Internet Connection Rules
There are already extensive FAQ's and threads on proxies and internet security, so i wont go into that here, but i will give out some basic rules for proxies and this site:
Never mention WHICH proxy server you are using. If you do that, you might as well not use a proxy at all. Doing this cuts out the 'middle man' and makes LEO's job much easier (if he wants you, of course)
Don't give out your personal email address, ICQ number, and don't tell other people what chat sites you use. These are all unsecure.
Remember, there is no rule saying LEO can't register an account here and be REALLY friendly to you, is there? No of course there isn't, don't be blind! Anyone could be LEO, so don't go around giving out contact information at the drop of a hat!
Now, there is much misunderstanding regarding proxies and firewalls. Firewalls DO NOT hide your IP and do NOT make you invisible on the internet. They merely stop unsolicited connections to and from your computer. Firewalls will stop random attempts from other computers to connect or communicate with your computer, and they will stop direct attempts to 'hack' your computer. This is all they do, they do not play any other part in securing your connection. This is where the proxy comes into play. By connecting through a proxy, you are effectively 'not yourself'. To all computers and servers you connect to, it seems as though you are they proxy. You will show all the proxies connection information, and none of your own. This makes you invisible, as you are no longer displaying your correct connection information. This is why it is unwise to log on to this site without being behind a proxy. Having a firewall does nothing to your internet invisibility, but it does help stop computers communicating with your computer without your permission.
This applies to more than just posting
Although PM's and private messages in Chat are not public, they are still on a database somewhere, and someone with the correct knowledge and resources could access them. In most cases, this is less of an issue, although there still is some risk. I would pay attention to make sure you don't give out direct information in PM's, but perhaps link your mate to a non-cannabis chat site where you will only log on in a private room to give out an address or other secret information. Alternatively, you could learn to use PGP and encrypt all your sensitive PM's with this. Just keep in mind that although your average Jo cannot access PM's, anyone with the knowledge of internet hacking could do this. But why would someone hack your PM's? They would have to have a valid reason from your postings on Overgrow.com to feel the need to break into this site and take a peek at your PM's. Its all related, so just keep clean EVERYWHERE!
But, its not just through hacking that people can gain access to your PM's and such. The second you write some text and press 'send' the message is blasted off through cyberspace, but it doesn't link directly to the secure overgrow.com servers. First, it has to pass through your ISP, and even your proxy server. Anyone sniffing the line will be able to read what you send, and what you read. This is why it is more than advisable to use PGP encrypt ion when sending private information, and even using an off-site email server to send this information. Remembering that overgrow.com is more than likely under the watchful eyes of 'Big Brother', and that the more you keep your real information away from here, the better. PGP encrypt your secret information and use an off-site email server is my advise to you. Don't get paranoid about all PM's, but just make sure that your real information doesn't get posted around here without PGP, and just to be sure, use a non-cannabis email server to post these PGP encrypted messages.
PGP is rather straight forward these days. Interfacing with most popular email clients is seamless and easy to use. Just follow the install instructions:
http://www.pgp.com/products/personal.html
To conclude
Don't fool yourself. LEO is watching this site. Do we have proof? No we don’t, but do we need it? If you were part of the DEA during all this 'War on Drugs' crap, would you ignore such a mass of growers all communicating on one site? I certainly wouldn't! Even if there was no way of actually catching people, I’d like to know what equipment is related to cannabis use, what people are doing, what they like, what to look out for etc. For all you know, I could be George Bush... can you prove I’m not? This is exactly what I mean, your most trusted 'friend' on overgrow could be your local LEO checking up on you!
All I’m saying here is, this site is most likely being watched. Watch what you say, Big Brother is watching... being paranoid will keep us one step ahead, we need every advantage we can get.
Last modified: 06:36 - Jul 08, 2003
Quicklink: http://overgrow.com/growfaq/1536
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faq:1536 "How can I post with more personal safety?"