[OPSEC/Computer] Campus Wifi Questions

Before you guys rip me to shreds, yes I know it is stupid. I should be using public wifi and all that jazz I know. I have some honest questions about it though. So I don't know if they do this all across the US but all the schools in the west coast that I've been to run it the same way as my school. In order to get onto the Wifi you have to go to a website, log in with your school account, then register your computer (or playstation or smartTV) with it's mac address, then you gain access to wifi and ethernet. Normal for a purchase I go to a random free wifi location, boot up tails, and run tor to my preferred DNM (Blackbank for the curious). However, I am on campus almost all day, and for simply browsing the DNMs I don't want to have to go to Mickey Ds everytime. So here are my questions 1. I shouldn't use tails correct? I assume that I would be unable to connect to the Wifi without registering mac address for tails, which would compromise my identity. 2. Is it safe to use Windows, with a trusted VPN, then tor? I understand this is less secure, however if for some reason they looked into it since I am running a VPN they wouldn't even see that I am using tor correct? Since it is my normal use computer do I have to worry about my IP leaking from some background program?

Sidenote, no I'm not freaking out over a gram of pot getting sent to me, it would be quite a bit worse if I got caught, which is why I am double checking my options.


Comments


[2 Points] MLP_is_my_OPSEC:

Using Windows with Tor Browser Bundle through a VPN is a good idea in your situation. Just make sure that your DNS doesn't leak.


[1 Points] None:

Ummm, who told you only use public wifi exactly? Like was it someone with a gigantic tin foil hat, and also doesn't read the news paper articles about how Ross got busted?

Anywho, you're perfectly fine to use just tor to connect, there's no major opsec issues. VPN to Tor is a debated topic, maybe increases opsec. TAILs definitely increases opsec, so do tumblers, and many other things you can do.

There has never been a single buyer taken down this way, a few cases where coinbase banned accounts (including at least one person who never used a DNM) but seriously you should be making sure none of your physical friends are looking over your shoulder, thats all you need to do


[1 Points] Spoogly:

You can use Tails, without a problem. I'm not sure why you're concerned over it. If no one is able to see over your shoulder, you should be fine. That being said, you'll want to either 1) disable MAC address spoofing, or 2) (which is a little unethical) change your MAC address to that of someone else on the network who is registered correctly. As long as you're over Tor, your school is going to see at most only that you were over Tor, not what you were doing, or what OS you are running. That being said, if you have the option to connect to a VPN in Tails, then to Tor (takes some setting up), that would mean that your school would not even see that you're running Tails.

If it has your MAC, that doesn't mean it's your computer, since MAC addresses can be changed. It is no less safe to turn off MAC spoofing in tails, connect and go about your business than it is to just run tor in windows. It will most likely be more safe, since tails is amnesic.

The only thing is, be already registered on the network. Having to enter your password gives just a little more evidence that you are the one who owns the computer that's using Tor...