TOR BROWSER CONFIGURATION

Why Tor is Mandatory for Marketplace Access

Tor Browser is the ONLY safe way to access darknet marketplaces. It provides anonymity by routing your connection through multiple encrypted nodes, hiding your IP address and location from the marketplace, your ISP, and potential adversaries. Without Tor, you have no protection.

Regular browsers expose your real IP address with every connection. This makes you identifiable and traceable. Your ISP sees every website you visit. Websites see exactly where you're connecting from. Law enforcement can easily link your activity to your physical location and identity.

Tor breaks this chain of visibility. No single point in the network knows both who you are and what you're doing. This separation protects your privacy in ways that VPNs and proxy services cannot match. For marketplace access, Tor is not optional but a fundamental requirement.

Never access marketplaces without Tor: This is the most basic rule of operational security. Breaking it exposes everything else you do.

The Tor Network Explained

Tor encrypts your traffic and bounces it through three random relays (nodes) before reaching the destination. Each relay only knows the previous and next hop, never the complete path:

1. Entry Node (Guard): Sees your real IP address but cannot see your destination or what data you're sending. Guards are selected for stability and kept consistent for security reasons.
2. Middle Node: Sees neither your real IP address nor your destination. Only knows the guard node and exit node in your current circuit. Provides separation between entry and exit.
3. Exit Node: Sees the destination website but cannot see your real IP address. For onion services, there is no exit node because traffic stays within the Tor network.

No single node knows both your identity AND your destination. This provides strong anonymity even if individual nodes are compromised. The mathematics of the routing prevent any single point from breaking your privacy.

Onion Services Explained

Marketplaces are onion services (addresses ending in .onion). These sites work differently from regular websites:

• Only accessible through Tor Browser - regular browsers cannot connect
• Don't use exit nodes - traffic stays entirely within the Tor network
• Server location is hidden just like your location is hidden
• End-to-end encrypted automatically between you and the server
• Both parties (you and server) maintain anonymity

This mutual anonymity is why marketplaces use onion services. Neither side reveals their location to the other. The entire connection stays encrypted within Tor's protected network.

Official Download Only

ONLY download from: https://www.torproject.org

This is absolutely critical. Fake Tor downloads exist that look identical but contain malware or surveillance code. Using a compromised copy defeats the entire purpose of Tor. Always verify you're downloading from the official Tor Project website.

Download Steps

1. Visit torproject.org in your regular browser
2. Click "Download Tor Browser" prominently displayed on the homepage
3. Select your operating system:
   • Windows (.exe installer) - most common choice
   • macOS (.dmg) - for Apple computers
   • Linux (.tar.xz) - source archive for Linux distributions
   • Android (Google Play or F-Droid) - for mobile devices
4. Save the installer to your computer and note the location

Download Verification (Recommended)

For maximum security, verify the download signature before installing:

• Download the GPG signature file (.asc) from Tor Project alongside the installer
• Import the Tor Browser Developers signing key
• Verify the signature matches your download file
• This confirms the download hasn't been tampered with during transit

Verification takes extra time but guarantees you have the authentic software. This is especially important if downloading from public networks or computers you don't fully control.

Never Download From These Sources

• Third-party websites claiming to host Tor Browser
• App stores (except official Tor Browser for Android)
• Torrents or file-sharing platforms
• Links from emails, forums, or messages
• Search engine results that bypass torproject.org

Windows Installation

1. Run the downloaded .exe installer file
2. Select your preferred installation language
3. Choose installation location (default location is recommended)
4. Click "Install" and wait for the process to complete
5. Installation typically takes around two minutes
6. Click "Finish" to complete installation and launch Tor Browser

macOS Installation

1. Open the downloaded .dmg disk image file
2. Drag the "Tor Browser" icon to your Applications folder
3. Open your Applications folder
4. Right-click "Tor Browser" and select "Open" to bypass Gatekeeper
5. Confirm "Open" when the security dialog appears

Linux Installation

1. Extract the downloaded .tar.xz archive:

   tar -xvf tor-browser-linux64-*.tar.xz

2. Navigate to the extracted folder:

   cd tor-browser_en-US

3. Launch Tor Browser:

   ./start-tor-browser.desktop

Android Installation

• Google Play: Search "Tor Browser" and select the app published by The Tor Project
• F-Droid: Add the Guardian Project repository, then install Tor Browser
• Launch the app and follow the connection wizard to get started

