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I am interested in improving the privacy available to me as a casual internet user with a default browser. I think that Tor is too slow and that the "Privacy Mode" in browsers isn't really practical. I don't care about hiding the history from myself in fact I like having a local history. I care about companies tracking me and profiting from it. There are a lot of Firefox addons for "Privacy and Security". But which ones work, and why do they work?

Interesting TED talk: Tracking the Trackers.

Mikey
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  • Are you talking about web browsing or other Internet applications? Do you use a stable IP address for browsing? Do you keep cookies beyond session? – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 19:35
  • @curiousguy browsing with a default browser. (I like firefox :) – Mikey Jun 25 '12 at 19:36
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    "_"Privacy Mode" in browsers isn't really practical._" what is wrong with "private mode"? – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 19:53
  • curiousguy, private mode, if I recall correctly, just means local history/cookie/cache writes are cleared after use. It's for hiding your usage from other users on the same system. – chao-mu Jun 25 '12 at 19:59
  • @chao-mu "_curiousguy,_" please use "@curiousguy" "_private mode, if I recall correctly,_" you don't "_just means local history/cookie/cache writes are cleared after use. It's for hiding your usage from other users on the same system._" not only – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 20:58
  • I looked up the specifics. Firefox's "Private Browser" is only local writes. Particularly Visited pages, Form and Search Bar entries, Cookies, Passwords, Download List entries, and cache (http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-browse-web-without-saving-info). Chrome's is called "Incognito Mode" and is mostly the same thing https://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=95464&p=cpn_incognito – chao-mu Jun 25 '12 at 21:18
  • @user5621 Do you have a stable IP address? Are you worried about your ISP spying on you? – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 22:12
  • @chao-mu "_"Private Browser" is only local writes_" that's wrong – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 22:13
  • @curiousguy I am mostly worried about the concerns brought up in "Tracking the Trackers." I only care about remote threats, I like having a browser history. – Mikey Jun 25 '12 at 22:17
  • @user5621 Do you have a stable IP address? (third time) – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 22:23
  • @curiousguy who cares? Like most users its mostly static, but it can change. – Mikey Jun 25 '12 at 22:24
  • @user5621 "_who cares?_" people who worry about being "tracked" care, or they should "_Like most users its mostly static, but it can change._" then your IP is "mostly" identifies you. – curiousguy Jun 25 '12 at 22:26
  • @curiousguy "... I don't care about hiding the history from myself in fact I like having a local history." Also i hardly think this is a solution. – Mikey Jun 25 '12 at 22:47
  • @curiousguy I think the other comments ripped up this suggestion sufficiently. In general chao-mu has the right idea. – Mikey Jun 25 '12 at 22:52
  • Regardless as to whether your IP address is assigned statically or dynamically, your ISP has records of assignment which can easily be subpoenaed. Even if they did not record historical data, at least in my experience leases are typically held for long periods of time. – chao-mu Jun 25 '12 at 23:45
  • @chao-mu please use @ syntax when replying to a comment "_Regardless as to whether your IP address is assigned statically or dynamically, your ISP has records of assignment_" indeed "_which can easily be subpoenaed._" only with a legitimate legal excuse. "_at least in my experience leases are typically held for long periods of time._" There are many different cases: some ISP force a change every 24 hours; some will might you the same address forever unless you shut your modem for a few days or weeks; and others will give a different IP address at each modem reboot... – curiousguy Jun 27 '12 at 13:32
  • @user5621 "_I don't care about hiding the history from myself_" I understand, but you should also understand that private browsing mode is _not_ just about erasing your history on your PC. – curiousguy Jun 27 '12 at 19:32

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Below is a response to the title "improving the privacy of a casual internet user". As for individual plugins, you'll have to research and ask on an individual basis.

Block ads. This is an easy way to cut off forced interaction (e.g. image and iframe loads, popups, etc.) and prevents someone from getting paid for your clicks/views. If you are using Firefox, checkout Adblock Plus

Lie. During registration processes, don't be afraid to omit or falsify your age, phone number, location, etc. Within the extent of the law, of course. If you want help, seek this identity generator

Think about what information you're disclosing. Remember that things like emails (both sent AND received) and search queries are fair game for the companies who provide the service.

Keep informed. If these topics matter to you, stay current with the EFF and other whistle blowing groups.

chao-mu
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For improving your privacy on webpages there are a number of things you can do. The trouble is, doing some of these things may break functionality. For example, if you disable all cookies then you may not be able to log into some websites.

Try not to give out personal information (such as your name or e-mail address) whenever possible. You can use disposible e-mail addresses when registering for sites you don't want e-mail from. You an ad-filter such as adblock plus. Also FireFox's BetterPrivacy add-on removes Flash based tracking cookies (this is what's discused in the TED talk). HTTPS Everywhere is another good add-on for Fire Fox which forces the browser to use a secure connection when possible.

That's the worst TED talk I've seen, he doesn't really explain anything. I usually really like TED talks.

Celeritas
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Some more suggestions:

  • refrain from curiously clicking on 'interesting' links/pictures
  • if you're browsing logged on google for example, your profile is building up from everything you do, and stored somewhere.
  • pay attention when registering to new sites, for what you're really registering
  • have privacy in mind, whether you're registering on a new social network or creating a wish list on amazon
  • don't bee too paranoid, just a little so you don't stop asking :)

A thorough guide on Social Networking Privacy. Very good to read and ponder about.

liviu
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Two things to add to the other valid answers. You can configure these settings in any major browser, without plugins.

  1. Block third party cookies. This is huge. Any time you see a Facebook "Like" button on a web page and you're not blocking third party cookies, you're being tracked. This is true for other widgets you may see. Most tracking is done via third party cookies, and it usually doesn't break (important) functionality on websites if you disable it.
  2. Tell your browser to clear cookies when you exit. Any random cookies you pick up during one session will at least not be carried over to the next. The only downside is that you'll have to re-login to whatever services you use every time you open your browser. That should be trivial though, especially if you use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password.

Adblock Plus (Chrome and Firefox) is great because it prevents tracking elements from being downloaded in the first place. You can also configure it to block more than just ads as well.

Phil
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  • If you have a stable IP address, does clearing cookies really helps? – curiousguy Jul 03 '12 at 02:47
  • IP addresses are not very useful for tracking individuals, as several individuals usually share the same IP address with NAT. The purpose of clearing cookies is to make it more difficult to analyze browsing behavior - "Phil owns this Facebook account, and he regularly visits websites X, Y, and Z" – Phil Jul 03 '12 at 12:39
  • For a home DSL line, "_several individuals_" is usually few persons from the same family. And even with cookies you have to face the same issue: many people sharing the same computer with just one account, **sharing one cookie jar**. "_"Phil owns this Facebook account, and he regularly visits websites X, Y, and Z"_" blocking G+/FB widgets in other sites would have the same effect. – curiousguy Jul 03 '12 at 16:48
  • True. Honestly, it's just an extra safeguard, not an essential. Over time cookies still build up even when blocking ads, "like" buttons, and third party cookies. If they're removed regularly, people will have a harder time tracking you. And while they can track you by IP address, it's a much more limited tracking mechanism than cookies. – Phil Jul 03 '12 at 18:44