Setting up Tor with Freecap and Proxomitron

[Oddysey]

chrome_waves;

Quote:Sorry about this image embedding stuff, just learned how to do it

Trying a little steganography, are we? Perhaps you'd like to run that by our Fearless Leader, hmmmm?

I had thought you were referring to the original argument that IE was allegedly leaking personal information onto the web, in allegely numerous ways. That's as opposed to impersonal security, where your IP can be determined from server logs, but that's all. In the latter case, it should be extremely obvious that it doesn't matter what browser was used, so I tend to start peeking behind the curtain when I see this kind of "discussion" going on.

My only point is this: Just so long as one is aware that if "They" want you, They will get you, then I don't mind or care what anyone does in regards to attempting to anonymize one's self. It simply won't be 100%, and that's that. For most, 99% is sufficient, and so it is for me.

I have a feeling that what most users want anonymizers for, though certainly not all of them, is to be free from jackasses coming back at them for alleged offenses. When they speak their minds (give their opinions) on a forum, they might upset the local Holy One, and get IP banned. Using a TOR-like setup will, most likely, circumvent such a banning, allowing the opinionated person to continue with his/her espousals.

Other uses are also obvious - confuse the RIAA in its anti-piracy attempts (which are laughable at best anyway), send spam from what appear to be various sources of origin, multiple logons to MMPOG's, etc. After that, there might be still other uses, but I'm not gonna bother trying to dream them up.

Now, why would anyone with your logged IP decide to use it against you? Simple: They perceive that they've been done wrong (by you), and want redress. From simple banning to full-blown lawsuits, the fun and games are boundless.

All of that is different from your browser (any browser) "leaking" your personal info to nefarious persons on the 'net. I presume you've seen Norton's attempt at keeping your personal data from leaking, haven't you? You must first enter on a special form all the stuff that you want Norton to search for in each outgoing communication. Then, supposedly, Norton will scan everything for those entries you just made, and alert you if it finds one (or more). Great. All the personal info that you don't want shared, right there in one place, just waiting to be hijacked by other programs that are smarter than Norton. Sheesh.

And just how does a browser leak personal data, anyway? I've asked myself that, and the only thing I can come up with is that the browser actually goes through all the files on your hard drive, intelligently derives your personal data, and indiscriminately disseminates it out onto the 'net. And I'm not only supposed to believe this, but further believe that only IE does it, and no other browser?? It boggles my mind that no other browser author has ever revealed this behavior on Microsft's part. Well, either that, or this isn't what's happening.

So what else can happen? Scripting? Maybe. ActiveX controls? Again, maybe. Flash animations? For sure, though probably more rare. BHO's? More likely. But note that in each case, the actual perpetrator was not the browser, but the deviousness of a 3rd party. The "fact" that the browser "allowed" it doesn't enter into the equation. I'll tell you right now, if you or anyone else thinks that if the brower is "secure" then your personal data is safe, then you're ripe pickings for the big boys. Take it to the bank, there is no 100% security. If "they" want your info badly enough, they'll get it, browser or otherwise, pure and simple.

Whew! That was quite a rant. I'd better go take my meds, and then a nap. Hope all this helped. Oh, and good luck your certification exams.


Oddysey