Using upribox to protect online privacy
Practice Test
In testing, I was unable to find any difference when comparing this setup to a hardened Firefox browser running on a single notebook where the add-ons Adblock Plus and Ghostery had been installed for blocking ads and trackers. Page build speed on upribox stayed the same, and the filters reliably blocked undesired content. However, as expected, when using upribox in Ninja mode, the data transfer rate over the Tor network dropped sharply.
Also, an observable loss of speed occurred on the notebook with the Tor browser bundle. This was probably caused by the properties of the Tor network. Upribox showed positive results for excellent reliability during continuous operation. There were no crashes or hang ups when upribox ran continuously for several weeks. WiFi generation worked successfully and without any interruption with both USB adapters.
Nonetheless, I recommend use of the TP-Link adapter in larger spaces because it offers a noticeably better send and receive signal than the smaller Wi-Pi stick because of its external antenna. With the Wi-Pi stick, I found that the signal became weaker by about 55 percent once it had to pass through just two walls. This means that the Wi-Pi stick user would have to count on reception difficulties when larger distances and multiple barriers are involved.
Upribox requires no maintenance because of the conscientious work put in by the project team. The system works entirely on its own once the access data has been specified and the user has been authenticated via new passwords.
Conclusion
As amply demonstrated by upribox, the Raspberry Pi is well suited for use as a WiFi access point with an integrated proxy server and content filters, thus increasing browser security. The most important advantage offered over a corresponding hardened single computer is that upribox provides effective protection for all end devices against invasive trackers and ads. The protection applies independently of operating system, browser, and extensions that have been installed.
The VPN server function also contributes to security for a user browsing via a public hotspot. Moreover, the server does not require time-consuming software configuration efforts. The administration is basically limited to changing passwords for WiFi access.
One shortcoming is the sparse documentation for the project. Less technologically savvy users would probably appreciate information about WiFi adapters suitable for setting up an access point. The developers have already made a step in the right direction by releasing the software as open source software. Feedback from the community should help the developers evolve and improve the software quickly.
Infos
- upribox: https://upribox.org
- St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences: https://www.fhstp.ac.at/de
- Netidee: https://www.netidee.at/netidee-home/
- upribox download: https://github.com/usableprivacy/upribox
- Tor: https://www.torproject.org/
- TP-Link TL-WN722N: http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/TL-WN722N.html
- List of WiFi chipsets and their functions: https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/en/users/drivers
- Wi-Pi adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Wi-Pi-Raspberry-802-11n-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B00BDW6D7I
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