OpSec & Security Protocols
How do I verify a mirror link?
CRITICAL: Never trust a link blindly. Phishing is the #1 cause of account loss.
- Navigate to /mirrors.txt on the target URL.
- Copy the PGP signed message block.
- Import the Nexus Market Public Key (ID 0x4A2B1C3D).
- Verify the signature using GPG/Kleopatra.
If the signature is invalid, terminate the connection immediately.
Is 2FA mandatory?
Yes. PGP 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) is mandatory for all Vendor accounts and highly recommended for Buyer accounts. Upon login, you will be presented with a PGP-encrypted challenge string. You must decrypt this string using your private key and paste the result to access your account. This renders password-stealing phishing sites useless.
What is the recommended browser configuration?
- Browser: Tor Browser (Latest Version)
- Security Level: "Safest" (JavaScript Disabled)
- OS: Tails OS (booted from USB)
- Window Size: Default (Do not maximize to prevent fingerprinting)
Financial Infrastructure
Walletless Pay vs. Market Wallet
Walletless Pay (Recommended): Generates a unique address for a single order. Funds move directly from you to the escrow address. Eliminates "exit scam" risk for stored balances.
Market Wallet: Traditional deposit system. Funds are stored on your account balance. Faster checkout for frequent small purchases, but higher risk if the market goes offline.
Why use Monero (XMR)?
Bitcoin (BTC) uses a public ledger; transactions are traceable by chain analysis firms. Monero (XMR) uses ring signatures, stealth addresses, and RingCT to hide the sender, receiver, and transaction amount. XMR is the only currency that provides mathematical privacy. Nexus Market charges lower fees for XMR transactions to encourage adoption.
Deposit Confirmations & Fees
| Currency | Confirmations | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 1 Block (~10m) | 1.5% Withdrawal |
| Monero (XMR) | 10 Blocks (~20m) | 1.0% Withdrawal |
Marketplace Mechanics
Escrow vs. Finalize Early (FE)
Standard Escrow: Funds are held by the market. Vendor ships. Buyer receives and releases funds. Safest for buyers.
Finalize Early (FE): Funds are released to the vendor immediately upon marking shipped. Only enabled for trusted vendors with high reputation. High risk; only use for trusted vendors.
Dispute Resolution Process
If an order does not arrive or violates terms, open a dispute before the auto-finalize timer expires. A moderator will join the chat. You may be asked to provide:
- Proof of non-receipt (if tracking available)
- Chat logs (automatically recorded)
- Photos of packaging (for damaged goods)
Decisions by moderators are final.
Order Auto-Finalization
Orders automatically finalize, releasing funds to the vendor, after a set period if no dispute is opened:
- Physical Goods: 14 Days
- Digital Goods: 48 Hours
You can extend this timer once by 5 days if shipping is delayed.
Unresolved Issue?
If your inquiry falls outside standard protocols, initiate a secure ticket.
Support response time: ~4 Hours.