Would it be advisable to use the Tor Browser?
FIFA1966
Posts: 1,101 Forum Member
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Because after what has happened to it, I am reluctant to use it, so:
Is there an alternative to using Tor ( I don't mean Google Chrome or IE or Firefox)?
Is there an alternative to using Tor ( I don't mean Google Chrome or IE or Firefox)?
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You can browse anonymously with Anonymous.org.
Well, if you do use it then you're likely to draw attention to yourself:
The NSA has been targeting the Tor anonymising system to spy on its users, suggests a report. German public broadcaster ARD said two Tor servers in Germany were actively being watched by the US spy agency. Citing information given by official sources, ARD said almost anyone searching for Tor or installing it could be watched by the NSA. Tor hides users' location and identity by randomly bouncing data through some of the machines making up the network.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-28162273
Although it's not at the same level of online anonymity, most web browsers these days have some form of private browsing function.
It is deliciously ironic really that those seeking anonymity and trying to "Go under the radar" are the very people the authorities will be targeting with the most vigour.:D
Why don't you start with telling us why what you want to do - different uses need different things.
Even though I've used it before, my intentions are clearly, strictly, law-abiding.
I also want to find out why is it difficult to hack the entire network of Tor and shut it down.
If there is a place where almost everyone with something to hide, and folk up to no good gather, the authorities will just pay it very close attention.;-)
It is because the data passes through 2 other machines that are part of the Tor network, and each ads an encryption layer, like the layers of an onion, or as it was originally called The Onion Router. Aside from the encryption and software the data is passing over the internet just like any other traffic. Tor isn't centralised it is made of up Tor nodes which are just users.
It isn't completely secure as you never know if there are un-trusted nodes. Also when traffic eventually breaks out there can by original 'fingerprints' which could identify the original person potentially. Also we've no idea of the capabilities of the agencies, and whether they had a part it defining or modifying the encryption algorithms. It is clear that one US agency funded RSA for many years, and the RSA suite is the most prevalent encryption algorithms in use today.
To recommend a solution tell us what they are trying to achieve.
The best that any of us can do really is to encrypt as much web traffic as you can, try using the HTTPS Everywhere plugin from EFF.
Here is a good website which can help you choose which tools you use to access the internet https://prism-break.org/en/
"Hello Mr ISP, I represent MI6, I want you to install this software on all your servers, it compiles a list of all users who are using encryption add-ons......"
The question is WHY?
Pretty much everyone up to no good on the net wants to do the same, so what better starting point for the authorities than: Who is doing the above?
Waits for 'Nothing to hide nothing to fear'.
Because that is how you pay for the site. If you want to use Facebook and Google you need to pay up. That's why.
I don't think site owners get paid for having a FB Like button which tracks you Member or not.
You are using Facebooks service when you click that button.
You don't have to click it or even be a member of FB for it to track you.
http://www.abine.com/blog/2012/how-facebook-buttons-track-you/
Do you trust them to respect "Do Not Track" on the browser some do ignore the setting.
Another common misconception is that "the advertising doesn't work on me, because I don't click and buy things from them", most of it is brand building and awareness raising so that when you do buy, even if it's later on then you consider that brand and associate a feeling as to whether you warm to it or not and whether it is targeted at you.