SoftEtherVPN and Privoxy... how to use them ?

[mulambo]

So, I got my hands on these two softwares, can anybody tell me how to configure them ?
As for now, it seems that Privoxy is responding with Firefox as I've config'd all the necessary settings and everytime I make a connection (download a file or access a page) the Privoxy icon goes spinning in green (should mean it's being used correctly).
But many sites can still see my IP from my browsers or other applications (Bittorrent, Soulseek, Thunderbird, etc... ), so I got SoftEtherVPN Client... I've created a virtual VPN connection... but how can I config it and run it so I can hide my IP or set my IP as the one of Privoxy (for all Internet applications I use, without configuring each one of them specifically) ?
Sorry if it sounds like a mess, probably I don't know what I'm doing, I just heard that to hide my IP from other I need a VPN software and the free one I got is SoftEtherVPN, if you got anything else to suggest (and how to properly configure it), I'm all ears, thank you!

 

[file3456]

Having ran Privoxy years and years ago, I can tell you that is NOT going to change your IP address. This is only a passthough local proxy to filter Ads and what not. Another is Squid.

You want to use a VPN, but certainly not a free VPN. Free means you're paying for it with telemetry and what not. Not only that, but not all VPNs are the same, and depending on what you need a VPN for will dictate which one to get. Is it for privacy? Security? Internet censorship? Beyond that, your browser's metadata can rat you out. Such as WebRTC, WebGL, or canvas fingerprints. So using a VPN is fruitless unless you know more about securing ALL of the OSI layers...

In conclusion, stay away from free VPNs and online proxies. Depending on your use for a VPN will depend on which one you get. It will also depend on how you pay for it as well.

 

[mulambo]

I see, so what's the best solution for basic security setting in Windows 7 ? Any reccomended freeware to use as firewall ?

 

[file3456]

From proxies to VPNs and firewalls...

Do you already use a router? Not a modem but a router? Or perhaps a modem/router combination unit given to you by your ISP? If so, you already have a hardware firewall of sorts called SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection). Through the use of NAT (Network Address Translation) in the router you are afforded a firewall in that unsolicited Internet connections hitting your router are blocked unless your computer or device makes that connection. This is firewall protection on the inbound however.

If you want to go above and beyond and want to control what goes OUT from the computer or device, then a software based firewall is what you want. Or if you're willing to learn, use the Pfsense hardware firewall which you can take out for a test drive in VMware Workstation Player. They also sell appliances with Pfsense already installed. Off the top of my head another competitor is Untangle.

What kind of software firewall? Well, the already built-in Windows firewall should suffice. Many years ago I used to use Comodo's firewall and loved its capabilities, but like all firewall or anti-virus software it became over bloated, convoluted and stupid beyond proportions. Unfortunately, beyond the Windows firewall, I can't suggest a better software firewall protection since I don't use one except something called Peerblock and some other things. Peerblock only blocks the IPs you create lists for and at that only IPv4 IPs. I don't use IPv6 so it's not much of an issue except maybe with something called Teredo (Ter-ee-doo) which is an IPv6 to IPv4 transition technology built into Windows. My Peerblock install blocks over 859 million IPs. But this is very niche and purpose built for me with the lists I create and it's very cumbersome to those that don't know anything about it all let alone how to create the lists and where to get the data.

The type of security you want will be predicated on how much you already know about computer technology or how much you want to learn. For simplicity sake just stick with the built-in Windows firewall and call it a day. It isn't perfect, but it's better than nothing when it comes to helping control the outbound portion of network traffic. It'll also protect the inbound, but that's only if you connect directly to a modem without SPI or NAT ability.

If you're REALLY interested in this stuff and want to see what some of the software capabilities are out there, then head on over to Wilders Security Forums. Wilders Security Forums Just know you should never stack end to end one purpose built security software on another that does the same functionality, i.e. two anti-viruses or two firewalls and other things.


Addendum:

If you use IPv6 you need to know that unless your modem or router supports NAT64, you will in fact have one giant hole in your network. This is because NAT64 is to NAT for IPv4. Without NAT64 in a router/modem that use an IPv6 WAN IP address there is no blocking unsolicited inbound traffic. Not only that, but IPv6 addresses contain a boat load of metadata...

IPv6 interface identifier

5 Myths about IPv6 Security

 

[mulambo]

Thank you, as there's not much I can do about it (meaning : don't have time to study all that stuff properly to get me a right knowledge) I think I can just rely on some random firewall and windows basic/standard/OS tools for security which are all currently on. But I still wonder if there's any services (editable in services.msc) which I can safely disable to increase security For example, since Win7 support is discontinued, I guess such services (I've seen many which gather and send data for remote support) just serve as a waythrough (this is more like what I fear "intruders" may use as) and nothing more.

 

[file3456]

But I still wonder if there's any services (editable in services.msc) which I can safely disable to increase security...

Black Viper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations - Black Viper | BlackViper.Com


If you don't trust yourself with Window 7 you have four options as of now.

1) Check out Windows 10 AME. This is not for everyone.

2) Strip down Windows 10 with NTlite. Also check this out. Comparison of Windows 10 Privacy tools - gHacks Tech News

3) Run Linux. I'm testing Twister OS right now. Check it out from a YouTube video. TwisterOS | An Amazing OS For Raspberry Pi - YouTube For Linux on a computer they have the UI.