First Launch Configuration

1. Launch Tor Browser from your applications menu or desktop
2. The Tor connection window appears automatically
3. Choose your connection method:
   • "Connect": Direct Tor connection works for most users in most countries
   • "Configure": Use this if Tor is blocked in your country or you need to use bridges
4. Click "Connect" for standard connection
5. Wait 10-60 seconds while Tor establishes a circuit
6. A "Congratulations" page appears when connection succeeds
7. Close the welcome tab and begin browsing through Tor

Using Bridges When Tor is Blocked

If your ISP or government blocks Tor connections, bridges help you connect:

1. Click "Configure" instead of "Connect" on the connection screen
2. Select "Tor is censored in my country"
3. Choose a bridge type:
   • obfs4: Recommended option that disguises Tor traffic as random data
   • meek-azure: Uses Microsoft Azure cloud to bypass blocking (slower)
   • Snowflake: Distributed bridge system using volunteer proxies
4. Click "Connect" to begin the bridged connection
5. Connection may take longer than direct connection (1-2 minutes)

Bridges are relay nodes that aren't listed in the public Tor directory. Censors can't easily block what they can't find. If one bridge type doesn't work, try another.

Setting Your Security Level

Tor Browser has three security levels. For marketplace access, use Safer or Safest mode.

How to Change Security Level

1. Click the shield icon in the top-right corner of the browser
2. Click "Advanced Security Settings" or "Change" link
3. Select your preferred security level from the options

Security Levels Detailed

Recommendation for marketplaces: Use the "Safer" level. This provides good protection while keeping marketplace functionality intact. The "Safest" setting may break essential features.

Essential Privacy Rules

Never Maximize Tor Browser Window

• Maximized windows reveal your exact screen resolution
• This resolution becomes a fingerprint that can identify you
• Keep the default window size for maximum anonymity
• Tor standardizes window dimensions across all users for protection

Don't Install Browser Extensions

• Extensions can track your browsing or leak your IP address
• Tor comes with necessary tools already (NoScript, HTTPS Everywhere)
• Adding extensions creates a unique browser fingerprint
• Any customization makes you more identifiable

Don't Change Settings Unnecessarily

• Default settings maximize anonymity by making you look like everyone else
• Custom settings create unique fingerprints
• Only change the security level when needed

Never Log Into Personal Accounts

• Don't access Facebook, Gmail, or other clearnet accounts in Tor
• This directly links your Tor session to your real identity
• Keep Tor activities completely separate from personal accounts

Be Careful with Downloads

• Downloaded files can contain tracking elements
• Opening files outside Tor may reveal your real IP
• If you must download: open files inside Tor environment only
• Scan any downloads for malware before opening

Understand VPN Limitations

• Tor alone provides sufficient anonymity for most users
• Adding VPN before Tor can actually reduce anonymity
• Your VPN provider knows your real identity
• Exception: If Tor is blocked, VPN can help establish initial connection

Always Verify HTTPS

• Onion sites use encryption automatically
• Look for the padlock icon in the address bar
• Tor encrypts network traffic, HTTPS adds end-to-end encryption

Close Tor Completely When Done

• Don't just minimize - fully quit Tor Browser
• This clears all session data automatically
• Next session uses an entirely new Tor circuit

Verify Tor is Working Correctly

Method 1: Official Check Page

1. In Tor Browser, visit https://check.torproject.org
2. If working correctly, you'll see: "Congratulations. This browser is configured to use Tor."
3. The page also displays your Tor exit node IP address (not your real IP)

Method 2: Test Onion Service Access

1. Try visiting any known onion service
2. If the onion page loads, Tor is working correctly
3. If you see "Unable to connect" errors, troubleshoot your connection

New Identity Feature

If you want a completely fresh Tor session:

1. Click the hamburger menu (three lines) in top-right corner
2. Select "New Identity" from the menu
3. Tor Browser restarts with a completely new circuit
4. All tabs close and cookies are cleared automatically
5. You receive a new exit node and appear as a different user

Use when: You want to appear as a completely different user, or you suspect your current connection may be compromised.

