I am still working on a post on bitcoins, but in the meantime I can write about anonymous browsing with Tor. By using this special browser (based on a modified version of firefox) that hides your location you can browse the internet with more privacy. Download here: https://www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser.html.
Background: From this guide http://www.digitaltrends.com/web/a-beginners-guide-to-tor-how-to-navigate-through-the-underground-internet/, Tor was initially intended
for protecting the U.S. Navy and its communications – now basically
refers to a piece of free software that bounces users around a network
of open connections run by volunteers all over the globe. This prevents
people who are spying on your Internet connection from finding out what sites
you visit and scrambles information that could pinpoint your exact
physical location. Tor works with a lot of computer applications, web
browsers, and instant messaging platforms, among others. By using Tor,
you can protect your personal information, your browsing habits, and
other online activities.
One major problem with TOR, however, is that it is extremely slow no matter how fast your internet speed is. In my opinion, this makes using TOR a pain and not worth it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's a bummer that you are providing all this information after the shutdown of the silk road!
Tor probably wouldn't be your main browser (unless you are uber paranoid, then google Tails OS). You could use it for checking your bank accounts, when you have to supply credit card info for purchases online, or when discussing patent pending information that could be stolen by foreign entities for profit.
ReplyDeleteSilk Road wasn't the first underground market and it won't be the last...
Join the PGP club! Also, google "the grey market".
ReplyDelete