Anonymity Risks: When Privacy Tools Fail

TL;DR

Anonymizing techniques aren’t foolproof. They can create a false sense of security, and mistakes or vulnerabilities in the tools themselves (or how you use them) can reveal your identity. This guide explains common pitfalls and how to improve your anonymity.

Understanding Anonymity vs. Privacy

Before we start, it’s important to understand the difference:

• Privacy is about controlling what information others have about you.
• Anonymity is about concealing who you are.

Often, people aim for privacy but think they’ve achieved anonymity. This isn’t always the case.

Why Anonymization Can Fail

1. Browser Fingerprinting: Websites can create a unique ‘fingerprint’ of your browser based on settings, extensions, fonts, and more. Even with VPNs or Tor, this fingerprint can identify you across sessions.
2. IP Address Leaks: Your real IP address might leak despite using a VPN or proxy. This can happen due to misconfiguration, DNS leaks, or WebRTC vulnerabilities.
3. Correlation Attacks: Combining seemingly harmless pieces of information (e.g., timing of posts, location data) can reveal your identity.
4. Compromised Tools: The anonymization tools themselves might have bugs, backdoors, or be subject to surveillance.
5. Human Error: Logging into personal accounts while using anonymity tools is a common mistake that instantly links your activity to your real identity.

Steps to Improve Your Anonymity

1. Use Tor Browser: The Tor network routes your traffic through multiple relays, making it difficult to trace back to you. Download from the official website: https://www.torproject.org
2. Verify Tor is Working: Check that your IP address is hidden and JavaScript is disabled by default.

   curl ipinfo.io

   Compare the output when using Tor to your normal connection.

3. Disable JavaScript (Carefully): JavaScript can be used for fingerprinting. Tor Browser disables it by default, but some sites require it. Use NoScript extension if you need to enable it selectively.
4. Use a VPN in Combination with Tor: A VPN adds an extra layer of encryption and hides your IP address from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) before it enters the Tor network. Choose a reputable, no-logs VPN provider.
5. Check for DNS Leaks: Ensure your DNS requests are also routed through Tor or your VPN.

   nslookup example.com

   The server listed should be within the Tor network or provided by your VPN.

6. Be Mindful of WebRTC: WebRTC can reveal your real IP address even when using a VPN. Disable it in your browser settings.
   • Chrome/Edge: chrome://settings/privacySandbox and disable ‘WebRTC’ under ‘Privacy and security’.
   • Firefox: Type about:config in the address bar, search for media.peerconnection.enabled and set it to false.
7. Avoid Logging In: Do not log into any personal accounts (email, social media, etc.) while using anonymity tools. This is the biggest risk.
8. Use Separate Profiles/Browsers: Keep your anonymous browsing separate from your regular browsing. Use different browser profiles or entirely separate browsers for each purpose.
9. Be Consistent: Anonymity is about consistent behavior. Switching between anonymity tools and logging into personal accounts will quickly de-anonymize you.
10. Consider Tails OS: Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a live operating system designed for privacy and anonymity. It routes all traffic through Tor by default and leaves no trace on the host computer.
    https://tails.boum.org

Further Resources

• Panopticlick: https://panopticlick.eff.org/ – Tests your browser’s fingerprinting resistance.
• DNSLeakTest: https://www.dnsleaktest.com/ – Checks for DNS leaks.