You are in the world of hacking or cybersecurity, or probably just care about privacy. You need a good OPSEC, no matter what it is for. Minefields abound on the internet, and if you are not careful enough, you will leave traces that would lead straight to you. The last thing you need is law enforcement knocking on your door because of a silly mistake.
So, breaking it down step by step—how to stay anonymous, not to disclose your identity, and keep your online activities private.
1. Say Goodbye to Google Services
Google knows everything you do: all your searches, locations, emails, and even voice assistants. If these practices make anonymity your target, then it’s high time to replace them with some privacy-friendly alternatives:
- Search Engine: DuckDuckGo or Startpage instead of Google Search.
- Email: switch to ProtonMail or Tutanota-both use end-to-end encryption.
- Cloud Storage: instead of Google Drive use MEGA, Tresorit, or Syncthing for private storage of files
The less often you use services by Google and others, the less companies will track you,and governments.
2. Keep Your Mouth Shut (Don’t Brag That You Are Hacker)
Do not inform them you have an interest in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, or penetration testing. It is evil to make people know you’re a hacker to your friends and family.
The more people you tell, the higher risk there is of encountering them. Stay low profiled and do not attract unnecessary attention to yourself.
3. Choose a Good VPN (And Avoid Free Ones)
A VPN or Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet traffic while keeping your IP address under wraps, but picking the wrong one can further expose you.
- Avoid any free VPNs that log your data and sell it out.
- Use a no-log VPN like Mullvad, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN
- Pay anonymously with Monero, Bitcoin, or gift cards while buying a VPN.
A good VPN keeps your internet activity private, but remember—it’s just one layer of security, not a magic cloak of invisibility.
4. Don’t Use Your Personal Computer for Hacking Activities
If you’re serious about staying anonymous, never use the same computer for hacking and personal activities.
- Two safer alternatives:
- Buy a separate laptop just for hacking and online privacy.
- Rent a VPS (Virtual Private Server) to run your activities remotely.
This way, if one system is compromised, the life of yours stays safe.
Using a VPS is an excellent option, as you can control the environment and keep it dedicated to specific tasks. Make sure your VPS provider allows anonymous payment options, such as cryptocurrencies.
5. Use Qubes OS + Whonix for Anonymous Browsing
For ultimate security, use Qubes OS along with Whonix. Qubes OS and Whonix is the combination preferred by top-tier privacy technicians, journalists, and security experts.
- Qubes OS lets every software function inside its virtual machine, so malware can’t spread.
- Whonix routes all your traffic over Tor and keeps your identity utterly hidden.
For those who don’t want to use Qubes OS, alternatives like Tails OS are also great options for anonymity.
6. Use Tor Browser for Safe Browsing
Your best friend in the game of anonymous browsing is Tor browser. He encrypts your traffic and bounces it around several servers all over the world. Do not forget to remember, though, that just using Tor will not make you invisible 100% of the time.
- Tor Safety Tips:
- Do not log in to any private accounts using Tor.
- Do not download any file directly with Tor.
- Use bridges and anonymizing to circumvent censorship.
7. Use Secure Messaging Apps
Most natively used messaging apps-WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger-suck metadata. Use encrypted, decentralized messengers like:
- Tox Chat (used by hackers and ransomware groups)
- Hack.chat (for one to one, ephemeral, private discussions)
- Signal (very popular, but only by phone number)
- Session (totally anonymous, no phone number needed
Whatever you choose, turn on disappearing messages and never log anything.
8. Use a Secure Email Service
Ditch Gmail and Outlook-your emails aren’t private. Use instead:
- ProtonMail, Switzerland-based, encrypted and privacy-focused.
- Tutanota, Germany-based, open source and fully encrypted.
You can also create disposable emails for one-time use with services like Guerrilla Mail or Mailinator.
9. Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
A weak password means an open door to your identity. Password managers:
- Bitwarden, open-source and secure
- KeePassXC, fully offline for extra security
Consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on critical accounts.
10. Pay with Cryptocurrency (But Use Monero, Not Bitcoin)
Bitcoin is not private. All transactions are published to the network. Use instead:
- Monero (XMR) – The leading privacy-friendly cryptocurrency.
- Bitcoin + Mixers – If you still need to use Bitcoin, use mixing services, such as Wasabi Wallet or Samourai Wallet to interrupt the trail of a transaction
Never use crypto to purchase items using your actual identity-buy them using peer to peer exchange software like Bisq or HodlHodl.
11. Encrypt Your Devices and Communications
Encrypt everything-your files, emails, messages, and even your whole hard drive. Use:
- VeraCrypt- Full disk encryption
- GnuPG (GPG)-For email and file encryption
- LUKS-For Linux users-Encrypt your entire disk
If your device ever gets seized, encryption will prevent anyone from accessing your data.
12. Share Files Securely
Don’t count on Google Drive or Dropbox. To securely share files, check out these options:
- OnionShare-It’s a Tor-based file-sharing tool.
- AnonFiles – Anonymous file hosting.
Both can be used anonymously when sharing files.
13. Don’t Use Social Media
Social media is the privacy nightmare of nightmares. You have to use it? So here’s the tip:
- Create a disposable identity that isn’t yours
- Use .onion versions of twitter and other such sites
- Don’t post personal photos or location-based information
To be on the safer side of things, uninstall all social media applications
14. Avoid Apple Devices; Use Android with LineageOS
Apple and Google monitor you. For a highly private phone:
- Never use iPhones—Apple is monitoring everything.
- Flash an Android device and install the de-Googled operating system, LineageOS.
- Use F-Droid instead of the Google Play Store for a privacy-friendly package repository.
To go to an extreme, paranoid, anonymity mode, install GrapheneOS if you have a Pixel device or CalyxOS.
15. Use pfSense for Network Security
Your home network is your biggest risk environment. Protect yourself by:
- Use of pfSense – It is an extremely powerful firewall that blocks the trackers.
- Flip to Quad9 DNS – The service blocks the malicious domains, does not track you, and offers excellent blocking performance.
The well-configured firewall keeps out intruders and prevents the leaks.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Software Updated
Keep your operating system, software, and apps updated at all times. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. The good news is that an updated system brings the latest security patches to you.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not promote, support, or encourage any illegal activities, hacking, or unethical behavior. The techniques and tools mentioned are intended to help individuals enhance their privacy and security online. Misusing this information for illegal purposes is strictly against the law and can have serious consequences. Always follow ethical guidelines and legal regulations when applying cybersecurity practices.
Conclusion
Difficult, impossible to be anonymous on the net; doable if you don’t use just one single tool. You layer your security; as you add more layers of security, it’s that much harder for them to track you back.
Stay smart, stay hidden and never stop learning.
Your privacy is in your hands.
