  • If Tor is blocked on your network, use a bridge ā€” setup steps are in the Tor Browser Setup guide
  • Never login to personal accounts