maybe i’m being paranoid...
hiding computers online, keeping a low profile
Sometimes you may want to keep a computer hidden, off the radar, and unnoticed by anyone. If there's a list of machines you don't want this one on it.
Let's assume Eve (and/or Mallory) wants to monitor as many computers as they can. Short of going door-to-door, it seems like a Herculean task. Yet, there's a quiet and somewhat lazy way to amass such a list.
Alice may unknowingly announce herself to the world. If her computer is configured for any automatic updates all Eve has to do is monitor who fetches the latest Windows, Java, antivirus, Flash, Acrobat Reader, or other software updates. For example Windows Security updates are routinely pushed out the second Tuesday of each month. If Eve watches who grabs software updates over time she'll learn where all the PCs are.
Software updates aren't the only leakage Alice needs to be worried about. By default Windows adjusts the time/date using time.windows.com Watch that URL and Alice will reveal herself.
Alice needs to keep her computer updated to patch vulnerabilities and stop exploits. Suggestions include:
- update manually, not at 3:00am like everyone else
- download updates from a safe machine, save them to a flash drive, & install on the hidden box
- move the computer to a public WiFi location to avoid having your IP address logged
Sidenote: Alice should turn off Remote Access and all other sharing options too.
Things like Tor servers work best when private and undiscovered. Take whatever steps to minimize exposure and discovery.
Think like Eve and Mallory. What would you do to attack you?
Once you learn what Wuala offers as a secure encrypted resource you may find it useful.
'introduction to tor' video
tor white paper
surf quietly
the nsa in bluffdale ut
eve is always among us
surfing from a flash drive
passwords & keys
crypto tools
silent ringtone
#OccupyYourCamera
beer
reusing old computers
wiretap c-tone
wuala
building websites
palindromes
vodka
nerds in love
travel
