Does restarting Tails do anything? : OpSec | Torhoo darknet markets
I am using Tails with Persistence, always. I have two different accounts on the same site (like a DNM) that are supposed to be different identities. I care to log in on different times to not leave a pattern or anything. As well as disabling JS etc so I'm aware about the basics.
Now, does it make any difference if I restart my Tails (followed by unlocking Persistence again, connecting to internet and Tor again etc) when I switch from one account to the other? Or is just a new Tor identity (and some time in between) the exact same thing?
When you restart Tails:
Your session memory and any temporary files are wiped clean. This reduces the risk of residual data or malware lingering between sessions.
Unlocking your Persistence and reconnecting to Tor starts a fresh OS environment, which helps separate the two accounts better than just switching identities within the same session.
However, if you reuse browser fingerprints, device settings, or patterns of behavior, restarting alone won’t fully prevent correlation.
In contrast, just getting a new Tor circuit (new identity) in the same session keeps the same OS environment, browser state, and possible fingerprinting attributes, which can be linked together by advanced adversaries.
Best practice for separating accounts:
Restart Tails between sessions to reset the environment.
Use separate Persistence volumes if possible, to keep identities fully isolated.
Disable JavaScript and minimize any features that could leak identifying info.
Vary your browsing behavior and timing to avoid behavioral correlation.
Consider using separate physical devices or live USBs for truly high-risk compartmentalization.