Post: #26

(12-17-2015 01:06 AM)h3ltrsk3ltr Wrote:  I'm no guru on this topic, but here's what I use:

Open VPN, paid, roughly the same as netflix per month.

Https everywhere (EFF might be part of the NSA which, as far as I know, i'm the only one to say that)

Ghostery OR Disconnect (Not both)

I use MalwareBytes Free and SpyBot Search&Destroy to check for malware/spyware and I use the less renown but widely used Avast Anti-virus (I reccomend using AVG free and KeyPass with the paid Kolab email and an obscure linux distro if you're really cool)

And Kolab for email for everything. If you use Google/andriod at all you might as well be using nothing (duckduckgo sucks as a browser but using !googe "bangs" and contributing to DDG's data is good but annoying) so find a way to extract yourself from the helpful but invasive google suite (using owncloud to replace google drive) if you really want to un-grid.

I would like to (but don't wait for it) post a datasheet on best practice internet usage, but feel I'm less qualified than some of the men here (lookin' at you greekgod).

Either way, that's a slice (no pun) of my setup.

I for one would LOVE an Edward Snowden esq datasheet from anyone.

You definitely know more than the average guy, and anyone who knows more can always contribute to the thread.

You have my vote for a datasheet.

Post: #27

(12-18-2015 06:09 AM)Snowflake Wrote:  what happened to TOR? I thought it was by far the most popular VPN but no one seems to be using it.

That's just used for the deep dark web, illegal stuff really, or conspiracy theories trying to gain cred. Guns, drugs, CP is really the only stuff that needs TOR, otherwise if use it for normal web surfing, it's just slow as shit. I tried it out for a bit, didn't see any use of it compared to a regular vpn.
And besides if you connect to it and get sent through government nodes, then all your crap is tracked with a magnifying glass.

Go with a regular paid VPN, it's easier, faster, and probably safer.

Post: #28

Also your ISP can see who is on TOR, although not what you're doing on it.

TOR should ONLY be used when you need to do things anonymously, and then from a public location. It does have its uses however. For example if you use it only from public locations and have a free email that only log into from TOR it's great for things like writing an anti-feminist blog with almost zero risk of being Doxxed.

Post: #29

This is a reddit open docs list and has a whole comparison of VPNs.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...edit#gid=0

This was suggested on a reddit post. It is in Russian but is a $1 a month.
https://prostovpn.org/

Post: #30

I'm in China and I've been using Hoxx VPN for Firefox browser. It's been working great. However it only works on Firefox. Anyone knows a reliable VPN that works with the Google Chrome browser?

Thanks guys!

Post: #31

(03-20-2016 11:43 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  I'm in China and I've been using Hoxx VPN for Firefox browser. It's been working great. However it only works on Firefox. Anyone knows a reliable VPN that works with the Google Chrome browser?

Thanks guys!

I would not recommend any "free" VPN.

Nor would I recommend a VPN that's solely a browser add on and only secures your connection through a specific browser.

Use a VPN that's installed on your computer- all of your internet connection will go through it, there are no compatibility issues, does not matter what apps you use, what your computer connects to- it will go through VPN.

As many people mentioned, privateinternetaccess.com is a good one. It's what I recommend.

Post: #32

(03-20-2016 11:55 PM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:43 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  I'm in China and I've been using Hoxx VPN for Firefox browser. It's been working great. However it only works on Firefox. Anyone knows a reliable VPN that works with the Google Chrome browser?

Thanks guys!

I would not recommend any "free" VPN.

Nor would I recommend a VPN that's solely a browser add on and only secures your connection through a specific browser.

Use a VPN that's installed on your computer- all of your internet connection will go through it, there are no compatibility issues, does not matter what apps you use, what your computer connects to- it will go through VPN.

As many people mentioned, privateinternetaccess.com is a good one. It's what I recommend.

So privateinternetacess.com allows you pay with gift cards from different retailers if you want to keep some anonymity. Which brings up a good point, you have VPN but there is a trail that proves you paid for a VPN service. Granted no one is supposed to know what you are looking at through your VPN. Is the only way to have complete (or close to it) anonymity is to pay with bitcoin or something?

Post: #33

I'm surprised nobody has recommended http://www.ExpressVPN.com

Probably the best-rated VPN, at least for users in China. It's not the cheapest option but it's extremely user-friendly and I haven't had any major problems with it yet. If anybody is thinking of subscribing, drop me a PM and I'll get you your first month free.

Post: #34

(03-21-2016 12:48 AM)samsamsam Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:55 PM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:43 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  I'm in China and I've been using Hoxx VPN for Firefox browser. It's been working great. However it only works on Firefox. Anyone knows a reliable VPN that works with the Google Chrome browser?

Thanks guys!

I would not recommend any "free" VPN.

Nor would I recommend a VPN that's solely a browser add on and only secures your connection through a specific browser.

Use a VPN that's installed on your computer- all of your internet connection will go through it, there are no compatibility issues, does not matter what apps you use, what your computer connects to- it will go through VPN.

As many people mentioned, privateinternetaccess.com is a good one. It's what I recommend.

