How to Build an Anonymous Identity Online: A Comprehensive Guide | 2025

In an increasingly connected world, protecting privacy is becoming more important. Many users want to browse the internet anonymously without revealing personal data. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to build an anonymous identity online, especially on Windows and Mac devices, by using virtualization and Linux. Additionally, methods and tools that combine anonymity and convenience are described.

Why Not the Tor Network?

While the Tor network is known for its anonymity features, it also has some drawbacks:

• Slow connections: Due to multiple relays through different nodes, Tor is often slower than conventional VPN connections. This can significantly impact browsing and downloading content.
• Misuse: Tor is often used for illegal activities, making the network a target for surveillance authorities. Legitimate users could therefore be more intensively monitored just because they use the Tor network.
• Scams and security risks: Many shady websites and services are lurking on the Tor network, increasing the risk of fraud and security vulnerabilities. There are many reports of phishing sites and malicious content on .onion websites.
• Security concerns: There have been several reports and studies showing that the Tor network is compromised and no longer meets the high security standards it once did. For example, research has shown that certain exit nodes could be controlled by malicious actors.

1. Installing a Virtual Machine (VM)

Why Linux in a VM and not directly Windows or Mac?

• Separation of activities: By using a Linux VM within Windows or MacOS, the main operating system remains untouched. This increases security, as all anonymous activities take place within the VM and are thus isolated from the host system.
• Security: Linux distributions focused on privacy offer better security features and privacy mechanisms than Windows or MacOS. For example, distributions like Tails and Whonix offer encryption and other security tools by default.
• Flexibility: Users can continue to use their preferred operating system for everyday tasks while having an isolated, secure environment for anonymous activities. This allows for a clear separation of work and anonymous activities.
• No accounts required: Windows and MacOS require the creation of a user account, often linked to personal data. Linux can be installed and used without providing personal information, further increasing anonymity.

Step-by-step guide:

• VirtualBox: Download VirtualBox from the official website and install it on your Windows or Mac device. VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization program that is easy to use.
• Linux: Choose a Linux distribution: Download a Linux distribution focused on privacy and security, such as Tails or Whonix. Tails is a live operating system that starts from a USB stick or DVD and leaves no traces. Whonix offers a particularly secure environment by separating it into two virtual machines (workstation and gateway).
• Create a new virtual machine: Open VirtualBox and click 'Create new VM'. Give the VM a name, select the type (Linux) and the version (depending on the chosen distribution). Follow the instructions to install the Linux distribution. This includes assigning memory, disk space, and other resources.
• Adjust network settings: Ensure that the VM is configured to use the host system's VPN or configure the VPN within the VM. This can be achieved by changing the network settings in VirtualBox and installing a VPN client in the VM.

2. Network Connections

VPN Services:

• Choosing a VPN provider: Choose a VPN service that does not keep logs and can be paid for anonymously (e.g., with cryptocurrencies). Examples include CyperGhost, PIA, and NordVPN. Make sure the provider is located in a privacy-friendly country and uses strong encryption protocols.
• Using a VPN: Activate the VPN service before going online. This obscures your IP address and protects your data transmission. Ensure that the VPN client is correctly configured and that the connection is stable. For maximum security, consider using two VPN providers: one on the host and one in the virtual machine.
• Proton VPN | Nord VPN

Public Networks:

• Use public Wi-Fi networks to further obscure your activities. Be careful not to reveal any personal information when using these networks. Be aware that public networks can be potentially insecure, so the use of a VPN should be mandatory. Log in to places with many people to blend in, be mindful of cameras, and always choose different locations.

3. Anonymous Communication

Anonymous Email Services:

• Proton Mail Offers end-to-end encryption and does not require personal data to create an account. ProtonMail does not store IP addresses and offers additional security features such as two-factor authentication.
• Tutanota: Another secure email service that does not require personal data. Tutanota encrypts both the subject lines and the content of emails and offers the ability to create anonymous accounts.
• Posteo: A privacy-focused email service that does not require personal information. Posteo offers encryption for emails, contacts, and calendars, and is known for its strong stance on privacy.

