Discover the Power of the Tor Browser for Private and Secure Web Browsing
In an era of increasing online surveillance and data collection, the Tor Browser emerges as a powerful tool to safeguard your privacy and anonymity while browsing the web. Designed with built-in privacy features and advanced encryption, the Tor Browser allows you to access websites anonymously and protect your online identity. It is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to maintain their privacy in the face of intrusive surveillance.
How the Tor Browser Works
The Tor Browser operates on the principle of onion layers or routing, directing your internet traffic through a series of encrypted relays to conceal your IP address and location. By bouncing your connection through a network of volunteer-operated servers worldwide, the Tor Browser enhances your privacy and makes it difficult for adversaries to track your online activities. This layered approach ensures that your browsing remains anonymous and resistant to surveillance.
Benefits and Limitations of the Tor Browser
Using the Tor Browser offers numerous benefits. It enables you to bypass censorship, access blocked websites, and communicate with increased privacy. It is particularly valuable for individuals living in countries with restricted internet access or facing oppressive regimes, as it starts to be the case in certain Western countries.
However, it is crucial to understand the limitations of the Tor network. Some governments not only attempt to restrict or slow down Tor traffic but also utilize the Tor browser as a tool for t own surveillance activities, ironically undermining its effectiveness as a privacy tool. Additionally, the performance of the Tor network can be slower compared to traditional browsing due to the routing process. It is important to consider these factors and assess your individual needs before relying solely on the Tor Browser for all your online activities.
Balancing Privacy and Functionality
While the Tor Browser provides an excellent level of privacy and anonymity, it is important to strike a balance between privacy and functionality. Depending on your specific requirements, you may need to consider additional privacy-enhancing tools or strategies. For example, if you require fast and unrestricted access to certain websites or services, you might explore alternative privacy-focused browsers, such as Mullvad, Brave, and Firefox, or virtual private networks (VPNs) to complement the use of the Tor Browser. However, it is important to be aware that some governments are also banning VPNs, further limiting options for online privacy and anonymity. Therefore, it is crucial to tailor your privacy measures to your specific needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
The Tor Browser is a powerful tool that allows individuals to protect their online privacy and anonymity. By leveraging its built-in privacy features and advanced encryption, you can browse the web with increased confidence and reduce the risk of being tracked or monitored. However, it is essential to be aware of the limitations of the Tor network, including potential government restrictions and slower performance.
Tomorrow, on Day 6, we will explore secure communication apps that further enhance your privacy and security in online interactions.
Tomorrow on Day 6: “Secure Communication Apps Unveiled.”
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Safeguarding your Online Presence by taking Practical Steps for Privacy Protection
In today’s digital landscape, where our personal information is increasingly vulnerable to data breaches and intrusive surveillance, it is vital to take proactive measures to protect our privacy and secure our online identity. In this article, we will explore practical steps that make safeguarding your online presence easier than ever before. By implementing these measures, you can gain greater control over your personal information and enjoy a safer digital experience.
Strengthen Your Passwords
Start by creating strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Incorporate a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or common phrases. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. A password manager is the easiest way to have strong passwords without even remembering them – effectively you need to remember one password called the master password, to access your password manager.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA whenever available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device or generated by a 2FA app, in addition to your password. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
Review Privacy Settings
Regularly review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media platforms, web browsers, and other online services. Access the ‘Settings’ or ‘cog symbol’ to customize your privacy preferences. Limit the amount of personal information shared publicly and exercise caution when granting permissions to applications. For example, consider restricting the exposure of your phone number, full address, and shared photos to a select group of trusted individuals. By managing your privacy settings, you can have greater control over the information you share and minimize potential risks.
Use Encryption
Utilize encryption technologies to protect your sensitive data. Encrypt your device’s storage, including hard drives, USB keys, and any external storage devices. Additionally, enable encryption options for communication channels such as email and messaging apps (as we will explore in more detail later on). Encryption ensures that your information remains secure and unreadable by unauthorized individuals, providing an extra layer of protection for your data.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attacks
Beware of phishing attacks, a common form of social engineering where malicious actors exploit human psychology to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. These attacks can occur through various channels, including unsolicited emails, messages, or even telephone calls. The attackers often masquerade as trusted entities, such as financial institutions or reputable organizations, and trick individuals into sharing personal details or login credentials. It is essential to remain skeptical of such communications and verify the legitimacy of the source before divulging any sensitive information. Remember, legitimate organizations typically do not request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls. By staying alert and practicing caution, you can protect yourself against the risks of social engineering and safeguard your personal data.
Update Software Regularly
Keep your devices and applications up to date with the latest security patches, which are often applied automatically. Software updates frequently include bug fixes and security enhancements that safeguard you from known vulnerabilities. By ensuring your devices and applications are regularly updated, you strengthen your defense against potential security threats and minimize the risk of exploitation.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and shield your online activities from prying eyes. A VPN establishes a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, safeguarding your data and preserving your anonymity. However, be cautious of so-called free VPN services, as many of them may actually collect and sell your data, similar to certain social media platforms. Before agreeing to any terms or conditions, carefully read the contracts and privacy policies to ensure your data and privacy are adequately protected.
