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user408
2013-06-25, 23:22
Hi All,

None of the other categories looked like a "fit" for this inquiry, so I thought I would try here.

I visit a website periodically -- sometimes a few times a month, sometimes I'll go months between visits. When ever I go there, within a few hours or a day, I'll receive an information email from the website.

Odd thing is: I've got scores of tools designed to prevent tracking and cookie killers running in the browser. And here's the odd part: I installed another operating system by overwriting my old OS. The same darn thing is happening. I visit the web site, I get an email.

I have contributed to this company before so they would have my email address. I'm wondering if they have database-matched my MAC address to my email address? Or, is there another way to interrogate a visiting browser for an email address?


What strategy could I use to track down and squash this "leak"? Or perhaps you could direct me to a website that may be better for this odd problem? Sure would appreciate any advice or insight.....

shelf life
2013-06-27, 23:38
Dont think this is possible from a MAC address. Your IP, maybe. Bounce through a reliable proxy and see.


Read this. (http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3454858/how-to-get-client-mac-address-by-a-access-on-a-website)

user408
2013-06-28, 01:47
Dont think this is possible from a MAC address. Your IP, maybe. Bounce through a reliable proxy and see.


Read this. (http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3454858/how-to-get-client-mac-address-by-a-access-on-a-website)




Interesting website.

My naked connection is dynamic IP. But ..... I'm running thru a VPN and due to bandwidth limitations, I frequently have to change my gateway.

Assuming the "bad guys" have no native app installed, perhaps my DSL modem/router is giving off identifying characteristics?? I'm just totally blown away to be so easily tracked.


Sheesh, I dunno. I have a feeling I'm gonna burn a few braincells prior to understanding this one .......

shelf life
2013-06-28, 23:49
ok so a VPN rules out your IP. Also delete flash cookies or as a experiment disable flash before visiting the site. On second thought that may not be useful since you said you installed another OS? Cant think of anything really on how they could match a single web site visit to a E-mail address. FireFox has some excellent add ons to help prevent tracking in general.
Also some good enlightenment at the links below if interested.

Link 1 (http://browserspy.dk/)
Link 2 (https://panopticlick.eff.org/)
Link 3 (https://labs.isecpartners.com/breadcrumbs/breadcrumbs.html)