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Ask Slashdot: How Do I Reduce Information Leakage From My Personal Devices?
Mattcelt writes: I find that using an ad-blocking hosts file has been one of the most effective way to secure my devices against malware for the past few years. But the sheer number of constantly-shifting server DNs to block means I couldn't possibly manage such a list on my own. And finding out today that Microsoft is, once again, bollocks at privacy (no surprise there) made me think I need to add a new strategic purpose to my hosts solution — specifically, preventing my devices from 'phoning home'. Knowing that my very Operating Systems are working against me in this regard incenses me, and I want more control over who collects my data and how. Does anyone here know of a place that maintains a list of the servers to block if I don't want Google/Apple/Microsoft to receive information about my usage and habits? It likely needs to be documented so certain services can be enabled or disabled on an as-needed basis, but as a starting point, I'll gladly take a raw list for now.
You haven't been given the same tools on your mobile device as we have on desktops, because the ad revenue from mobile devices is what everybody most wants.
The OS, and every app largely exist to track you and serve you ads.
I'd be surprised if there was an easy mechanism, which worked on multiple devices, and didn't require a rooted device. Because this is precisely the kind of thing which isn't nearly as available as it should be.
Me, I'm betting the OS makers have pretty much decided no way in hell you're getting that kind of control, and if they gave it to you malicious apps would use it to take over where your device really goes.
Being able to control that is a two way street, and the potable devices don't surrender as much control.
Lost at C:>. Found at C.
Yesterday, I was waiting while sitting in an airplane. I hadn't put my iPhone yet in "airplane" mode. The cell reception was next to non-existent. I turn on the music player and it gets stuck on the startup screen. Nothing I can do. I turn on airplane more, then it works immediately. It's not the first time I noticed this happen. Even just trying to listen to your own tunes Apple still makes your devices connect "home", regardless of how you disable any limited settings that may have an effect on this. Therefore,
> Never use an internet connected device
is accurate.
That's just an example. Almost every program by Apple does that, as seen in the Activity Monitor on OS X. People like to rant on Windows 10 calling home, but MS is just learning from the experts ;)
Brave beta is just out. A project from the former CEO of Mozilla.
AFAICT out of the box one of the safest and most private browsers around.
Definitely a leg up from the usual suspects.
We suffer more in our imagination than in reality. - Seneca