Paper Key : IRJ************837
Author: Chinmay Suhas Mirkute,Shraddha Bhanudas Gaikwad,Harita Virkar
Date Published: 12 Nov 2024
Abstract
The increasingly connected world that exists today creates dependence on public networks, both because more and more individuals are taking to the internet from cafes, airports, and other public places. Unfortunately, with this comes an enormous price: severe privacy and security threats. With data breaches occurring daily for millions of users worldwide, they reveal sensitive personal and financial information. Public networks typically involve more security risks. This is because low-level encryption and insecure connections allow malicious actors to intercept information, monitor user activity, and even collect access to personal user devices. The threats posed by such threats represent the clearest failure of the traditional security practices in terms of anonymity preservation. Despite efforts in cybersecurity, a perfect solution to secure anonymity remains elusive. While certainly some risks affiliated with existing tools can be somewhat mitigated, using VPNs, proxy servers, and even minimalist encryption protocols tends to often fall short of full security measures in ensuring one is, indeed, anonymous. Moreover, such tools frequently prove tricky to use, at least too expensive, or, quite simply, not good enough against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Another very important factor is the general public's poor education on best anonymity practices. Almost all users remain unaware of their vulnerability on public networks or which one of these methods would best protect their identities. Thus, most of the users unknowingly compromise their privacy, making it easy for the malevolent entities to track, intercept, and exploit their data.This paper traces the historical development of anonymity enhancing technologies, unveiling key gaps in current approaches that have left users vulnerable to privacy invasions. We explore quite a range of widely available tools, including VPNs, proxy servers, and encrypted communications, to comprehend their strengths and weaknesses within the context of public network security. The analysis will also extend to more sophisticated anonymity frameworks, such as the TOR network that uses a decentralized relay system for hiding user identity, and emerging privacy-oriented technologies involving decentralized blockchain protocols and zero-knowledge proofs so as to introduce further obscurity in user data. TOR operates on a virtual encrypted tunnel that is used to transfer the user's data, enhancing the user's privacy policy and allowing the user to avoid being stalked by hackers. The dark web or TOR is sluggish because we normally need to use special browsers like TOR browsers, which do not connect directly with your computer to the dark web sites, or because your requests run via those three nodes, which use peer to- peer connections rather than core network connections. When you request a website and it shows on your screen, the delay between those stages increases. One of the main goals of this paper is to create propaganda in favor of anonymity of users in public networks by searching and analyzing applicable and functional means available on diverse devices and platforms. This paper discusses a broad range of tools and frameworks that enrich anonymity with the aim of equipping users with actionable insights into protecting online activities. Recommendations are made based on analyses of easing usability, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and strength in resisting common cyber threats. In doing so, we propose best practices for users in the minimization of their digital footprint from interception or misuse on public networks. Therefore, this research bridges the gap between security solutions already in existence and the constantly increasing demand for online anonymity. It will devise effective strategies and spread awareness on anonymity techniques to contribute toward making the digital world a safer place. Our findings indicate that educating users in achieving effective privacy protections is important and call for greater initiatives to alert people into smart choices that enable them to make intelligent decisions in their digital security.
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