Naming computers endangers privacy, say 'Net standards boffins

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/03/14/naming_computers_endangers_privacy/

 

What would you suggest as a default common computer name? I have tried to use an empty one, but I was unable to boot, well at least I have learnt, how to fix that.

 

Maybe naming it Computer would be generic enough?

 

That is actually very unique name, generic names includes numbers, like computer487 or so.

 

Imo still better than naming it john-pc or something similar

 

In Linux, I generally stick with whatever the default is: debian, host, etc.

But when I'm working with a bunch of VPS, I give them unique names, to avoid confusion. Like "rm -r ~/" on the wrong one

 

Indeed, I am actually wondering, how to avoid it being discoverable as suggested, I guess, that disabling network sharing services prevents it?

 

Windows is very chatty, for sure. But I've forgotten the specifics, and there's probably new craziness in Windows 10.

There's probably a trick with WebRTC that leaks hostname.

 

and maybe disabling network discovery rules in Windows FW.

 

I've been using MadMacs for years every time I boot my PC MadMacs randomizes my MAC address (and host name) in Windows.

MadMACs: MAC Address Spoofing and
Host Name Randomizing App for Windows 7
(Should work in Windows Vista and Windows 8 too)

https://www.irongeek.com/i.php?page=security/madmacs-mac-spoofer