Despite the cancellation of Snowden's first public appearance in Russia, his advice on maintaining privacy on the Internet is becoming more relevant every day. Life has collected recommendations from the most famous former US intelligence officer on how to protect yourself on the Internet.
1. Encryption of voice calls and text messages. Snowden is an absolute proponent of encrypting all content stored and transmitted. Nowadays there are many applications that have encryption functions. Moreover, among them there are common and well-known instant messengers, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, ICQ. By the way, the most popular - WhatsApp - introduced full end-to-end encryption in April 2016.
Snowden himself calls Signal his favorite messenger for communication (available for iOS and Android), which, as he wrote on Twitter, he uses every day. The application is being developed by Open Whisper Systems, which also offers call encryption.
2. Hard drive encryption. In addition to securing your mobile devices, the former CIA agent also advises securing your computer, particularly your hard drive. You can find instructions on how to do this on the Internet. Usually special software is used. For example, for Windows there is a program preinstalled in extended versions of the OS - BitLocker, for Mac - FileVault. This way, if your computer is stolen, an attacker will not be able to read your data.
3. Password managers. A useful thing that most people don't even think about. Such programs allow you to keep your passwords in order - create unique keys and store them. According to Snowden, one of the most common problems of online privacy is leaks: for example, a service for which a user registered in 2007 was attacked and data leaked to the Internet - just remember the recent reports about the sale of millions of passwords from accounts on Twitter. , “VKontakte”, MySpace, LinkedIn. There are different password managers in the market such as 1Password, KeePassX and LastPass.
4. Two-factor authentication. Security words, previously offered on large services and allowing you to recover a password using them, are becoming a thing of the past. Now all popular online platforms - Facebook, VKontakte, email clients, Twitter, Dropbox - have switched to two-step authentication. It allows you to link a phone number to your account, which will be used for additional authorization when logging into your account. It will also help you recover your lost password. True, you will have to “light up” your mobile phone, which makes it possible to identify you with the specified number (as Facebook does, for example, allowing you to find a user by his phone number).
5. Tor. The anonymous network Tor (abbr. The Onion Router) is called by a former NSA employee “the most important technological project for ensuring privacy currently in use.” He stated that he uses it on a daily basis. Tor allows you to “cover your tracks” on the Internet, that is, it provides anonymity and makes it difficult to determine a person’s IP address and location. This is accomplished by connecting through a chain of intermediate computers belonging to different Internet users. The project is supported entirely by volunteers. The easiest way to use the system is through the browser of the same name (Tor Browser).
6. And once again about passwords. Snowden advises using not words like onetwothreefour (“onetwothreefour”) or even password (“password”) as a key to an account, but something more intricate that even a computer cannot pick up, but at the same time memorable - margaretthatcheris110%SEXY (“MargaretthatcherSEXUALNA110%”) ").
For the specially paranoid
In the video below, a former NSA agent demonstrated to a journalist how to avoid total surveillance by intelligence agencies, which can remotely turn on the microphone or camera on a smartphone and start listening. The answer is simple - remove the microphone and camera modules from the device. Instead, it is proposed to use an external accessory and wean yourself from selfies.
Today, there are many browser plugins that promise to protect user privacy. In this article we will look at the most popular browser plugins that protect from advertising on the Internet.
Block ads, scripts and pop-ups with AdBlock Plus
Ad and script blockers provide control over your browsing experience. They allow you to block ads on sites you visit and prevent the execution of scripts and widgets that send user data to unknown destinations.
But if you don't know how to use such tools, they can interfere with your browsing, making them unusable until you figure out what to allow and what to block. Additionally, by blocking ads, you can have a pretty significant impact on the site and the people working on it.
AdBlock Plus ( Firefox/Chrome/Safari) blocks banner ads, pop-ups, video ads and much more. It prevents you from visiting domains that host malware, and also disables third-party tracking cookies and scripts. We believe it combines ease of use with whitelisting and automated management to make it a tool that anyone can use. Advanced users can get their hands on and experiment with the different subscription lists and active list settings they use.
Alternatives:
In our opinion, Adblock Plus is the best choice, but there are several other plugins that do the same thing.
