Guide to Computer Security (Archive) - Revision history

The Admins at 20:10, 13 August 2022

2022-08-13T20:10:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:10, 13 August 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It ~~explains~~ how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide ~~should~~ be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It is being usurped by a [[Guide To Computer Security (2022)\|newer version]].

			It explained how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide was designed to be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.

	The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

The Admins at 00:19, 19 July 2022

2022-07-19T00:19:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:19, 19 July 2022
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	[[Category:Advice]]		[[Category:Advice]]
	[[Category:Archival]]		[[Category:Archival]][[Category:Archival: Saved Web Content‎]][[Category:Archival: Political Movement]]

JohnHolt at 21:04, 8 December 2021

2021-12-08T21:04:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:04, 8 December 2021
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	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon~~.com~~ Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.

	The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

JohnHolt at 20:57, 8 December 2021

2021-12-08T20:57:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 8 December 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon~~.com~~]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon~~.com~~]] or any similar websites.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.

	The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

Time Has Passed: This would be better preserved as an archive. I've rolled back my recent edits.

2021-12-08T14:36:00Z

This would be better preserved as an archive. I've rolled back my recent edits.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:36, 8 December 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''' was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon.com]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon.com]] or any similar websites.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon.com]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon.com]] or any similar websites.

	The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

Time Has Passed: Reverted edits by Time Has Passed (talk) to last revision by The Admins

2021-12-08T14:34:15Z

Reverted edits by Time Has Passed (talk) to last revision by The Admins

Time Has Passed: Time Has Passed moved page Guide to Computer Security to Guide to Computer Security (Archive): Archive version

2021-12-08T13:18:39Z

Time Has Passed moved page Guide to Computer Security to Guide to Computer Security (Archive): Archive version

← Older revision	Revision as of 13:18, 8 December 2021
(No difference)

Time Has Passed: This is horribly out of date. I will update it in parts. There are some things I need to clarify too. A review by someone with professional computer science qualifications or experience is needed.

2021-12-05T11:22:22Z

This is horribly out of date. I will update it in parts. There are some things I need to clarify too. A review by someone with professional computer science qualifications or experience is needed.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:22, 5 December 2021
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	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''' was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon.com]] forum community. It ~~explains~~ how you ~~can~~ protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide ~~should~~ be ~~read by anyone~~ who ~~has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]]~~ and ~~corrupt law enforcement officers~~. ~~It should ''not''~~, ~~however~~ be ~~seen as a vital first step to participation~~ in ~~[[Newgon.com]] or any similar websites~~.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''' was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after consultation with the [[Newgon.com]] forum community in 2008. It explained how you could protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide may be of interest to people who wish to protect their anonymity and data from adversaries. However, parts of it may be out of date. It is currently in the process of being updated.

	The 2008 guide ~~(currently identical to the wiki version)~~ can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

	==Protecting data stored on your hard drive==		==Protecting data stored on your hard drive==

Time Has Passed: /* Tor */ Mostly removed outdated information

2021-12-05T02:43:15Z

Tor: Mostly removed outdated information

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:43, 5 December 2021
Line 203:		Line 203:
	Effectively, this means that if you want to visit, say, Site A, Tor will encrypt this request, and pass it to the first link in the chain (Proxy 1), with encrypted instructions on where to send it thereafter. Proxy 1 will forward the encrypted request to Proxy 2, Proxy 2 will forward it to Proxy 3, etc. Thus, Proxy 1 only knows Proxy 2, Proxy 2 only knows Proxy 1 and Proxy 3, Proxy 3 only knows Proxy 2. The final link in this chain (known as the 'exit node') transfers the request to your ultimate destination (Site A). The process is then repeated in reverse. From the point of view of the user, this process happens invisibly – once the software is up and running, you merely use your browser as normal.		Effectively, this means that if you want to visit, say, Site A, Tor will encrypt this request, and pass it to the first link in the chain (Proxy 1), with encrypted instructions on where to send it thereafter. Proxy 1 will forward the encrypted request to Proxy 2, Proxy 2 will forward it to Proxy 3, etc. Thus, Proxy 1 only knows Proxy 2, Proxy 2 only knows Proxy 1 and Proxy 3, Proxy 3 only knows Proxy 2. The final link in this chain (known as the 'exit node') transfers the request to your ultimate destination (Site A). The process is then repeated in reverse. From the point of view of the user, this process happens invisibly – once the software is up and running, you merely use your browser as normal.

	(It should be noted at this point that once the data leaves the final link in the chain, it is no longer encrypted – at least until data is returned from your final destination to the first link in the return journey. This is only really significant if you are providing identifying information, e.g. entering a password into a webmail server – since then it is apparent that the request has come from you).		(It should be noted at this point that once the data leaves the final link in the chain, it is no longer encrypted by Tor – at least until data is returned from your final destination to the first link in the return journey. This is only really significant if you are providing identifying information, e.g. entering a password into a webmail server via an unencrypted form – since then it is apparent that the request has come from you).

