Nice guide.
Adding some tips for whoever is interested.
When using tails OS or another OS bootable from USB stick you do not need a harddrive. It might be a good idea to remove the harddrive from the laptop. This prevents any data to be stored on the laptop accidently.
When making connection to the internet it is important to change your MAC address. This is a special address build into the network device of your laptop. You can be traced by this number. Change it every time you make intertnet connection.
Do not connect to the internet at home. Go to a place with free WIFI. Connect from there. In fact, I reccomend, disconnecting your router or internet cable when you are installing your laptop. Just to be safe.
Do not trust VPN's. You still should be using one. Again, do not connect from home. Be careful when using the TOR network. Security agencies DO put you on a "list" when you are using TOR.
When not using the laptop remove the battery. Prevent any "funny business".
Encrypt all your data on a USB stick.
Do not use Google or Facebook when on your burner laptop.
Create a false identity for yourself. Not just a screenname. Invent a fake name, address, birthday, interests, work, schooling. Do not ever mix your real identity with your fake one.
Be paranoid. "They" are watching you!
Be prepared to throw away your burner laptop. That is why it is called "burner". Do not use it longer than about 1 year.
No. It offers no added security. Do not connect to internet from home.
Yes. You can be tracked by the MAC address of your network card. This number needs to be changed everytime when connecting to the internet. Also, do not connect from home. Use free WIFI away from home.
Always use a VPN, but do not trust VPN's. It is just an added layer of security. Like a second lock on your door. It can still be broken. Just takes a bit of extra time.
Use free WIFI to connect to internet. Never your home or workplace. You do not even want someone to look in your direction, let alone have an IP address.
Before dumping your burner laptop destroy it. Use a hammer and fire for best results. It is fun to do as well.
You never know what happens in the future. Perhaps one day someone decides that everyone with a certain "profile" needs to be send to a re-education camp. Or perhaps some insurance company decides you are too much risk to insure. Or a bank decides your "profile" is a bad investment and they do not want to loan you money. You cannot predict the future. Better be safe than sorry.
It has happend before!
When you connect to TOR the security agencies put you on a "special list". Your name will be marked, permanently. You never know what that might mean in the future.
Adding some tips for whoever is interested.
When using tails OS or another OS bootable from USB stick you do not need a harddrive. It might be a good idea to remove the harddrive from the laptop. This prevents any data to be stored on the laptop accidently.
When making connection to the internet it is important to change your MAC address. This is a special address build into the network device of your laptop. You can be traced by this number. Change it every time you make intertnet connection.
Do not connect to the internet at home. Go to a place with free WIFI. Connect from there. In fact, I reccomend, disconnecting your router or internet cable when you are installing your laptop. Just to be safe.
Do not trust VPN's. You still should be using one. Again, do not connect from home. Be careful when using the TOR network. Security agencies DO put you on a "list" when you are using TOR.
When not using the laptop remove the battery. Prevent any "funny business".
Encrypt all your data on a USB stick.
Do not use Google or Facebook when on your burner laptop.
Create a false identity for yourself. Not just a screenname. Invent a fake name, address, birthday, interests, work, schooling. Do not ever mix your real identity with your fake one.
Be paranoid. "They" are watching you!
Be prepared to throw away your burner laptop. That is why it is called "burner". Do not use it longer than about 1 year.
Quote: (02-26-2016 12:49 AM)Thoughtcrime Wrote:
I appreciate the effort here, but wouldn't it be easier to just run the OS in a VM?
No. It offers no added security. Do not connect to internet from home.
Quote: (02-26-2016 02:00 AM)samsamsam Wrote:
So for a simpleton like me, you can be tracked down by your isp and your device right? I think each device hs some unique signature.
Yes. You can be tracked by the MAC address of your network card. This number needs to be changed everytime when connecting to the internet. Also, do not connect from home. Use free WIFI away from home.
Quote: (02-26-2016 02:00 AM)samsamsam Wrote:
Which is why people suggest VPNs?
Always use a VPN, but do not trust VPN's. It is just an added layer of security. Like a second lock on your door. It can still be broken. Just takes a bit of extra time.
Quote: (03-01-2016 09:19 AM)Barn25 Wrote:
An ip address by itself is not an identifier, its just an ip address.
...you toss it in a different but unfamiliar part of the city it can't be traced back to you
Use free WIFI to connect to internet. Never your home or workplace. You do not even want someone to look in your direction, let alone have an IP address.
Before dumping your burner laptop destroy it. Use a hammer and fire for best results. It is fun to do as well.
Quote: (03-09-2016 08:55 PM)Aristotle Wrote:
Nice guide, but unless you're doing something illegal, I think this is HIGHLY overkill.
You never know what happens in the future. Perhaps one day someone decides that everyone with a certain "profile" needs to be send to a re-education camp. Or perhaps some insurance company decides you are too much risk to insure. Or a bank decides your "profile" is a bad investment and they do not want to loan you money. You cannot predict the future. Better be safe than sorry.
It has happend before!
Quote: (03-10-2016 08:02 AM)joost Wrote:
You can download and use TOR Browser instead of having the hassle of installing TAILS.
When you connect to TOR the security agencies put you on a "special list". Your name will be marked, permanently. You never know what that might mean in the future.
Only three ways to do something: "The right way. The wrong way. Or my way. Obviously my way is best."