Icecat or TOR?

[–] Sarcastaway 5 points (+5|-0)

For the sake of clarity: TOR = a proxy network service. TOR Browser = A web browser based on firefox that automatically launches TOR.

TOR Browser and Icecat are different beasts. Assuming that you don't plan on using TOR Browser with the actual TOR proxy, I'd say go with Icecat. If you want that proxy, or access to onion domains, TOR Browser is really the only choice between the two. TOR is also horrendously slow, and does nothing to hide you from actual intelligence agencies. There's really no practical reason to use TOR over a VPN, unless you want access to those .onion links.

So in essence, you can either pay for a VPN and use Icecat for fast internet, or use TOR Browser for free and get slow internet. Both will hide you from google, neither will hide you from the NSA.

[–] sidewalker_Principle [OP] 0 points (+0|-0)

I'm not looking for something to hide from agencies, I know that is a road I can't follow because I don't have the slightest clue about cyber security. I'm also not trying to do anything crazy, I just don't want to be tracked by users on the internet. If Alphabet wants to see the broccoli memes, so be it.

I know that isn't the right mentality to have. "IF you don't have anything to hide..." I hate that shtick. I just honestly am too lazy right now and am focused on other things in my life. I only want to stop advertisement trackers and stop any chance of being hacked.

So I looked at Icecat and TOR in a bit more detail. Icecat seems really outdated, TOR is really slow. I went with TOR Browser, its what I'm using right now to connect to this site. I like what it comes with, even if I really don't have the first clue what it actually is.

I have been told that VPN's are bullshit because at the end of the day its just routing all my information through a third party anyways, and how can I be completely secure? I think somebody told me I can run my own VPN...and I would love to do that I just don't know where to look to start learning.

[–] Sarcastaway 3 points (+3|-0)

Icecat seems really outdated

I'll admit I've never used it personally, but according to the wikipedia page it has been updated in the last two months.

I have been told that VPN's are bullshit because at the end of the day its just routing all my information through a third party anyways, and how can I be completely secure?

Its not completely secure, but its enough to change your IP (which will hide you from users) and hide you from advertising trackers.

[+] [Deleted] 3 points (+3|-0)

[–] Mastercat 2 points (+2|-0)

Icecat is always way behind on security updates.

[–] JudenHager 1 points (+1|-0)

Netscape Navigator is the one true botnet free secure alpha browser.

[–] CDanger 1 points (+1|-0)

Both. Any decent browser will support a SOCKS proxy. The choice of browser should be one that is entirely free and open source software and receives frequent security updates.

DNS leaks can be a major compromising factor. There aren't a lot of good options for this though.

[–] InnocentBystander 1 points (+1|-0)

You're still susceptible to fingerprinting. Probably even more so.
I use a VPN and as generic a fingerprint as I can. Add in a script blocker and a cookie-monster, and I feel reasonably safe.
I've never really cared what browser I use from a security standpoint (within reason) because of that.

Nothing is 100% but I think I'm getting a good payoff to effort ratio.

[+] [Deleted] 4 points (+4|-0)

[–] InnocentBystander 0 points (+1|-1)

I don't think it's that simple, that's why I said 'probably'.
Tor does a decent job of looking generic by having all tor instances look alike, and shutting down scripts. Same things I'm doing.
While that does give generally effective protection, it's not better than giving any generic print. Not perfect, but pretty good.

Almost all browsers can do similar, tor is just set that way by default. Tor provides 'already enabled' protections, and is a reasonable, but less secure, alternative to a VPN.

[+] [Deleted] 4 points (+4|-0)

[–] sidewalker_Principle [OP] 2 points (+2|-0)

I've been told that VPN's are pointless because its a third party that you route traffic into, and at the end of the day how can you really trust them?

I am only echoing what I have heard others say, I myself do not know a damned thing about this mess.

[–] InnocentBystander 2 points (+2|-0)

I've been told that VPN's are pointless

No. VPNs do a great job of hiding your IP. Hiding your IP is vital to privacy. If it's not hidden, you don't have privacy.

because its a third party that you route traffic into,

That is correct, it does require trusting the VPN service provider.

and at the end of the day how can you really trust them

How we can trust anything or anyone? We can't truly trust anything, but you can't live live very well without.
Like anything in life, do your research. Using a no-log service has less vulnerabilities than other methods.

However, as I've said, nothing is 100%.

I am only echoing what I have heard others say,

No worries, It's good to question, especially when there are other views expressed.
Beware of anyone that responds to questions with tears or a tantrum. Those are the ones that will steer you wrong. Rational thought stands up to scrutiny.

Icecat or TOR?

21 comments

/s/Whatever