how to turn off all outbound traffic
Hi, I am interested in learning if it is possible to use Firefox without there being a possibility of the browser automatically sending any data to any external IP address, that is, to simply use Firefox as a means of displaying HTML files without the browser connecting itself to a network. The reason I am needing a browser to not disconnect to a network is because I am converting a large copyrighted manuscript into HTML/CSS to be displayed on the author's desktop, and we cannot risk the manuscript possibly being uploaded to a server that may or may not be private.
Sometimes too, I build custom websites for corporate intranets, and the expensive coding is not made available online (no copying allowed ;-) ).
Normally I simply create similar pages on a computer that is never connected to a network, but it is inconvenient and causes loss of productivity to switch back and forth between computers.
I would appreciate information of whether there are privacy settings that block all outgoing traffic, or if there is a secure means of blocking Firefox itself (i.e. would blocking Firefox in the firewall likely be enough?). If I block Firefox with the firewall (or disconnect the ethernet), does Firefox collect and later send the collected data when I connect to the Internet? I would be as inconvenienced to not be able to use Firefox at all on a computer. :)
Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
LarryN
すべての返信 (4)
Hi Larry, you can set Firefox to "Work Offline" but I can't say for certain what exactly that blocks. (This is found most readily on the classic File menu. If you do not normally display the menu bar, tap the Alt key or F10 to display it temporarily.)
While an HTML document you are viewing in the browser should never be sent to a website without your approval, I can appreciate that sometimes "stuff happens." For example, if you use any add-ons that use web-based back end processing, such as converting to PDF in the cloud, online translation, or HTML/CSS validation, it might be possible to trigger those add-ons accidentally from a menu or keyboard shortcut.
Perhaps it's safest to use firewall software to disallow Firefox making network connections (many firewalls have a "program control" feature along these lines).
Note: Firefox makes certain connections automatically that you can turn off, as described in the following article: How to stop Firefox from making automatic connections.
Some firewalls have a total shutdown option. Also, you can unplug the modem, or shut down your WIFI/bluetooth.
jscher2000 said
Note: Firefox makes certain connections automatically that you can turn off, as described in the following article: How to stop Firefox from making automatic connections.
Thank you jscher2000, the link lists several configuration features that I was unaware of. After weighing the available options, I believe that I will continue using a separate off-line computer just to make sure, and to positively prevent any 'oops' moments. Authors spend years of their lives writing a manuscript that is based upon decades of research, and it just isn't worth the risk of losing their work. Yeah, I'm already feeling better with the choice. Thank again!
LarryN
FredMcD said
Some firewalls have a total shutdown option. Also, you can unplug the modem, or shut down your WIFI/bluetooth.
Thank you FredMcD. After looking at the available choices, I have decided to continue using an off-line computer just to make sure. I purposefully never use anything wireless anyway (security and health reasons), but past experience with Microsoft's software storing data and then uploading it when an off-line computer is later connected to the Internet, well, it made me concerned that Firefox might do something similar. The only real security solution is to continue using a PC that is never hooked-up to a network.
Thanks again.
LarryN