Let's consider other options Internet advertising protection:
- uBlock Origin for Chrome and Firefox is supported by the original developer. The plugin is as powerful as AdBlock Plus. Perhaps even more powerful because, unlike ABP, it gives you more control over what to block and what to allow. It also takes up less system resources and does not cause problems like ABP. the creators of which are paid by some large companies to ensure that their ads fall within the framework of the “acceptable advertising” policy. The only reason uBlock Origin isn't our favorite is that it's a bit complex for first-time users and blocks more than ABP. So first you need to understand it in order to customize it to your needs. And two: ABP has features like scraping Facebook, hiding YouTube comments, and more that uBlock Origin doesn't... at least until you're an experienced enough user to do it yourself. If you consider yourself an advanced user, remove ABP and install uBlock Origin;
- NoScript ( Firefox) and ScriptSafe ( Chrome, formerly ScriptNo): both disable script execution on pages until the user whitelists them. Block execution of Java, JavaScript, Flash and other components. They are powerful, but very aggressive and interfere with the functioning of many sites. If you're going to use them, be prepared to understand the scripts on every site you visit to figure out which ones make the site work. Besides this, AdBlock Plus already does this ( and less aggressive), you just need add correct filters.
If you're not using AdBlock Plus's extra features to trim various YouTube junk or block certain items, try uBlock Origin. It will work wonders - it will reduce the amount of memory consumed by your browser, and as a result you will get a more powerful and customizable online ad protection tool for free. Although you will have to tinker with it to make it work exactly the way you want.
Blocking all tracking requests with Disconnect
Includes anti-tracking and anti-cookie extensions.
Disconnect Private Browsing ( Firefox/Chrome/IE/Safari) is our pick because it protects against tracking, malware, and malicious advertising, provides secure Wi-Fi, and provides bandwidth optimization functionality that other tools simply don't offer. It blocks tracking cookies and gives you control over all scripts and site elements from an easy-to-use toolbar.
Disconnect can protect you even when malware embeds its ads on popular pages or the ad network is infected with embedded malware. The plugin also protects against tracking via social networks such as Facebook, Google+ and Twitter, which use the browser to collect data about you even outside of their social platforms. Finally, Disconnect protects you when an attacker can use stolen cookies to access personal data without having to steal your password.
Alternatives:
Disconnect is our favorite plugin of the bunch, but there are other browser extensions that do the same thing:
- Privacy Badger ( Chrome/Firefox) - since he is new to this field, he tried to take the best from all previously created plugins. Acts too softly - blocks unwanted actions and creates a "blacklist" when it observes bad behavior, instead of blocking specific sites, cookies, and pop-ups. This makes it more lightweight, but it provides a little less protection, at least as long as it learns based on your behavior. You also get an easy-to-operate button on the toolbar that gives you a completely clear view of your information being recorded. System " Green / yellow / red» shows whether you are being tracked across sites or not;
- Do Not Track Me ( Firefox/Chrome/IE/Safari): Offers a drop-down browser toolbar that shows you what tracking cookies and scripts are being loaded on the site and allows you to disable them completely. Has a friendly interface. It also leaves plugins and scripts running until you turn them off. Disconnect is much more powerful and functional, Do Not Track Me is suitable for those people who want to download online ad protection and disable elements selectively;
- Ghostery ( Firefox/Chrome/Safari/IE): Just like other browser extensions, Ghostery blocks tracking cookies and scripts during loading. Displays a list of blocked items so you can see if the blocked items are harmless. The Ghostery database is huge and provides the ability to block everything or something specific. Unfortunately, Ghostery has problems selling information to advertisers, so you might want to stay away from it.
You could argue that Disconnect, Do Not Track Me and Ghostery do the same thing, but we still think Disconnect is the most reliable of the three. We like Privacy Badger's approach" learn as you go", but we can't argue that it will provide less protection when entering the tracking area than any other plugin. By the way, the new version of Disconnect is only available for Firefox and Chrome, so if you prefer Safari, IE, or Opera, we'd suggest Do Not Track Me.
Essentially it comes down to personal preference: what doesn't interfere with your browsing and what works best in the browser you use most often. So if one plugin doesn't work, don't be afraid to try another one.
