Anonymous browsing with Firefox

Something new

[kaled]

I haven't checked it out but it sounds interesting.

Web users worried about privacy can now use a modified version of Firefox that lets them browse the net anonymously.

The Torpark browser has been created by a hacking group and uses technology backed by digital rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

[news.bbc.co.uk...]

Kaled.

[encyclo]

From the article:

Hacktivisimo said that anyone using Torpark might see a slight reduction in their browsing speed as the package of programs connect to the Tor network and scramble traffic.

From my (very limited) experience of using the Tor network, this is the understatement of the year - the slowdown was considerable.

Of course, if you are running your browser with Javascript, caching, Flash or cookies enabled then you can be tracked to a certain extent anyway. The fact that it runs directly from a Flash memory card is useful though.

[CritterNYC]

The fact that it runs directly from a Flash memory card is useful though.

Firefox Portable runs right from a USB flash drive. Or iPod. Or portable hard drive. Or CD.

[edited by: CritterNYC at 8:46 pm (utc) on Sep. 20, 2006]

[henry0]

Hmmm, and about those seeking fully unlawful content?

[moltar]

It's reTORded.

[graywolf]

>From my (very limited) experience of using the Tor network, this is the understatement of the year - the slowdown was considerable.

It was like dialup all over again ...

[grelmar]

I tried it 6 months or so ago...

The concept is good enough, but it was slow as molasses.

Also, I'm finding that the IT guys at more and more offices are setting up the machines to reject unauthorised USB devices, so just having this on a mem stick and plugging it in is effectively useless. You need to do other workarounds to get past the security of a half competently set up security environment.

[Skylo]

I have been using a browser by the name of "Browzar" for some time. I quite like it and the reason it keeps you anon is by not using a cache, cookies, javascript or flash...

Says that it is based off the IE browser but i do not see how. Makes no use of anything that could be compromised like the "traditional" browser.

I would rather use this than a modified version of firefox that needs to access another network...

[the_nerd]

a cache, cookies, javascript or flash...

I wonder whether you find enough static html pages to justify the use of this software ;-)

[donpps]

With Gonzales et al seeking every last bit and byte .. this might be the last sanctuary for folks who have to remain in the shadows .. of course for the rest of us .. oh well .. just hope the men in black do not come knocking.

D

[grelmar]

I have been using a browser by the name of "Browzar" for some time...

From Wired [wired.com]:

...The blogosphere gave Browzar a glowing review, even though it was a little clunky and only worked in Windows. Then, a few days later, reports started showing up about Browzar's inability to completely delete page caches or browsing history. It was a lemon. And just in case that wasn't enough, it pushed users to its own branded search page full of contextual ads. No cookie for you, Browzar.

[bill]

I've been a Tor user for quite some time. Tor's onion routing has been great for anonymously browsing sites and getting around restrictive firewalls/proxies. Although I love the service its speed has never been all that great. I wouldn't use it for all of my surfing, but only the occasional site review when I don't want people knowing it's me.

Torpark isn't exactly new. I've been using it for months. If you thought Tor was slow, Torpark is molasses...especially if run off a USB key. Copying the files to HDD speeds things up considerably.

[iblaine]

Security through obscurity comes at a price but at least it works.