Safe Navigation Steps

1. Launch Tor Browser and wait for connection to establish
2. Get the verified onion URL from a trusted source (our Access page)
3. CRITICAL: Verify the onion URL character by character
   • Phishing sites change just one or two letters
   • Look for the HTTPS padlock icon
   • Bookmark the correct URL immediately for future use
4. Type or paste the onion URL into Tor Browser address bar
5. Press Enter and wait for the page to load (10-30 seconds is normal)
6. Verify you're on the real site by checking PGP-signed messages and familiar design
7. Proceed to log in only after verification

Phishing Warning

Attackers create fake marketplace clones specifically to steal credentials!

• Always verify onion URLs from multiple trusted independent sources
• Check for PGP-signed mirror lists when available
• Slight URL differences indicate phishing attempts
• Bookmark the real site immediately after verification
• If the site looks different or asks for unusual information, leave immediately

Connection Failed

Solutions:

• Check your internet connection by testing in a regular browser
• Try using Tor bridges if you're in a censored location
• Disable VPN or firewall temporarily to test
• Update to the latest Tor Browser version
• Wait and retry - Tor network may be temporarily overloaded

Onion Site Won't Load

Solutions:

• Verify the onion URL is typed correctly with no typos
• Try "New Identity" to get a fresh circuit and reload
• The site may be temporarily down - try an alternate mirror
• Check if Tor is actually connected by visiting check.torproject.org
• Wait 30-60 seconds - onion sites can be slower than regular websites

Very Slow Connection

Solutions:

• Tor is inherently slower than regular browsing due to multiple hops
• Try "New Identity" to get a potentially faster circuit
• Close unnecessary tabs to reduce load
• Avoid streaming video - Tor isn't designed for high bandwidth
• Peak evening hours tend to be slower due to higher traffic

JavaScript Disabled Breaking Sites

Solutions:

• Lower security level from "Safest" to "Safer" temporarily
• Click the shield icon and select "Advanced Security Settings"
• Change the setting and reload the page
• Only lower security when necessary for specific sites

Understanding Tor's Limitations

• Not magic: Tor hides your IP address, but you can still be identified through behavior patterns
• Exit node visibility: Exit nodes can see traffic to clearnet sites (always use HTTPS)
• Malware bypasses Tor: Tor doesn't protect against malware or keyloggers on your device
• Correlation attacks: Adversaries monitoring both entry and exit points can potentially correlate traffic
• JavaScript exploits: Zero-day browser exploits can potentially reveal identity (use Safer mode)
• User errors matter most: Logging into personal accounts or sharing identifying info breaks anonymity
• Legal status: Tor is legal in most countries, but using it may attract attention from ISPs or authorities

Tor and Nexus Market

Tor Browser is mandatory for Nexus access. The Nexus onion address only works through Tor. Regular browsers cannot reach Nexus Market.

Configure Tor security settings for Nexus use. The Nexus platform works with highest security level. Disable JavaScript if Nexus functionality allows.

Nexus Market loads slowly over Tor sometimes. This is normal for onion services. The Nexus team optimizes for security over speed.

Never reveal your identity while using Nexus. Tor protects your IP address on Nexus. Keep your Nexus activity separate from regular browsing.

Update Tor Browser regularly for Nexus security. Old Tor versions may have vulnerabilities. The Nexus connection depends on secure Tor configuration.

Nexus Market Community

The Nexus marketplace has grown into a trusted platform. Nexus users appreciate the reliable service. Thousands choose Nexus daily for secure transactions.

Nexus Market moderators work continuously. The Nexus team resolves disputes fairly. Both Nexus buyers and sellers receive equal consideration.

Join the Nexus community today. Experience why Nexus leads in security. Your Nexus journey starts with registration. Nexus Market welcomes new members.

Nexus development never stops. The Nexus platform improves constantly. User feedback shapes Nexus priorities. Help make Nexus even better.

Trust Nexus for your marketplace needs. Nexus security protects every user. The Nexus escrow safeguards all transactions. Choose Nexus with confidence.