Hiding IP Address

[doubledee]

Hi all. Not sure where to post this?!

I am increasingly worried about my online privacy and safety, and am wondering if there is any *safe* software that I can use to hide my computer's IP Address when I surf the web? (Open-Source is prefered since I don't trust Corp America!)

Thanks,


Debbie

[simsaladimbamba]

Something like this perhaps?

[doubledee]

Originally Posted by simsaladimbamba

Something like this perhaps?

Is that website safe to use?

What is their "angle"?

That is, what is in it for them to help me "Hide My Apples"?


Debbie

[simsaladimbamba]

Originally Posted by doubledee

Is that website safe to use?

What is their "angle"?

That is, what is in it for them to help me "Hide My Apples"?


Debbie

There are other services that offer you proxy servers to hide your IP address with and those sites' angle is to make profit from either viewing the ads you have to look at in the free version on the top or bottom of the page and to get your money if you want a ad-free version and more features.

[jwjsr]

Originally Posted by simsaladimbamba

Something like this perhaps?

Does HMA hide me even if I don't click HMA's "enable SSL" box?

[MikeNice413]

Anyone use StrongVPN?

[GGJstudios]

Originally Posted by doubledee

I am increasingly worried about my online privacy and safety, and am wondering if there is any *safe* software that I can use to hide my computer's IP Address when I surf the web?

Your IP address is visible to any site and doesn't compromise your privacy or safety. Visit www.whatismyipaddress.com to see the limited information available from your IP address. You really don't need to worry about it.

[Stewart21]

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Your IP address is visible to any site and doesn't compromise your privacy or safety. Visit www.whatismyipaddress.com to see the limited information available from your IP address. You really don't need to worry about it.

Unless you are an illegal downloader and your ISP is tracking you.

[doubledee]

Originally Posted by Stewart21

Unless you are an illegal downloader and your ISP is tracking you.

Well, I'm not doing anything illegal, but to your point, it bothers me that I can be tracked online, and I would like to be more anonymous if possible.

I just have this fear that "Big Brother" is collecting all of this data on my Me, My Computer, My Internet Usage, and build some large file on poor Debbie?!

I have seen websites and software that claim they can help you surf anonymously, however I fear they my actually be malware?!

Any suggestions for this Apple user?

Thanks,


Debbie

[GGJstudios]

Originally Posted by doubledee

I just have this fear that "Big Brother" is collecting all of this data on my Me, My Computer, My Internet Usage, and build some large file on poor Debbie?!

Your ISP can collect data on your web usage whether you hide your IP or not. They typically don't care about your personal surfing habits, unless you're being a problem by doing something like spamming, or if there's a court order, requesting your history. There's not much you can do about that.

Originally Posted by doubledee

I have seen websites and software that claim they can help you surf anonymously, however I fear they my actually be malware?!

Read the What security steps should I take? section of the Mac Virus/Malware FAQ for tips on practicing safe computing.

Originally Posted by doubledee

Any suggestions for this Apple user?

Yes. Relax and use your computer as you normally would, practicing safe computing. Don't worry about your IP address.

[Weaselboy]

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Your ISP can collect data on your web usage whether you hide your IP or not.

No they cannot. If you use an encrypted web proxy or encrypted VPN, all the ISP sees/knows is that you have connected to that service. The ISP has no way of knowing what web sites are connected to beyond the proxy/VPN service.

[doubledee]

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Your ISP can collect data on your web usage whether you hide your IP or not. They typically don't care about your personal surfing habits, unless you're being a problem by doing something like spamming, or if there's a court order, requesting your history. There's not much you can do about that.

This I knew. And in that case, if I ever did do something bad, Law Enforcement and the Gov't could easily subpoena the Log Files from my ISP and I'd be toast, right?


But what about in cases where I am connecting to the Internet via Free Wi-Fi?

Am I still leaving a traceable "footprint" the same as if I was connected to a land-line in my home?

Read the What security steps should I take? section of the Mac Virus/Malware FAQ for tips on practicing safe computing.

Awesome security link. Thanks!

Yes. Relax and use your computer as you normally would, practicing safe computing. Don't worry about your IP address.

Maybe, but what steps can I take to basically leave no footprints when I surf - which is almost always using some free wi-fi since I travel for work?


1.) Are there an Open-Source Apps that would hide my IP Address for free? (Versus "Hide My Apples", which seems to have an agenda.)


2.) Do I have to worry about anyone - even the Feds - being able to trace things back to my Physical MacBook?

What kind of "footprint" is my MacBook leaving behind?

(I have this neurotic fear that someone can leap onto my laptop, and/or see everything about me just by me being connected to the Internet?!)


3.) If I wanted to become a security guru, and really take my knowledge (and privacy) to the next level, how could I do that?

I was just reading some stuff this morning in the NY Times about how it seems like China is all-powerful, and their hackers can do anything the want with U.S. computers.

That is what is driving this thread... It scares me to think the U.S. "G-Men" are watching my every step right now, or that some Chinese - or other - hacker is lurking nearby on the Internet and I am slowly hanging myself because of my lack of knowledge on staying ANONYMOUS online...

Thanks,


Debbie