Silk Road forums

Discussion => Off topic => Topic started by: Rainer Wissen on January 16, 2013, 12:43 am

Title: New to SR, now what?
Post by: Rainer Wissen on January 16, 2013, 12:43 am
I just joined and am curious as to what I need to do?!  What security measures should I take? Where is most secure place to get Bitcoin? What is this rash on my junk?  that sort of thing.  I have been searching the other topics and just can't quite figure out what is applicable to me specifically.  Sorry to bother anyone but its better to ask and know for sure than to face the worst because I am too proud not to ask.

                           -Thanks in advance-
Title: Re: New to SR, now what?
Post by: Deutsche Bank on January 16, 2013, 03:07 am
I'd recommend you start reading the "security" forums, especially threads / posts regarding "general" security measures (i.e. Linux [Liberte Linux], PGP etc.). There are some all-in-one guides please check them out, if you don't understand a certain topic, don't hesitate trying to inform yourself and if you don't find a solution to it, feel free to ask the community, from what I see, most people around here are really helpful.

By the way, I think it doesn't really matter, where you get your Bitcoin, I mean, Bitcoin isn't something illegal.
Title: Re: New to SR, now what?
Post by: g01d3n on January 16, 2013, 03:19 am
Your first priority should be how to encrypt/decrypt via PGP. When you order, it's in your best interest to use a CORRECT name and address. PGP allows you to hide that sensitive information from prying eyes, and allows the shipping process to go as smoothly as possible.

If you have any questions about PGP don't hesitate to ask people about it; we were all new once. You'd be surprised how many helpful and insightful people we have on The Road.

That should be it. Welcome to the Road; were the sun always shines and the medicine is always plentiful. :D
Title: Re: New to SR, now what?
Post by: g01d3n on January 16, 2013, 03:44 am
I sent a private message to you, but maybe I can help others with this information:

Heh, I feel honored that you would reach out to me; and I would be happy to help in any way I can.

The necessity of PGP varies from vendor to vendor, but to be brutally honest, I would never send my real name and address unencrypted. Even though you're using a TOR browser, and you may be anonymous while browsing, there is always a slight chance that unencrypted text can be intercepted on the net.

-First things first, you're going to need a program to encrypt/decrypt text. Go to google (or any search engine) and download the latest version of gpg4win.
-When Installing, you will receive a prompt with a bunch of check mark boxes; Make doubly sure that the GPA box is checked (you will be using this program to encrypt/decrypt text.
-Now that you have GPA, you are going to have to make yourself a public key (I'm sure you've noticed that many (if not all) vendors have a public key.
-In GPA, on the top, you will see an option for KEYS; Click it. It will ask you for a name (use a fake name). Then an e-mail address (use a fake one as well). Its your choice whether or not to make a backup.
-Now you have to make a pass phrase. I recommend using a 20 character or more passphrase.
---------------------------Now you have your Public Key-----------------------------
-Now to be able to post and send you public key (you need send this to you vendor if you want him to be able to decrypt your text).
-Click your newly created Key, and there should be an option to export your key. Export it to your desktop, and open it via notepad (not microsoft word; NOTEPAD).
-This is your public key. Save it for later.

*Deep Inhale*

-Now remember I said many (if not all) vendor will have a public key? Well, go to your vendor of choice and copy their public key. Paste it in NOTEPAD, and save it to your desktop.
-In GPA you will see an import button. Click it and go to desktop, and open the file with your vendors PGP key.
-GPA will automatically rip the vendors key and save it.

-----------Now you have a key, and you have your vendors key-----------

Now for sending messages......

-In GPA you will see a clipboard option.
(Now, this part is only if you intend to send your name and address to your vendor)
-Type in your message and click encrypt; select your vendors name and click OK (Do NOT sign)
-You now have an encrypted message.

That's all there is to it. Practice makes perfect.

When you make your first order, you will be given an option to send a message.

Send your public key along with your (encrypted) message. And you're done.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I know it's difficult at first, and if you have anymore question, please don't hesitate to ask.

Silk Road is full of helpful and insightful people, willing to help.

I really hope this wasn't too confusing. :)