Great article on internet security

[F117]

https://protonmail.com/blog/best-browser-for-privacy/

Basically, if you are using any Google product (Android phone, GMail, Google Voice, Chrome / Chromebook, etc.) nothing is private, all communications are scanned for their content and then sold to the highest bidder - just like FaceBarf.

Stay safe, ya'll!

[Precious_b]

Yup. I use Google and know that would be true with the tremendous data mining they do.
If you're online, you are exposed.

[Mokoa]

Yep, they are all doing it. Some just more than others.

[Champagne Brown]

^^This..

[Oilman Sam]

When I try to log onto this site using a VPN, it tells me my IP address has been banned. Why is that?

[ck1942]

When I try to log onto this site using a VPN, it tells me my IP address has been banned. Why is that?

Yes, recent persistent scamming attempts (with some resulting in threads with really outstanding photography, and demanding $$$ cash advances) crop up from time immemorial. Our host has a system that blocks many IPs associated with hackers and management does much the same spammers, jammers, hackers and worse. We also research reliable data bases to identify and block spammers, most of which are overseas, of course. Sometimes, merely setting your browser to "hide my IP" routes the data via one of many foreign servers and if our system has any of those blocked, well. Turnback message is what you will usually get.

If you are one of many who have asked Support for assistance, this is our standard reply:

Sorry for the issues.

If your IP shows banned or blocked, likely you are using a TOR, VPN, proxy or hidden IP in your browser and those and many foreign based IPs are blocked due to spammers and jammers associated with those IPs.
Use a clear cell or ISP signal to avoid the IP issues.
Happy Hobbying!

= = = =

As much good info the proton article contains, it doesn't discuss (or reveal or remind) that your internet providers (broadband, outside wi-fi, cell phone, etc.lity) also have the ability to track much of your internet traffic. And, they for sure know when you are using a VPN, etc. What they may or may not do with that data is usually unknown.

ijs

[donghead]

..your internet providers (broadband, outside wi-fi, cell phone, etc.lity) also have the ability to track much of your internet traffic. And, they for sure know when you are using a VPN, etc. What they may or may not do with that data is usually unknown.

ISPs may legally sell records of traffic through their network. The law requires that the history be "anonymized" as minimal privacy for customers but the limited requirements of what is considered an "anonymized" block of network traffic history is very simply processed to identify content related to an individual.

This has been legal since the Obama years.

Here's a talk where some German researchers (PDF) founded a fake company and purchased browser data from American companies to evaluate the problem of finding information related to specific users. Video is here. (165MB).

Maybe a bit dry, and several years old... but still a freaky demonstration.

[YeahThatsMe99]

The higher quality VPN's are not blocked. I use Mullvad and most of their servers are not blocked here. Only the cheap and free services seam to be blocked. And that makes sense. I'm thinking about trying the Mozilla VPN as well for some extra security.

[Precious_b]

Well, some of the young'uns could join the old USAFSS outfit and get access to the Locks Room.
Plenty of surfing could be done there without fear of being found.
Except by your boss