Encrypted Messaging Services:

• Signal: Known for its strong encryption and privacy protection. Signal uses the Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption and does not store metadata.
• Session: Offers anonymous, encrypted messaging without phone number or email registration. Session is a decentralized messaging platform based on the Oxen network and provides high privacy.
• Threema: Threema: A secure messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption. Threema does not require a phone number or email address for registration, ensuring user anonymity and privacy.

4. Anonymous Payment Methods

Cryptocurrencies:

• Bitcoin: For anonymized transactions using mixing services. Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, and mixing coins can make tracking more difficult. Without mixing services, Bitcoin transactions can be easily traced.
• Monero: Known for its strong privacy features. Monero uses advanced technologies like ring signatures and confidential transactions to ensure user anonymity.
• Zcash: Offers robust privacy features through the use of zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs). Zcash transactions can be completely shielded to ensure maximum anonymity.

Mixing Services:

• Wasabi Wallet: A Bitcoin wallet with integrated CoinJoin mixer. Wasabi Wallet offers strong privacy features and is very user-friendly for users who want to obscure their transactions.
• Samourai Wallet: Another wallet with robust mixing features. Samourai Wallet offers additional tools like Stonewall and Ricochet to further enhance privacy.

Prepaid Cards:

• Paysafecard: An anonymous prepaid card that can be purchased in many stores and used without providing personal information.

5. Anonymous Social Media Usage

• Reddit: Allows anonymous accounts as long as no personal information is disclosed. Users should be careful not to share personal data in posts or comments.
• Mastodon: A decentralized social network that promotes anonymous use. Mastodon allows users to communicate on different servers (instances), preventing data centralization.
• Gab: Allows anonymous accounts and emphasizes privacy. Gab has less strict content moderation and can be useful for anonymous use as long as no personal information is shared.
• Twitter(X): Allows the creation of accounts with pseudonyms and without providing personal data. Be careful not to share personal information.

When your content from these platforms is shared by other users on non-anonymous platforms like Facebook, Google, or TikTok, it can increase your reach to those platforms as well. However, be aware that the nature of these platforms means your content may be associated with your user identity, potentially compromising your anonymity. Therefore, always ensure that no personal information is included in your posts if you wish to remain anonymous.

6. Privacy and Security

Encryption:

• VeraCrypt: Use VeraCrypt to encrypt your hard drives and sensitive files. VeraCrypt is an open-source tool that offers strong encryption algorithms and is easy to use.

Password Managers:

• Bitwarden: An open-source password manager that generates and securely stores strong passwords. Bitwarden offers both a free version and a paid version with additional features.
• KeePass: Another secure password manager. KeePass stores passwords locally and offers strong encryption algorithms to secure the database.

Browsers:

• Brave: A privacy-focused browser that blocks ads and trackers. Brave also offers features like HTTPS Everywhere and integrated Tor browsing.
• Firefox: With the right extensions (uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, HTTPS Everywhere), Firefox can be very privacy-friendly. Users should also adjust Firefox's privacy settings to minimize tracking.

Do not use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as these browsers are heavily linked to your Google or Microsoft account and collect extensive data about your browsing behavior.

7. Avoiding Fingerprinting

Anti-Fingerprinting Browsers:

• Brave: Offers integrated anti-fingerprinting features. Brave tries to standardize users' fingerprints to make tracking more difficult.
• Firefox: Can significantly reduce fingerprinting with extensions and the right settings. Users should enable features like Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) and regularly review the extensions used.

8. Search Engines

Choosing the right search engine is crucial for maintaining your privacy. Use the following privacy-friendly search engines:

• DuckDuckGo: A search engine that does not collect personal data and does not track.
• Startpage: Uses Google search results but without tracking and data collection.
• Qwant: A Europe-based search engine that does not store personal data and is focused on privacy.

Avoid using Google and Bing as these search engines collect extensive data about your search queries and browsing behavior.

9. Continuous Review and Adjustment

• Regular review: Regularly review your anonymity setup and adjust it to new threats and technologies. Stay informed about the latest developments in privacy and security.
• Self-discipline: Remain consistent in using your anonymous identity and avoid mistakes that could compromise your anonymity. This requires mindfulness and a conscious separation of anonymous and non-anonymous activities.