4) Learn Qubes. Qubes OS: A reasonably secure operating system | Qubes OS

 

[mulambo]

Well, I've tried Windows 10 and it scared me, I'd rather use Linux (still waiting for Microsoft to turn us all into cyberslaves for it to happen)... Windows 7 seems the least evil atm, but I'll probably switch to Ubuntu or that other linux-based OS for artists (can't remember the name), if my PC will meet the requirements. Thanks for the BlackViper's page though, it helped me out figuring which program to disable, seems all fine now (at least I didn't disable the services I needed to connect properly)

 

[file3456]

Ubuntu, I'm afraid, is actually going to crap. LOL Since I've been chastised to no end for years on other tech forums for "blanket statements" without actually giving any sources, here are some vids on my sentiments.

Why is Ubuntu Getting so much HATE ? - YouTube

Richard Stallman Talks About Ubuntu - YouTube



Unrelated, but interesting and kinda related. I'm going to try this sometime in the near future.

e Foundation - deGoogled unGoogled smartphone operating systems and online services - your data is your data

If you're REALLY interested in a secure Linux OS, I highly recommend you read all you can about Qubes. The biggest caveat to Qubes, however is compatible hardware. It's best to just look at their current running list of compatibility and chose hardware that's the most compatible. Introduction | Qubes OS Joanna Rutkowska is the founder of this OS. Joanna Rutkowska - Wikipedia I read about her Blue Pill around 2008 and was amazed by it. I even changed my avatar on TechIMO (a now defunct tech forum) to a Blue Pill. Of course Blue Pill is a type of metaphor? (for lack of the right term) from the symbology used in the first Matrix movie. Red pill and you see what the truth is. Blue pill and you stay in la, la land. This Blue Pill (a virtual root kit) stays in the "la, la land" of your OS and no one is the wiser. I doubt even today modern day anti-virus software could detect it. Well, they're all definition based anyway. But that may change with machine learning and sandboxing... I've always liked the sandbox approach. "It's the sanest choice..."

Addendum:

Holy crap! LOL Here's one of Joanna's blog post's from 2008. Now look where we're at with smart watches and all the rest. 1984? | The Invisible Things

1984 is in reference to this book. Amazon.com

Check out these Stats!

Best Sellers Rank: #229 in Books

• #2 in Dystopian Fiction
• #3 in Political Fiction (Books)
• #6 in Classic American Literature

"Okay Google, Hey Siri, Hey Cortana, Alexa, define Dystopian."

 

[mulambo]

Well, I can understand your concern, I've been also been banned by countless communities, but that's the problem of communities: they take one person in a high position to hate you, to get the hate of all the others (that's like... feudalism, you know)... but honestly, I'm just an artist/creative/time-waster... so the only thing I need is a secure OS on which I can run graphic or other creative programs. Win7 is currently the best option for me now (but, honestly, I prefer XP, yeah you can laugh lol). I tried Ubuntu in the past, but I really didn't get in touch with their community so I can't tell what's the "atmosphere" in there. It just seemed a good OS for the average folk, that's all. The only thing I don't like about Linux systems is the inability of "plug and play", you need to connect all the devices at the installation point and that's crucial for me as I got particular devices like old scanners, internet pendrives, tablets, etc... another problem is hardware retrocompatibility: the thing I hate about Windows systems is their support to planned obsolescence. That's just not ethically right. People shouldn't feel forced to update their devices (and I guess that's even environmentally wrong because it forces production of newer devices and waste of older ones), that's all. So progress isn't real progress to me if it's not able to protect the past... but we all know this "cancel culture" thing is driving us all pretty crazy lately, I can only wait and hope (or pray, that'll be better lol) the whole mainstream to change its mind. When rationalism loses its mind, then it becomes fixation, you know.

 

[file3456]

I run XP from time to time in VMware Workstation Player (a virtual machine). Windows 7 is still a viable OS unless there is software or games that don't support it. All the crap about it not getting updates making it insecure is crap. It's all on how you use the OS, and browse the Internet. Windows 7 just want magically get infected or hacked. You certainly don't need to pay homage to thje patch Tuesday God of Microsoft.

You can help keep your OS from being infected and/or hacked by doing these three things:

1) Run Sandboxie for your browser and keep Sandboxie and the browser updated. You need to learn about Sandboxie however. Releases . sandboxie-plus/Sandboxie . GitHub

Use HashTools to generate the SHA256 hash of a downloaded file. Now check that hash in the search at VirusTotal. If the file was previously scanned at VirusTotal you'll get a report. The general conscious is four hits and you toss the download. But it does depend on what you have there that you downloaded. Game hacks and what have you can mimic malware. It's all on knowing on what you have. I wouldn't trust pirated downloads... HashTools: Compute and Check Hashes with One Click by Binary Fortress Software (Bookmark this link) VirusTotal

3) Depending on how much data you store on your computer and/or change data on the computer, you'll want to image or clone the whole hard drive at least once a month. Use an external hard drive of equal or greater size for the clone. Store the cloned backup hard drive ion a $35 fireproof safe. They are around $35, 30 Euro. At least here in the U.S. on eBay. We have office supply stores that sell them. Not sure about Italy. Something like this: Fire Chest | 1200 | SentrySafe

Thee is lots of cloning software out there. I use AOMEI Backupper for my parents computer. For me I use Clonezilla. AOMEI Backupper is a Chinese made software, but I have yet to see shenanigans with the version I use. Other people may use Macrium Reflect. Here's more. Macrium Reflect Alternatives: 25+ Similar Disk Imaging and Disk Cloning Tools | AlternativeTo