Desktop and mobile protection Disconnect Desktop
The Disconnect browser tool is worth downloading, and we recommend it for those who want privacy or faster web browsing. If you want to go even further, new desktop package Disconnect Private Browsing, which we mentioned above, with its own proxy and VPN will ensure the safety of your web surfing. It checks connections against a list of malware embedded in ad networks, monitors tracking tools for known malicious hosts and sites, and then simply blocks them.
The free version of the Disconnect desktop suite includes the browser plugins we mentioned above, with its own search service and a basic proxy server that keeps your web surfing safe. Upgrade to Disconnect premium for $5 per month or $50 per year to get these features along with the iOS and Android mobile apps.
This is great service protection against advertising on the Internet, and, frankly, there is no alternative to it. However, the premium price may be too high for some people. We think you should sign up for a VPN, especially when you're in a Wi-Fi zone or on untrusted networks, but Disconnect is designed for privacy and security. For many people, the Disconnect extension is all they need for protection.
Additional privacy tools
HTTPS Everywhere ( Firefox/Chrome) is required no matter what security measures you choose to use. Once installed, the extension will check your connection using SSL and try to find secure versions of the sites you visit. This is a great way to protect your web surfing.
Virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all your Internet traffic and offers the highest possible protection from prying eyes. Look for a provider that stores only the minimum required logs for troubleshooting, offers strong encryption, has a good reputation among users, and provides plenty of options. Don't rush to any offshore VPN just because your VPN provider is located in a distant country. If you're just looking for a free service to keep you safe while you surf the internet, and you're not ready to try a full-fledged paid VPN service ( or your own), try Hideman or Tunnelbear.
Antivirus utilities important for protecting safety. Try to avoid suspicious sites, practice good online hygiene, and keep your antivirus tools up to date.
Other security tools you may need
We've covered the most important and necessary tools for privacy and security, but there's always one more step you can take to make sure your communications aren't intercepted or read by third parties. Here are some more tools for better protection from online advertising.
Internet security involves the use of programs. In this article I will give a short overview of such programs (plugins).
The problem of total surveillance of a user on the Internet was discussed earlier. The previous article was devoted to tools that allow you to manage and erase cookies that are used to track the user. However, deleting cookies is not enough because... they will arise again. Therefore, in addition to deletion, software tools for blocking and other methods of tracking you online are important. I will list some of them.
Review of anti-tracking plugins for your browser
Keep my opt-outs plugin (Chrome,IE, Firefox) - a product of Google. Disables personalization of online advertising based on cockies. The plugin works immediately after installation and does not require configuration (at least for Chrome).
Disconnect (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) - prevents Twitter, Facebook, Goole and other web resources from following you online.
Do not track (Chrome,IE9, Firefox,Opera, Safari) - does not allow data about you to be sent
Ghostery (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari) is the most feature-rich plugin. Provides an easy way to control websites that track you. Makes it possible to identify and block any tracking carried out not only through cookies, but also using scripts and other methods. Shows you which companies are following you on a specific website and gives you the opportunity to learn more about them.
It’s up to you personally to decide whether to use such plugins or not, but you should at least know about their existence.
Despite the cancellation of Snowden's first public appearance in Russia, his advice on maintaining privacy on the Internet is becoming more relevant every day. Life has collected recommendations from the most famous former US intelligence officer on how to protect yourself on the Internet.
1. Encryption of voice calls and text messages. Snowden is an absolute proponent of encrypting all content stored and transmitted. Nowadays there are many applications that have encryption functions. Moreover, among them there are common and well-known instant messengers, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, ICQ. By the way, the most popular - WhatsApp - introduced full end-to-end encryption in April 2016.
Snowden himself calls Signal his favorite messenger for communication (available for iOS and Android), which, as he wrote on Twitter, he uses every day. The application is being developed by Open Whisper Systems, which also offers call encryption.
2. Hard drive encryption. In addition to securing your mobile devices, the former CIA agent also advises securing your computer, particularly your hard drive. You can find instructions on how to do this on the Internet. Usually special software is used. For example, for Windows there is a program preinstalled in extended versions of the OS - BitLocker, for Mac - FileVault. This way, if your computer is stolen, an attacker will not be able to read your data.
3. Password managers. A useful thing that most people don't even think about. Such programs allow you to keep your passwords in order - create unique keys and store them. According to Snowden, one of the most common problems of online privacy is leaks: for example, a service for which a user registered in 2007 was attacked and data leaked to the Internet - just remember the recent reports about the sale of millions of passwords from accounts on Twitter. , “VKontakte”, MySpace, LinkedIn. There are different password managers in the market such as 1Password, KeePassX and LastPass.
