SECURITYGUIDE

Complete WeTheNorth Security Implementation

WeTheNorth Security Essentials

PGP

PGP Encryption for WeTheNorth

WeTheNorth marketplace requires mandatory PGP encryption. Generate 4096-bit RSA keys using GPG. Upload your public key during registration. Never share your private key. Use PGP for all communications, shipping addresses, and sensitive data on the platform.

Security

Two-Factor Authentication

WeTheNorth enforces mandatory 2FA. Configure PGP-based 2FA during account creation. Set a strong 6-digit PIN for platform access. Two-factor authentication protects your account even if password is compromised. Always decrypt login challenges with your PGP key.

Key

Mnemonic Recovery Phrase

WeTheNorth provides a 24-word mnemonic recovery phrase during registration. Write down your mnemonic IMMEDIATELY - it displays only once. Store mnemonic offline securely. If you lose your PIN and mnemonic, account recovery is impossible.

Tor

Tor Browser for WeTheNorth Access

Always access WeTheNorth through official Tor Browser. Configure security level to "Safest" for maximum protection. Never use VPNs with Tor for market access. Verify onion URLs before entering credentials on the platform.

Crypto

Monero for WeTheNorth Transactions

WeTheNorth accepts Monero (XMR) for maximum privacy. Use official Monero wallets for all transactions. Never reuse addresses - the platform generates unique subaddresses. Monero provides true privacy through ring signatures and stealth addresses.

OPSEC

Operational Security (OPSEC)

Never discuss platform activities outside secure channels. Use strong unique passwords for your account. Enable full-disk encryption on your device. Clear Tor Browser data after each session. Practice good OpSec: compartmentalize your Canadian marketplace activities.

Device Security for WeTheNorth Access

Secure Operating Systems for WeTheNorth

Choosing the right operating system significantly impacts your marketplace security. Standard Windows, macOS, and Linux installations contain numerous tracking mechanisms, telemetry systems, and potential vulnerabilities that could compromise your market activities. Privacy-focused operating systems eliminate these risks, providing clean environments specifically designed for anonymous marketplace access without leaving forensic traces on your hardware. For complete privacy recommendations, consult Privacy Guides, an independent resource maintained by security experts.

Tails OS (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) represents the gold standard for WeTheNorth access. This Debian-based operating system boots from USB, routes all traffic through Tor automatically, and leaves no trace on your computer after shutdown. When you access the marketplace through Tails, nothing is written to your hard drive—all data exists only in RAM and disappears completely when you power off. Tails includes pre-configured Tor Browser, PGP encryption tools, and Monero wallet software, providing everything needed for secure market operations.

Whonix and Qubes OS offer excellent options for marketplace access, using a two-virtual-machine architecture for maximum security isolation. The Whonix-Gateway VM routes all traffic through Tor, while the Whonix-Workstation VM handles your market activities. This separation means even if malware compromises your workstation, it cannot determine your real IP address or bypass Tor protections. Whonix runs inside VirtualBox or KVM, allowing you to access the marketplace securely from your existing operating system without rebooting.

Hardware Security Considerations

The physical security of devices used for marketplace access matters as much as software security. Ideally, dedicate a separate computer exclusively to market activities—never use the same device for personal banking, social media, or activities that reveal your identity. If purchasing a dedicated device for the marketplace, buy used hardware with cash from a location without surveillance cameras. This air-gapped approach prevents any connection between your market activities and your real identity.

Enable full-disk encryption on any device accessing the marketplace. On Linux, use LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) during installation to encrypt your entire drive. macOS users should enable FileVault, while Windows users can use BitLocker (Professional/Enterprise editions) or VeraCrypt. Full-disk encryption protects your market data if your device is seized, stolen, or accessed without your permission. Combined with a strong encryption password, your marketplace information remains secure even if someone gains physical access to your hardware.

Consider hardware security keys for additional account protection. YubiKeys and similar devices provide physical two-factor authentication that's significantly more secure than software-based 2FA. While the market uses PGP-based 2FA rather than hardware keys directly, you can use a hardware security key to protect your PGP private key stored in your system. This creates multiple layers of security—attackers would need both your physical security key and your password to access your PGP private key and subsequently your WeTheNorth account.