Maintaining Privacy Online

Question 1

What information do we ‘leak’ when visiting a website?

Answer 1

• IP address
• Device information
• Browser footprint
• Geolocation
• Cookies
• Referrers
• Google analytics

Question 2

Name 4 ways you can obfuscate your IP Address

Answer 2

• use a proxy server
• use Tor
• use a VPN service
• create a SSH Tunnel using your command prompt (creates a secure encrypted connection)
• Open public wifi access point
• pre-paid annonymous mobile

Question 3

What counter measures can you take in relation to other information you may leak?

Answer 3

Remember to appear like a ‘regular’ user.

• keep all your browsers and software updated
• use a standard screen resolution (600 x 800)
• use a non attributable disposable email address
• delete persistant and browser cookies
• avoid installing new toolbar functions that are likely to gather and track (or sniff your own traffic to establish what they are capturing)
• consider your browser choice / language settings
• use a different IP address every time you visit a website
• don’t use the serach function on a website - tracked. Use control f or google insite.
• ensure the times of day you visit are realistic (not just ‘office hours’)
• download websites to view offline.
• consider DNS leakage. Is your DNS leaking?
  Even if you use a VPN and settings to
  change location. Your DNS may still be
  leaking true location