Tor Browser Setup Guide

Apocalypse Market Access

Onion URL: http://apocam5miqqb7xtstfoft6hvoowhomxacaczoqsvexiku3dun26bakid.onion

Clearnet: https://apocalypse.markets

What is Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is essential software for accessing darknet markets like Apocalypse Market. It routes your internet traffic through multiple encrypted relays, masking your IP address and providing anonymity. Tor is the only safe way to access .onion sites.

Why Tor is Necessary

ReasonExplanation
AnonymityHides your real IP address from websites and ISP
Onion AccessOnly Tor can access .onion domains
Privacy ProtectionEncrypts traffic through multiple relay nodes
Censorship BypassAccess content blocked in your region
SecurityPrevents tracking and surveillance

Installing Tor Browser

Step 1: Download from Official Source

Official Website: https://www.torproject.org/download/

⚠️ CRITICAL: Only download from torproject.org. Fake versions may contain malware or tracking software!

Step 2: Choose Your Operating System

OSDownloadInstallation
Windowstor-browser-windows-*.exeRun installer, follow prompts
macOStor-browser-macos-*.dmgOpen DMG, drag to Applications
Linuxtor-browser-linux-*.tar.xzExtract archive, run start script
AndroidFrom Google Play StoreInstall like any app

Step 3: Verify Download (Advanced Users)

For maximum security, verify the PGP signature of your download:

  1. Download the signature file (.asc) from Tor website
  2. Import Tor Project's PGP key
  3. Verify signature matches the downloaded installer
  4. Only proceed if verification succeeds

Step 4: Install Tor Browser

Configuring Tor Browser

First Launch Configuration

  1. Connect to Tor: Click "Connect" on launch screen (or "Configure" if behind firewall)
  2. Wait for Connection: Tor establishes connection to network (10-60 seconds)
  3. Success: Browser opens showing successful connection page

Security Settings

Configure security level for maximum protection:

Security LevelFeatures DisabledRecommended For
StandardNoneGeneral browsing (not recommended for markets)
SaferSome JavaScript, fonts, math symbolsBalanced security and functionality
SafestJavaScript, images on HTTP, fonts, mediaDarknet markets (RECOMMENDED)

Setting Security to Safest

  1. Click shield icon in address bar
  2. Select "Advanced Security Settings"
  3. Move slider to "Safest"
  4. Apply settings
⚠️ Always use "Safest" security level when accessing darknet markets!

Additional Security Configuration

Using Tor Browser Safely

Best Practices for OpSec

PracticeWhy Important
Never maximize windowWindow size can fingerprint your display
Don't use plugins/extensionsCan leak identifying information
Never torrent over TorExposes real IP address
Don't login to personal accountsLinks Tor activity to your identity
Clear cookies after sessionPrevents tracking across sessions
Use HTTPS everywhereAdds encryption layer
Verify .onion URLsPrevents phishing attacks

What NOT To Do

Verifying Your Tor Connection

  1. Visit check.torproject.org in Tor Browser
  2. Confirm message: "Congratulations. This browser is configured to use Tor."
  3. Note the exit node IP (not your real IP)
  4. If not using Tor, reconfigure and try again

Accessing Apocalypse Market

Step-by-Step Access Guide

  1. Launch Tor Browser with "Safest" security settings
  2. Wait for Connection to Tor network to establish
  3. Copy Onion URL: http://apocam5miqqb7xtstfoft6hvoowhomxacaczoqsvexiku3dun26bakid.onion
  4. Paste in Address Bar and press Enter
  5. Wait for Loading (onion sites are slower than clearnet)
  6. Verify URL matches official address
  7. Check PGP Signature on landing page
  8. Login or Register once verified

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

ProblemSolution
Site won't loadNew Tor circuit: Ctrl+Shift+L or reload
Very slowNormal for .onion sites, be patient
Connection timeoutMarket may be down, check Dread forum
Security warningVerify you're using correct onion URL
Captcha requiredComplete captcha, may need to enable limited JS

Advanced Security: Tails OS

For maximum security, consider using Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System):

What is Tails?

Tails Benefits

FeatureBenefit
AmnesiaNo traces left on host computer
All traffic via TorCannot accidentally leak IP
Encryption toolsBuilt-in PGP and file encryption
PortableUse on any computer via USB
Open sourceAudited by security community

Learn more at: tails.boum.org

VPN + Tor Considerations

Should You Use VPN with Tor?

This is a debated topic with pros and cons:

ApproachProsCons
VPN → TorHides Tor usage from ISPVPN sees your real IP; trust required
Tor OnlyNo single point of trust; freeISP can see you're using Tor (not what you do)
Tor → VPNHides .onion access from exit nodesVPN sees your darknet activity; NOT RECOMMENDED

If Using VPN with Tor:

Maintaining Privacy

Essential Privacy Practices