So, I've seen some threads related to internet safety but not going down this particular route.
As a back history, I've been learning and teaching myself programming since 1997 and only recently got into server and network administration due to a passion of proving I was being watched as well as proving the identity of someone online was not 4 people but 1. Since understanding this I've realized it could be of MASSIVE benefit to you ladies out there concerned about your privacy online and any suspicious activity.
While it's really easier for me to do this on a one-on-one basis there are a few tips I can hand out here.
1. PeerBlock -- Get that shit. This is a program that basically stops sites from trying to connect to you that you have not granted permission to do so. It is set up automatically and generally backs up spam activity. This program will even stop you from visiting certain sites that do this.
2. Temporary Proxies or IP Blockers -- I can track down just about anyone via their IP, even proxy but keep in mind I'm a massive nerd. However, a proxy will help in disguising your IP for certain activities. I wouldn't suggest running through a torserver (google it, mainly used in Europe to get around piracy) unless you have a server already. But I would be aware of it.
3. IP Tracing -- If you have a website, blog, etc, you can usually install what serves mostly as a method to gain information from traffic but also provides you with the IP addresses of users who visit your pages. This is helpful if you notice someone is visiting your site frequently to the point of feeling uncomfortable. I've had this sort of thing save my ass and deliver some major pwnage to those who had no idea I had about 6 programming languages under my belt. For some reason men really underestimate how many girl nerds are out there and honestly, that just puts me one step ahead of them.
4. Learn to read e-mail headers -- E-Mail headers can provide you with awesome information and give you the sender's originating IP. It can also show you if they are using an e-mail address to mask a server they run as well. Searching for the server via an IP look up site such as tcpiputils.com can identify the culprit. Basically, if anyone is going through some extreme lengths such as using proxies or masked servers these are suspicious people.
Over the past 2-3 months I've absorbed a lot of info regarding back end and server side development because I was determined to prove something...and did. I felt like a badass. As an autodidact most of what I know is self taught and therefore generally easily explained in layman's terms to those interested.
I don't mind at all assisting others with checking their internet security using methods of mapping IP addresses and scanning them if on a larger network. Of course this would all be done with permission and all findings would be only available to the registered owner of the IP.
Doing this does take time and I couldn't afford to do it for free but I would do it for peanuts. My main concern is making sure people feel safe and helping them find methods to increase their confidence online or at least find ways to further investigate suspicions.
I'll check this thread periodically (I'm actually going to bed now...) to see if anyone has any general questions or those who are interested in having some assistance.
Thanks
Lola teh n3rd
"There's no place like 127.0.0.1"



Reply With Quote


Bookmarks