	The obvious advantage of this procedure is that there is no commercial proxy in the middle. No single point in the chain knows both you and your ultimate destination. This is arguably the most secure form of anonymizing web traffic.		The obvious advantage of this procedure is that there is no commercial proxy in the middle. No single point in the chain knows both you and your ultimate destination. This is arguably the most secure form of anonymizing web traffic.
Line 210:		Line 210:

	#There is an initial learning curve with Tor – nevertheless, there is extensive documentation on the Tor website to assist with this, and once you have set it up and used it a few times, it becomes second nature.		#There is an initial learning curve with Tor – nevertheless, there is extensive documentation on the Tor website to assist with this, and once you have set it up and used it a few times, it becomes second nature.
	#As part of this learning curve, it is crucial that you configure your browser correctly~~, and a second piece of software – e~~.~~g. Privoxy – should be used to filter data such as your computer~~'~~s DNS requests (see above) over the Tor network. Again~~: ~~this is not as complicated as it sounds~~ in ~~abstract, and~~ is ~~made easier for Windows users by the GUI package (Vidalia) which includes all the necessary software (including Privoxy, and a quick-configuration button for Firefox users)~~.		#As part of this learning curve, it is crucial that you configure your browser correctly. Enabling 'Security Level: Safest' in the browser is recommended.
	#It should also be pointed out that when using Tor, your browsing will be ~~slowed considerably~~ – which is to an extent inevitable given the number of different servers the traffic passes through, each of which may have different bandwidth allotments. Tor will therefore be unsuitable for downloading large files (and possibly streaming data, such as Youtube or other streaming media). Its primary use will be for visiting particularly sensitive websites.		#It should also be pointed out that when using Tor, your browsing will be notably slower – which is to an extent inevitable given the number of different servers the traffic passes through, each of which may have different bandwidth allotments and be based in different countries. Tor will therefore be unsuitable for downloading large files (and possibly streaming data, such as Youtube or other streaming media). Its primary use will be for visiting particularly sensitive websites.
	#Related to the previous point, at the present time Tor only encrypts limited forms of protocol – primarily http traffic – which effectively limits its use to visiting web sites.		#Related to the previous point, at the present time Tor only encrypts limited forms of protocol – primarily http traffic – which effectively limits its use to visiting web sites.
	#There have been a number of stories about breaching Tor's anonymity. Such instances tend to be a consequence of user implementation, rather than any flaw in Tor itself. More specifically, when using Tor, ensure that Javascript is disabled in your browser (since it is due to malicious scripts that Tor can be compromised. This can be done manually (in Firefox, go to Tools / Options / Content / uncheck 'enable Javascript'), or through the use of an Add-on such as [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/ NoScript], which automatically blocks scripts unless you permit them on a sire-by-site basis.		#There have been a number of stories about breaching Tor's anonymity. Such instances tend to be a consequence of user implementation, rather than any flaw in Tor itself. More specifically, when using Tor, ensure that Javascript is disabled in your browser (since it is due to malicious scripts that Tor can be compromised. This can be done manually (in Firefox, go to Tools / Options / Content / uncheck 'enable Javascript'), or through the use of an Add-on such as [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/ NoScript], which automatically blocks scripts unless you permit them on a sire-by-site basis.

The Admins at 02:00, 26 September 2021

2021-09-26T02:00:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:00, 26 September 2021
Line 304:		Line 304:

	[[Category:Advice]]		[[Category:Advice]]
			[[Category:Archival]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:10, 13 August 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It ~~explains~~ how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide ~~should~~ be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''', now available as an out-of-date archive, was produced by the [[Newgon Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon]] forum community. It is being usurped by a [[Guide To Computer Security (2022)\|newer version]].

			It explained how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide was designed to be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon]] or any similar websites.

	The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:34, 8 December 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''' was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after consultation with the [[Newgon.com]] forum community ~~in 2008~~. It ~~explained~~ how you ~~could~~ protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide ~~may~~ be of ~~interest to people who wish to protect their anonymity~~ and ~~data from adversaries~~. ~~However~~, ~~parts of it may~~ be ~~out of date~~. ~~It is currently in the process of being updated~~.		<div style="margin-left: 25px; float: right;">__TOC__</div>'''Guide to Computer Security''' was produced by the [[Newgon.com Support Team]] after a consultation with the [[Newgon.com]] forum community. It explains how you can protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide should be read by anyone who has a special interest in avoiding the scrutiny of [[Vigilantism\|cyber-vigilantes]] and corrupt law enforcement officers. It should ''not'', however be seen as a vital first step to participation in [[Newgon.com]] or any similar websites.

