Internet Security – The Next Thing https://gnaeus.net Data Privacy, Data Protection, Tor, Data Analysis, Internet Security Sat, 15 Jan 2022 11:37:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Whonix – Another great way to get your privacy back and protect yourself on the internet. https://gnaeus.net/whonix-another-great-way-to-get-your-privacy-back-and-protect-yourself-on-the-internet Mon, 10 Jan 2022 22:36:00 +0000 https://gnaeus.net/?p=37 Read more]]> Previously I have shared my experience with Tails and Qubes OS. Now Imagine you could keep your current operation system, but add an additional layer of security into this environment.

Whonix is a Debian based Linux OS – however you use it in a Virtual Machine, therefore within Windows, Linux or Mac OS.

Whonix contains of two Virtual Machines preconfigurations:

  • The Gateway that connect to the Tor Network
  • The Workstation – that force all the traffic through the ‘Gateway’ and therefore through the Tor Network

It is a preconfigured System that comes with a list of security features, that keeps you safe and protected and its free.

Really a great way to keep your privacy protected. I would highly recommend to use on top of this a VPN in your normal OS, that adds another layer of security.

  • VPN in Windows, Linux or MacOS
  • Whonix and the Gateway via Tor

List of all Security Features, here.

Official Website: Whonix

]]> Qubes OS: A reasonably secure operating system https://gnaeus.net/qubes-os-a-reasonably-secure-operating-system Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:56:00 +0000 http://gnaeus.net/?p=29 Read more]]> In one of my previous posts I have introduced you to the Tails OS, a live OS booting from USB stick and preconfigured for TOR and privacy.

Today, I would like share my experience with Qubes OS – however from the beginning this OS has a higher system requirement and also it is not a beginner OS – however so far the most secure operation system I am aware of.

Official Website: OS Qubes

You will need TPM (Trusted Platform Module in your Bios), a multi-core Processor, and a good amount of RAM, recommended if you like to install it on a second computer, don’t even think of installing it into a Virtual Machine, as this would compromise the security.

The Basic Idea, Qubes is preconfigured for Tor Network and Bridge, and runs every software piece in a virtual machine (Qubes), that can customised configured, and sandboxed. If there is a compromise in one ‘Qubes’ it stays in there and cannot compromise the rest of the system.

I really like this concept and the idea of security. If you have second computer that meets the system requirements I would recommend to try Qubes OS. Great OS and Ideas. Not easy from the beginning, but worth the effort to learn how to use it if you care – as you should – for your security and data.

]]> Cover Your Tracks – more than cookies https://gnaeus.net/cover-your-tracks-more-then-cookies-they-track Thu, 06 Jan 2022 11:11:00 +0000 https://gnaeus.net/?p=47 Read more]]> We all know that cookies help companies to track your behaviour, preferences and interests throughout the internet – but there is much more that your browser tells about you. Fingerprints of your browser.

Those fingerprints are more than just the cookies. Whenever you visit a website you submit information about your device timezone via the HTTP headers. The browser window size you use which can give information what screen resolution and size you use – when JavaScript is activated. The font you use, some information about your hardware configuration etc.

All this combined provides an unique fingerprint of your device that you use on the internet – if you are looking for an anonymous use of the internet, you should make sure this fingerprint is not to unique, but common.

There is a great page to check the uniqueness of your browser. A project by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Website: Cover Your Tracks

]]> Tails OS – A great way for using the Internet more secure https://gnaeus.net/tails-os-a-great-way-for-using-the-internet-more-secure Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:02:00 +0000 http://gnaeus.net/?p=22 Read more]]> You are looking for a secure way of using the internet? You want protect your privacy and data? And you may like to be able to have this privacy while travelling?

There is a relative easy and secure option. Have you heard of Tails OS Before? It is a live linux distribution that you install on an USB Stick, boot from it and have a ready and secure setup OS in front of you.

Linux based, and preconfigured for the Tor Network. As it boots from USB and as live OS it doesn’t save data on the stick (Unless you activate Persistent Storage).

Official Website: Tails OS

What you need:

  • 8 GB USB stick
  • ISO from Tails
  • A tool to create an bootable USB Stick, I like to use Etcher

Next Steps:

  1. Download the ISO and Etcher
  2. Insert your USB Stick (make sure you have no data on it that you need as everything will be erased)
  3. Start Etcher, select the ISO and the USB Drive and start

Once created, you should be able to boot from the USB Stick into Tails OS.

During the initial startup screen, press ESC, F1, F2, F8 or F10. (Depending on the computer manufacturer)

Enjoy.

]]> VPN – Why and how https://gnaeus.net/vpn-why-and-how https://gnaeus.net/vpn-why-and-how#comments Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:44:00 +0000 http://gnaeus.net/?p=18 Read more]]> When you serve the Internet, you should considering to use a VPN – a Virtual Private Network. There are various providers on the market you can choose from.

A VPN creates a secure connection between you and the internet. When you use a VPN your data traffic is sent through an encrypted virtual connection.

This is important to hide your real IP, your real location and your traffic, your sites you visit. Data is big business, and other people make money with it. Therefore you should protect you and your data.

Reasons to use VPN

  • more anonymous: hiding your real IP, location and traffic
  • This will make you and your device more safer for hackers and cyber criminals
  • you can use the full freedom of the internet

To Consider:

  • The cost of the VPN Service (is not everything)
  • The connection and location of the servers they use
  • How many devices you can use the software/account with
  • Additional Services, e.g. Password manager, Data protection etc.
  • Supported OS
  • Transparency with Data Privacy and Security: e.g. No IP Logs and more.

I personally like Surfshark, I have tested various Services and this one works for me. Multiple connections, no Log policy and transparent Terms of Use and Data Privacy. Look out for special sales and offers, you can safe good amount of money.

]]> https://gnaeus.net/vpn-why-and-how/feed 1 First Post https://gnaeus.net/first-post Wed, 15 Dec 2021 23:52:00 +0000 http://gnaeus.net/?p=6 Read more]]> My goal here is to encourage and inspire you to take care of your computer & internet security. I will share here ideas and projects for the weekend, try to give you ideas and inspirations. Some of the projects may will be something completely different but still fun to do or to learn.

Projects could be

  • Internet Security (e.g. Tor)
  • Computer Security
  • Data Science and Tools
  • and more
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