Internet Security

[CigarSquid]

Does anyone use anything like this on here?

https://pogoplug.com/safeplug (I have never heard of the 'Tor' until this)

Is it very helpful? I have never been big on things like this, as well as purchasing virus protection. Use mostly freeware for that.

[equetefue]

First time seeing this gadget. Pretty cool

[CigarSquid]

I only seen it because I use the 'regular' pogo plug device.

[GodOfFire]

I am familiar with the "Tor Browser" I'm not the most internet savy and find it just alittle over my head or I haven't taken the time to understand it. However this device seems to simplfy it.

[markem]

Tor is using onion routing, which is a very well known mechanism for hiding one's source. It is used a lot for sharing copyrighted movies, books, plus things like child **** and drug trafficking that are highly illegal. If you use an application other than your browser on your internet connection (online games, email, etc.) then you will probably not be happy with the results.

If you are interested in how things really work under the cover, go here: http://www.onion-router.net/Publications.html. I used to include one of the original papers in my graduate network protocols class back in the day.

[CamoFlogged]

What are you trying to accomplish using this device or Tor?

[CigarSquid]

I would use tor.

Mark, so it is like the program peerblock? In a way. Peerblock blocks your IP while Tor will 'mask' it, sending you around to look different.

[markem]

Mark, so it is like the program peerblock?

No idea. I am just familiar with how onion routing works at the router level. Basically, think of it as using a network of possibly constantly changing IP tunnels.

[CigarSquid]

I don't know if I need it. I download torrents and have been busted once. I use peerblock and have been OK since. I will continue to do my research and see if it will fit my needs.

Thanks for the info and link Mark.

[CamoFlogged]

Peerblock and Tor and totally different technologies.

Peerblock supposedly blocks specific other computers on the peer network from accessing your shared files and seeing what you have available. It is happening at the client level.

For what I know, it's relatively easy to defeat this type of solution especially since they use lists of known "bad" computers. This has to be maintained and it can't know all the IP's the govt, etc. uses.

Onion networks, as Mark stated, are using routing with encryption to hide your request. Also as he stated, this will almost always introduce latency so if you are using this to play latency sensitive games, you won't be happy as your superhero will be getting t-boned.

Neither really protect your system from getting malware or hacked.

[CigarSquid]

I am not a gamer. Just browser. I was looking for more protect in the torrent world. I still have anti virus and malware programs to help with that.

[8zeros]

TOR is useful when you're traveling. It easily gets through most firewalls and hides your content. It makes browsing a PITA though. Many sights adjust their content based on where they think you are and with TOR that can be anywhere.
Slows everything down too.

[CigarSquid]

I have downloaded TOR and will use it from time to time. Going to try it on my phone.. help out with work.

[CamoFlogged]

FYI...

http://thehackernews.com/2013/09/NSA-can-crack-TOR-Encryptio-Snowden-files-.html

[8zeros]

I read another article about how they can't crack Tor but they can trace it some way.

[8zeros]

I read another article about how they can't crack Tor but they can trace it some way.
I just googled tor tracking and found a bunch of articles. It seems if you delete cookies and run adblockers you go a long way to stopping a lot of that.

[CigarSquid]

Good read. Thanks. I will have to bookmark it and read it soon. I am not really trying to hide so much as get around.