4. Two-factor authentication. Security words, previously offered on large services and allowing you to recover a password using them, are becoming a thing of the past. Now all popular online platforms - Facebook, VKontakte, email clients, Twitter, Dropbox - have switched to two-step authentication. It allows you to link a phone number to your account, which will be used for additional authorization when logging into your account. It will also help you recover your lost password. True, you will have to “light up” your mobile phone, which makes it possible to identify you with the specified number (as Facebook does, for example, allowing you to find a user by his phone number).
5. Tor. The anonymous network Tor (abbr. The Onion Router) is called by a former NSA employee “the most important technological project for ensuring privacy currently in use.” He stated that he uses it on a daily basis. Tor allows you to “cover your tracks” on the Internet, that is, it provides anonymity and makes it difficult to determine a person’s IP address and location. This is accomplished by connecting through a chain of intermediate computers belonging to different Internet users. The project is supported entirely by volunteers. The easiest way to use the system is through the browser of the same name (Tor Browser).
6. And once again about passwords. Snowden advises using not words like onetwothreefour (“onetwothreefour”) or even password (“password”) as a key to an account, but something more intricate that even a computer cannot pick up, but at the same time memorable - margaretthatcheris110%SEXY (“MargaretthatcherSEXUALNA110%”) ").
For the specially paranoid
In the video below, a former NSA agent demonstrated to a journalist how to avoid total surveillance by intelligence agencies, which can remotely turn on the microphone or camera on a smartphone and start listening. The answer is simple - remove the microphone and camera modules from the device. Instead, it is proposed to use an external accessory and wean yourself from selfies.
Protection against computer surveillance via the Internet
Now, probably, no one will dispute the fact that numerous Internet services track user actions in order to then load it with a stream of targeted advertising. Let's consider the main tools with which you can get out from under the “cap” of advertisers.
Browser settings
Recently, the DNT (Do Not Track) function has appeared in all popular browsers. Its purpose is to notify visited sites that the user does not want to be tracked. Unfortunately, turning on the DNT feature does not guarantee that sites that have received a request to not allow users to follow them will not stop spying. Let's figure out how to activate DNT.
Firefox
Open the main menu “Settings”, then “Privacy”. In the “Tracking” section, check the “Use tracking protection” checkbox and click “Change blocking list.” In a new window, select the desired option.
Chrome
Open “Settings”, click at the bottom of the “Advanced settings” window. In the “Personal Information” section, check the “Send tracking denial with outgoing traffic” option.
Opera
In the main menu, select “Settings”, then go to “Security” and in the “Privacy” section check the “Send a “Do Not Track” header to sites.”
Installing plugins
As you might have guessed, turning on DNT is not enough to stop advertisers from following you. Installing the Ghostery plugin will help block advertising cookies. There is a version for Chrome and Firefox.
After installation, the plugin icon will show the number of bugs found and blocked. By clicking on the icon, you can disable services that have installed bugs.
The Adblock Plus plugin copes very well with the function of blocking unnecessary advertising.
Google services settings
Search
Don't forget that Google saves everything you searched for before. This setting can be disabled: on the main page of the search engine, select the menu and “Search settings” in it.
Let's go to the appropriate section, where there is data on the history of surfing.
Each record of a visited resource can be deleted.
Personalization
Don't want to receive personal information in search results? Go to search settings and disable this option.
Social media
By liking or reposting a publication on social networks, you thereby provide information about your interests to advertisers. Here, too, you can try to correct the situation.
Go to the main menu, select “Settings” and then the “Advertising” section.
By clicking “Edit”, set the desired Facebook advertising settings.
Click on your profile icon and select “Settings”. Go to the “Security and Privacy” section.
We make the necessary changes in the “Individualization” and “Advertising” items.
If all else fails
Do you want to be 100% sure that surfing the Internet is anonymous and that your connections will not be visible to annoying advertisers? Install the free Tor browser, which works on the principle of a chain of proxy servers built between you and the site. The servers are selected randomly each time, the intermediate data is encrypted - it is impossible to obtain information about the user.
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