Is the only way to have complete (or close to it) anonymity is to pay with bitcoin or something?

I suppose yes it is, but its not really a concern anyway. Using a VPN isn't suspicious in itself. I guess it depends what you are using it for. I pay for PIA out of Paypal, thats fine for me.

If I was running the Silk Road network, I probably would take different steps.

Post: #35

(03-21-2016 12:51 AM)Space Cowboy Wrote:  I'm surprised nobody has recommended http://www.ExpressVPN.com

Probably the best-rated VPN, at least for users in China. It's not the cheapest option but it's extremely user-friendly and I haven't had any major problems with it yet. If anybody is thinking of subscribing, drop me a PM and I'll get you your first month free.

This is the best one, easy to use. And doesn't drop as much as others. Kind of pricey. But it is most dependable and easy to use.

Post: #36

A VPN is useful to:
-Protect your network when you connect to public wifi networks.
-Protect your browsing habits from your ISP.
-Hide your location if you download pirated software*. [depends of the VPN provider]
-Give access to content only available to certain countries. [ie. Hulu in US]

No VPN operator will go to jail for you. Some jurisdictions give you more protections depending of what you do though.

TOR:
It protects your location. No tool give you similar protection. Of course it'll not work if you connect to your Facebook account and post information that can lead to your location. [OR your friends do that for you].
You need to understand how it works. Let's say you sell drugs in a small rural area. Law Enforcement will look for people using TOR in that area to narrow it down since your ISP will know you're connecting to TOR. It'll not know WHAT you're doing there. You can connect to VPN and TOR after for extra protection in that area.

Best protection is TOR to VPN [connecting to and paying in an anonymous way]. Its complicated and for heavy stuff.


For just browsing internet, TOR is a good option since it is free and hide your location no matter what (good for trolling feminist blogs). If you watch videos, download stuff and want extra protection, get a VPN from another jurisdiction like Sweden.

Post: #37

I can also vouch for ExpressVPN, at least for the ~9 months or so I've used it. Very easy to use and good mobile client. They don't keep activity logs and generally seem to have a low profile in the news.

If you're super security minded, one thing to consider with VPNs is if you're going to VPN through TOR, or if you'll run TOR through your VPN. There's more security with the former, but not all VPN services allow you to do it - I think Boleh and AirVPN are all that allow that. If you're interested in learning more, this link has some good material explaining your options: https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/42672/using...-together/ - and you can decide what's right for you.

Post: #38

AirVPN

Post: #39

The VPN I'm using currently on my laptop (HoxxVPN) is a paid one.
The one you mentioned, is that something that can be installed while being in China?

Another VPN that keeps being mentioned is ExpressVPN.

Quick question to those who have used ExpressVPN while being in China:

Can you install it on your laptop WHILE being in China?

The one I'm using is working only on Firefox browser. I need a reliable VPN that will work with the Google Chrome browser as I need to use that for a business software.

Thanks guys, appreciated for the feedback!

(03-20-2016 11:55 PM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:43 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  I'm in China and I've been using Hoxx VPN for Firefox browser. It's been working great. However it only works on Firefox. Anyone knows a reliable VPN that works with the Google Chrome browser?

Thanks guys!

I would not recommend any "free" VPN.

Nor would I recommend a VPN that's solely a browser add on and only secures your connection through a specific browser.

Use a VPN that's installed on your computer- all of your internet connection will go through it, there are no compatibility issues, does not matter what apps you use, what your computer connects to- it will go through VPN.

As many people mentioned, privateinternetaccess.com is a good one. It's what I recommend.

Post: #40

You can try out Softether VPN. It's free, and I think it is run by the university of tokyo.
Just install the client, config, then pick which vpn you want to connect to.
It's unstable though, so if your downloading torrents or something and the connection drops then you gotta be quick. There is an addon to monitor vpn connection and if vpn is dropped then it stops torrents.

Post: #41

Thanks Spokepoker,
I'll check it out! Cheers man!

Post: #42

A few days ago it was announced that Opera would be including a new VPN built into the core of its browser. It will be free and unlimited. They bought technology from another company and have developed it for their own ends.

Opera was big years ago as the fastest, most private browser you could get. Then they got bought out and they started developing in the same web framework as Chrome. Do NOT trust it!

However, things have taken an interesting turn. By providing free and unlimited VPN services they are sure to win back some customers. Just don't use it for anything other than very low key throw away stuff. Don't use it expecting your tracks to be covered, because they won't, but it's still a useful little tool.

http://www.opera.com/blogs/desktop/2016/...ndows-mac/

You can use it on both windows and mac.

You have an option between USA, Canada and Germany. So not the most flexible VPN in the world, but who's complaining? Check your IP here to make sure: http://www.whatip.com

You need to download the Developer version of Opera as it is not yet rolled out into the standard versions. But I can say I have been using it for a week and it works great. Just don't trust it or rely on it. It makes a very handy addition to the web surfing kit though, if you know its limitations.

The installation links are provided half way down the page of that link I gave, and even Linux is catered for - both 32 bit and 64 bit.