	The 2008 guide can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]		The 2008 guide (currently identical to the wiki version) can be downloaded as a PDF here: [[Media:Guide_to_Computer_Security.pdf‎\|Guide to Computer Security]]

	==Protecting data stored on your hard drive==		==Protecting data stored on your hard drive==
Line 203:		Line 203:
	Effectively, this means that if you want to visit, say, Site A, Tor will encrypt this request, and pass it to the first link in the chain (Proxy 1), with encrypted instructions on where to send it thereafter. Proxy 1 will forward the encrypted request to Proxy 2, Proxy 2 will forward it to Proxy 3, etc. Thus, Proxy 1 only knows Proxy 2, Proxy 2 only knows Proxy 1 and Proxy 3, Proxy 3 only knows Proxy 2. The final link in this chain (known as the 'exit node') transfers the request to your ultimate destination (Site A). The process is then repeated in reverse. From the point of view of the user, this process happens invisibly – once the software is up and running, you merely use your browser as normal.		Effectively, this means that if you want to visit, say, Site A, Tor will encrypt this request, and pass it to the first link in the chain (Proxy 1), with encrypted instructions on where to send it thereafter. Proxy 1 will forward the encrypted request to Proxy 2, Proxy 2 will forward it to Proxy 3, etc. Thus, Proxy 1 only knows Proxy 2, Proxy 2 only knows Proxy 1 and Proxy 3, Proxy 3 only knows Proxy 2. The final link in this chain (known as the 'exit node') transfers the request to your ultimate destination (Site A). The process is then repeated in reverse. From the point of view of the user, this process happens invisibly – once the software is up and running, you merely use your browser as normal.

	(It should be noted at this point that once the data leaves the final link in the chain, it is no longer encrypted ~~by Tor~~ – at least until data is returned from your final destination to the first link in the return journey. This is only really significant if you are providing identifying information, e.g. entering a password into a webmail server ~~via an unencrypted form~~ – since then it is apparent that the request has come from you).		(It should be noted at this point that once the data leaves the final link in the chain, it is no longer encrypted – at least until data is returned from your final destination to the first link in the return journey. This is only really significant if you are providing identifying information, e.g. entering a password into a webmail server – since then it is apparent that the request has come from you).

	The obvious advantage of this procedure is that there is no commercial proxy in the middle. No single point in the chain knows both you and your ultimate destination. This is arguably the most secure form of anonymizing web traffic.		The obvious advantage of this procedure is that there is no commercial proxy in the middle. No single point in the chain knows both you and your ultimate destination. This is arguably the most secure form of anonymizing web traffic.
Line 210:		Line 210:

	#There is an initial learning curve with Tor – nevertheless, there is extensive documentation on the Tor website to assist with this, and once you have set it up and used it a few times, it becomes second nature.		#There is an initial learning curve with Tor – nevertheless, there is extensive documentation on the Tor website to assist with this, and once you have set it up and used it a few times, it becomes second nature.
	#As part of this learning curve, it is crucial that you configure your browser correctly. ~~Enabling~~ '~~Security Level~~: ~~Safest'~~ in the ~~browser is recommended~~.		#As part of this learning curve, it is crucial that you configure your browser correctly, and a second piece of software – e.g. Privoxy – should be used to filter data such as your computer's DNS requests (see above) over the Tor network. Again: this is not as complicated as it sounds in abstract, and is made easier for Windows users by the GUI package (Vidalia) which includes all the necessary software (including Privoxy, and a quick-configuration button for Firefox users).
	#It should also be pointed out that when using Tor, your browsing will be ~~notably slower~~ – which is to an extent inevitable given the number of different servers the traffic passes through, each of which may have different bandwidth allotments ~~and be based in different countries~~. Tor will therefore be unsuitable for downloading large files (and possibly streaming data, such as Youtube or other streaming media). Its primary use will be for visiting particularly sensitive websites.		#It should also be pointed out that when using Tor, your browsing will be slowed considerably – which is to an extent inevitable given the number of different servers the traffic passes through, each of which may have different bandwidth allotments. Tor will therefore be unsuitable for downloading large files (and possibly streaming data, such as Youtube or other streaming media). Its primary use will be for visiting particularly sensitive websites.
	#Related to the previous point, at the present time Tor only encrypts limited forms of protocol – primarily http traffic – which effectively limits its use to visiting web sites.		#Related to the previous point, at the present time Tor only encrypts limited forms of protocol – primarily http traffic – which effectively limits its use to visiting web sites.
	#There have been a number of stories about breaching Tor's anonymity. Such instances tend to be a consequence of user implementation, rather than any flaw in Tor itself. More specifically, when using Tor, ensure that Javascript is disabled in your browser (since it is due to malicious scripts that Tor can be compromised. This can be done manually (in Firefox, go to Tools / Options / Content / uncheck 'enable Javascript'), or through the use of an Add-on such as [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/ NoScript], which automatically blocks scripts unless you permit them on a sire-by-site basis.		#There have been a number of stories about breaching Tor's anonymity. Such instances tend to be a consequence of user implementation, rather than any flaw in Tor itself. More specifically, when using Tor, ensure that Javascript is disabled in your browser (since it is due to malicious scripts that Tor can be compromised. This can be done manually (in Firefox, go to Tools / Options / Content / uncheck 'enable Javascript'), or through the use of an Add-on such as [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/ NoScript], which automatically blocks scripts unless you permit them on a sire-by-site basis.