How to wipe meta and exif data
Jul 9, 2023 19:56:29 #
HowManyPicturesHaveWeTaken
Loc: CO
I'm looking for a a downloadable tool that can be used Offline to wipe data from ANY KIND of graphics or even
music files. I have a mechanical switch box that really takes me offline. Unfortunately there are always files you miss and they send a ping to an unwanted web address even if you store them on a USB drive and open it offline. I'm still using windows 7 and Firefox. Between the two life is getting very complicated for us older folks. Spyware and data brokers abound. Just checking the property of a file doesn't work. It doesn't really tell you the whole story. I'm not out to sell other people's files. I just want privacy. Suggestions please ......... Thank you :(
music files. I have a mechanical switch box that really takes me offline. Unfortunately there are always files you miss and they send a ping to an unwanted web address even if you store them on a USB drive and open it offline. I'm still using windows 7 and Firefox. Between the two life is getting very complicated for us older folks. Spyware and data brokers abound. Just checking the property of a file doesn't work. It doesn't really tell you the whole story. I'm not out to sell other people's files. I just want privacy. Suggestions please ......... Thank you :(
Jul 9, 2023 20:20:24 #
What operating system do you have?
Windows 11 will allow you to select one or a bunch of files in Explorer, right-click on it/one, look at properties then details. and there is an option to "remove details and all personal information" from the file(s).
I've not tried it though.
I would highly recommend making a couple of copies of files and try it on the copies before using it on everything else, it MAY also remove stuff that you might want to keep...
Windows 11 will allow you to select one or a bunch of files in Explorer, right-click on it/one, look at properties then details. and there is an option to "remove details and all personal information" from the file(s).
I've not tried it though.
I would highly recommend making a couple of copies of files and try it on the copies before using it on everything else, it MAY also remove stuff that you might want to keep...
Jul 9, 2023 20:32:31 #
Public domain free EXIF Cleaner
https://sourceforge.net/projects/exifcleaner.mirror/
Scanned as clean with BitDefender
Download the program - then create a link to it in your Images Utility folder.
Run the program - then drag/drop whatever you need to clean.
I also Highly Recommend looking for PhotoME - another free program that will display ALL Metadata in your file.
Fantastic program !!
https://sourceforge.net/projects/exifcleaner.mirror/
Scanned as clean with BitDefender
Download the program - then create a link to it in your Images Utility folder.
Run the program - then drag/drop whatever you need to clean.
I also Highly Recommend looking for PhotoME - another free program that will display ALL Metadata in your file.
Fantastic program !!
Jul 9, 2023 23:13:06 #
HowManyPicturesHaveWeTaken wrote:
I'm looking for a a downloadable tool that can be ... (show quote)
My suggestion is to upgrade to windows 10 and download and install the latest revs so Windows Defender is up to date. Then download a valid copy of SpyBot Search and destroy and install and run it and leave it activated so it scans downloaded files. Finally download and run a copy of Malwarebytes. Also make sure your Windows firewall is enabled. If you use WIFI, make sure you’re using WPA2/3 encryption. Windows defender in Win 10 & 11 is quite good IF kept up to date and adding SpyBot and Malwarebytes is added protection if you’re feeling paranoid. Your biggest vulnerability is that you’re using an outdated OS (windows 7) so its virus/malware detection definitions are out of date.
Jul 9, 2023 23:49:05 #
TriX wrote:
You are certainly going to CONFUSE the OP.My suggestion is to upgrade to windows 10 and download and install the latest revs so Windows Defender is up to date. Your biggest vulnerability is that you’re using an outdated OS (windows 7) so its virus/malware detection definitions are out of date.
He wants to remove EXIF info from his files to prevent his being tracked. THAT is ALL.
HowManyPicturesHaveWeTaken wrote:
He did NOT request information regarding spyware, trojans, or anything else.I'm looking for a a downloadable tool that can be used Offline to wipe data from ANY KIND of graphics or even music files.
Information overload can be fatal !!
Jul 10, 2023 00:19:19 #
Merlin1300 wrote:
He did NOT request information regarding spyware, trojans, or anything else.
Information overload can be fatal !!
Information overload can be fatal !!
He is trying to protect himself from viruses, Trojans, spyware and malware. Removing EXIF and metadata from downloaded images and music will NOT effectively accomplish that. Using a SUPPORTED OS with up to date virus/malware definitions WILL, and the two extra SW packages I suggested will add another layer of protection. That (in addition to WIFI network encryption if applicable) and good computing practices is how to protect a computer from spyware/malware/viruses. If the OP cannot perform the upgrade, then having a professional accomplish that is money well spent IF he is as concerned about security as he states.
Jul 10, 2023 00:32:24 #
TriX wrote:
I suppose that could be construed - but his post saidHe is trying to protect himself from viruses, Trojans, spyware and malware.
HowManyPicturesHaveWeTaken wrote:
You provided much more than I think he asked for ??I'm looking for a a downloadable tool that can be used Offline to wipe data from ANY KIND of graphics or even music files.
I've used ZoneAlarm in the past - until their most recent version of 'Ultimate Security' was totally Botched.
I now use BitDefender - which has it's deficiencies, but seems to be the best currently available.
BitDefender has no option to temporarily block all internet traffic, nor to suspend realtime monitoring.
Jul 10, 2023 00:38:42 #
Merlin1300 wrote:
You provided much more than I think he asked for ??
Perhaps, but I provided the correct answer.
Cheers
Jul 10, 2023 00:42:13 #
TriX wrote:
Between the 2 of us, the OP should be able to accomplish what he needs.Perhaps, but I provided the correct answer.
Jul 10, 2023 00:46:10 #
Merlin1300 wrote:
Between the 2 of us, the OP should be able to accomplish what he needs.
Yes!
Jul 10, 2023 06:40:07 #
Consider this idea: your image files are not pinging unknown servers. The assumptions upon which your idea are based are a complete waste of time and effort and worry.
Jul 10, 2023 07:44:50 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Consider this idea: your image files are not pinging unknown servers. The assumptions upon which your idea are based are a complete waste of time and effort and worry.
Agreed.
I was under the impression that he didn't want others to see 'his information' in his files.
Jul 10, 2023 08:15:15 #
Merlin1300 wrote:
He did NOT request information regarding spyware, trojans, or anything else.
Information overload can be fatal !!
Information overload can be fatal !!
Of course they’ll track him when he downloads the software so either way he’s scrrewed! 😜🤪
Jul 10, 2023 08:38:06 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
Of course they’ll track him when he downloads the software so either way he’s scrrewed! 😜🤪
Amazing how that works, eh?
How do people think that a software package knows when an update is available, or that you have the latest update?
It communicates with the mother ship.
Which probably includes your usage metrics.
Jul 10, 2023 08:46:55 #
https://opensource.com/article/22/4/keep-exif-data-private-exifcleaner
--Bob
--Bob
HowManyPicturesHaveWeTaken wrote:
I'm looking for a a downloadable tool that can be ... (show quote)
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