Some people are saying this is not a proper VPN. It's more of an HTTP Proxy. I don't know about that. Use your discretion. It's another string to the bow, not a magic invisibility cloak.

I think if all you wanted to do was change your location, then this would be ideal. Those that know how these things work will make use of it, others should use it to learn.

You need to go into 'settings' to start the VPN service, but it works very well once set up. Maybe a few of you will find it useful for something.

Post: #43

If you are looking for an alternative to VPN, because maybe you want to hide your tracks, not do anything naughty, then a good solution is Jon Donym.

It's a Java client that you download first of all and install. Yes, Java is totally insecure for the web and you must have it turned off. However, the core program of Jon Donym is totally safe as it is not internet facing. You install this first, and then later you install a portable version of Firefox. It's important you use the portable version of Firefox, otherwise it might interfere with your main FF install (if you use one).

Once installed, you then have to fire up the browser. You have a choice of locations from across the world. Jon Donym is basically a proxy. But a proxy with a difference. It works on the principle of 'mixes' and that means it goes through several proxies before it reaches its end point.

All of this is free, but if you want extra security on top, you have to pay for extra servers and bandwidth. It is pretty excellent what you get for free. It doesn't work on all sites as the IP tables are logged (not always). Again, it's a nice free alternative that does what you want, as long as what you want is nothing too nefarious.

Sometimes going through a VPN is just too much hassle. Jon Donym is not a VPN. Not strictly a proxy, either.

Just suggesting it as an alternative. Very often the average user won't need a VPN, just some way of remaining part of the crowd and getting in somewhere without being noticed. Again, not to be used by anyone doing anything bad, especially if they don't want to get caught.

Another tool. Another use. If you don't know it, download it, learn from it. The test pages it gives will teach you more about anonymity and proxy servers than any university course, and it is free.

All this information is strictly for those of us that wish to just browse unhindered and not be tracked. The minute you log in and give any credentials, you might as well put a big sign on your head.

Post: #44

I've had great experience with AirVPN (https://airvpn.org). They're seemingly run by an activist group who stand for privacy for ideological reasons. Their forum is very helpful and contains huge amounts of information from very basic stuff to extremely complex setups.

There's one outlier called Cryptostorm (https://cryptostorm.is). These guys come off as extremely technically competent and if you check out their forum, you'll find endless posts on minute details that explains the technical choices that they've made. They also invented a very clever way to purchase access to their service:

Normally, you'd pay a VPN provider, receive a username and a password and then start browsing. That way your payment information (and hence, identity) is linked to the traffic you send through the VPN. Instead, Cryptostorm has issued pre-made login codes called tokens that are sold by third parties. Since the third party can't see your VPN traffic and Cryptostorm can't see your payment/identity information, there's no link between the two.

There's only one reason that I haven't tried them and that is due to some rumors that the guy who runs Cryptostorm is a convicted criminal who served suspiciously little time in jail before starting the VPN service and that he could therefore be an informant (honeypot) for US authorities. That's all speculation based on something as vague as their writing style, though, so it's unlikely to have any merit.

My current VPN provider is Mullvad (https://mullvad.net). They're a very simple and reliable provider who accepts everything from PayPal, to Bitcoin, to cash in the mail(!). The only downside is that they have only Swedish, Dutch, US, Canadian, and German servers, which is significantly less choice than AirVPN gives you for exactly the same price.

Personally, I'd go with AirVPN, but if you decide to try out Cryptostorm, I'd be very interested in hearing about your experience. I might give them a shot when my Mullvad subscription runs out.

Final tip: Do NOT trust a free VPN or proxy for anything sensitive. The companies have to make money somehow and if they're not doing it through targeted advertising, they do it by harvesting your credentials to other services.

Post: #45

Air VPN has a sale on until tomorrow, $35 for the year. Referral link if you feel like saying thanks...

Post: #46

If you're in a heavily censored area, Mullvad is the way to go:

- Offers obfs encryption to hide that you are using a VPN at all
- Accepts Bitcoin for payment
- Asks no personal question, not even an e-mail address
- They own their own datacenter so no danger of the NSA installing surveillance equipement
- Do not keep logs, do not send traffic data to the US government
- Cross platform & can work with all apps
- Also works on mobile if you're using OpenVPN

Post: #47

Astrill is the best VPN I have found so far after trialing a few others, you might be able to cash in on some cyber monday deals too!

Edit: Currently they are having a deal for 24 hours; 2 years for $99, this includes 2 devices running simultainously, VPN for router, and stealth VPN(Double encryption + undetectable protocol). I just grabbed mine. Good deal.

Post: #48

$29/year for Private Internet Access with the Black Friday deal. Was a little concerned about setup as I'm really bad at stuff like that but it was a breeze on my work computer and iphone.

Post: #49

I don't know this stuff a lot but if you were the CIA etc wouldn't the most obvious thing to do is open a VPN company?

Then as soon as people pay you link to their CC acct and start tracking everything they do.

I'm thinking of at least using one in Switzerland don't know if that's any better than the USA.

Post: #50

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