Is Internet Anonymity a Myth or a Reality - Thesis Example

The aim of this research work is to analyze whether anonymity systems completely conceal the activity of a user or do they leave any residual information for others to identify the user. This research illustrates the different types and techniques of anonymity tools. The low latency TOR network and the multi-proxy aggregate services are discussed in detail along with the metrics for measuring anonymity. Based on these discussions, the major hypotheses of the research have been tested to find “Is Internet Anonymity a Myth or a Reality?

” From the discussion of the design issues, implementation techniques, the types of attacks, and the countermeasures used to overcome the attacks, it has been found that in most of the scenarios, a common user could get an acceptable level of anonymity by the usage of low latency networks like Tor and other multi-proxy aggregate services. This is true because a common user may not expect an attack from a strong adversary. But when the user is a specific company or a government agency that requires more anonymity, then the expected adversary may be strong.

To handle such a strong adversary, specific methods of improvement as suggested by researchers need to be adopted. The practical implementation of these techniques may be challenging. Thus internet anonymity is a myth for specific users who require extreme anonymity, but internet anonymity is a reality for a common user. 1.1. Introduction:The internet praised as the forum for the whole world is being dominated by government and corporate intervention. Apart from these, there are increased interventions by many unauthorized entities.

The basic structure and architecture of the internet make it vulnerable to intrusions and covert monitoring of the communication of the common man. Such passive and active attacks on the internet raise questions regarding the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. There are situations when a person may require anonymity in his communication. Anonymity may be a requirement not only for a common internet user but also for secured government transactions. Anonymity can enable a person to express himself freely when he is sure that his identity would not be revealed.

Anonymity has potential threats due to the many factors.