Naming computers endangers privacy, say 'Net standards boffins

Discussion in 'privacy general' started by Minimalist, Mar 14, 2017.

  1. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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    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. :isay:
     
  3. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    Maybe naming it Computer would be generic enough?
     
  4. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    Imo still better than naming it john-pc or something similar :)
     
  6. mirimir

    mirimir Registered Member

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    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 ;)
     
  7. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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

    mirimir Registered Member

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    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.
     
  9. guest

    guest Guest

    and maybe disabling network discovery rules in Windows FW.
     
  10. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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    USA still the best. But barely.
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