thrwyparanoid

No, I don't do this all the time. I didn't even make this throwaway account in an obfuscated way.

This procedure will only be used for things that I really don't want traced back to me. I'm not a blackhat or drug dealer, but I'd still prefer these activities not be associated with me.

The only tedious bits are preparing the burner laptop's OS for compartmentalization and encrypted/anonymous internet connection (both, not one or the other). Once the machine is set up and I have a suitable amount of bitcoin and the VPN set up I don't need to repeat those processes for months or a year.

However, I really like the idea of getting prepaid data with cash and exclusively using a mobile hotspot. I also like the idea of simply building a computer for this purpose and buying all the components separately.

Thanks for the reply, but I wasn't intending on visiting the same coffee shop twice.

I'm sure people might assume I'm "up to no good," but that's not something I'm particularly concerned about. No one would really be worried about my appearance in person, nor would I become a regular anywhere.

However, this whole point is probably effectively mitigated with a prepaid data card and mobile hotspot.

I have no experience with prepaid data cards. Can I purchase these in cash (easily)? That's a good strategy if so.

Great point. I'd probably have to use ad-blocking software, Ghostery and even then do manual oversight on all outbound requests. I could use a sophisticated proxy to do this on the fly when necessary.

Excellent points...spoofing a MAC address and using an antenna would make things safer and easier. Thanks.

Two considerations:

1. I personally know of a large electronics chain that does not have a functional camera pointed at a register you can purchase a computer at. While the rest of the store does, I could try to think of ways around that and bring bags in my jacket that are opaque.

2. I could try to innocently go to the store on Halloween with a reasonable pretext for keeping a mask on in the store.