Educate Yourself
Stay informed about the latest privacy and security practices to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect yourself online. Educate yourself on best practices for online safety and familiarize yourself with new tools and technologies designed to enhance privacy. Seek reliable sources of information to stay updated on the evolving digital landscape and remain vigilant against potential risks.
If you would like further information or assistance in implementing these security measures, feel free to contact our services at info [at] digitaltran [ . ] eu. We are here to help you strengthen your online security and can provide tailored training courses to meet your specific needs. Together, let’s navigate the digital world with confidence and protect ourselves from potential threats.
Conclusion
By implementing these practical steps, such as strengthening passwords, enabling 2FA, adjusting privacy settings, utilizing encryption technologies, staying informed, and seeking professional assistance, you can significantly enhance your online privacy and protect your personal information from unauthorized access. Take control of your digital footprint and enjoy a safer and more secure online experience. Remember, protecting your privacy is an ongoing process, so stay vigilant, adapt to emerging threats, and continue to prioritize your online security. Together, we can create a more privacy-conscious digital world.
Tomorrow on Day 5: “The Tor Browser—Your Gateway to Anonymity.”
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In the digital age, corporations have become masters of data collection, mining, and exploitation. From social media platforms to online retailers, our personal information is constantly being gathered and used to fuel the profit-driven machine. In this article, we will delve into the intricate web of corporate data collection, exposing the methods they employ to collect our personal information and the potential risks it poses to our privacy and autonomy.
The Corporate Data Collection Ecosystem
Corporations have built sophisticated systems to capture and analyze our data. They employ various tactics such as website tracking, cookies, and data brokers to collect information about our online behavior, preferences, and habits. This extensive data collection allows them to create detailed profiles of individuals, which are then monetized and used for targeted advertising, product development, and even influencing our opinions and behaviors. Even more so with the advent of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) – the speed of data collection is now analyzed in real-time, building a digital twin of ourselves even quicker so they can present ads in real-time to your likes.
The Nexus of Corporations and Government Control
In recent times, there has been a growing concern about the intertwining of corporations and government influence in the realm of data collection. During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, for instance between Russia and Ukraine, corporations often align themselves with governments to spread governmental narratives to control and manipulate the masses. This alliance raises questions about the ethical boundaries of data collection, as personal information is weaponized for political purposes and to manipulate public opinion.
Exploitation of Personal Information
The exploitation of personal information by corporations has far-reaching implications. Our data is not only used to target us with personalized advertisements but also shared with third parties without our explicit consent. This sharing of data raises concerns about data security and the potential for unauthorized access or data breaches, leading to identity theft, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. Moreover, the pervasive collection and analysis of our personal information can erode our autonomy and privacy, leaving us vulnerable to manipulation and control.
Protecting Your Privacy in the Face of Data Collection
While the magnitude of corporate data collection may seem overwhelming, there are steps we can take to protect our privacy and regain control over our personal information. Being mindful of the platforms and services we use, understanding their privacy policies, and actively managing our consent settings are important starting points. Additionally, utilizing privacy-enhancing tools and technologies, such as browser extensions that block tracking cookies or encrypted messaging apps, can provide an added layer of protection.
Please, as a side note, do not forget to contribute to these open-source extensions that protect us every day, as supporting and contributing to these initiatives can help improve privacy for everyone.
Empowering Individuals in the Digital World
As individuals, it is crucial to be aware of the extent of corporate data collection and its potential impact on our lives. By educating ourselves and engaging in privacy advocacy, we can demand greater transparency and accountability from corporations regarding their data collection practices. Supporting data privacy regulations and actively participating in discussions about data ethics and privacy rights can contribute to a more responsible and privacy-centric digital ecosystem. Sadly the GDPR is not enough, it contains too many holes.
Conclusion
Exposing the intricate web of corporate data collection is essential in understanding the risks it poses to our privacy, autonomy, and democratic processes. The intertwining of corporations and governments in data exploitation calls for a critical examination of the ethical boundaries and regulatory frameworks governing data collection practices. By taking proactive measures to protect our privacy and advocating for stronger data protection laws, we can reclaim control over our personal information and foster a digital world that respects individual rights and autonomy.
Tomorrow on Day 4: “Protecting Your Privacy Made Easy.”
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Government Surveillance: The Hidden Intrusion into your Online Activities
In today’s digital age, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the virtual world, it is essential to understand the extent of government surveillance on our online activities. While governments argue that surveillance is necessary for national security and crime prevention, it raises concerns about privacy, civil liberties, freedom of speech, and the potential abuse of power. In this article, we will uncover the hidden truths behind government surveillance and shed light on the implications it has on our everyday lives.
The Scope of Government Surveillance
Governments have access to vast amounts of digital data, allowing them to monitor and analyze our online activities. Through intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and various surveillance programs, governments can track our communications, monitor our browsing habits, and gather information about our social interactions, including buying data from data brokers. They utilize sophisticated technologies and techniques to collect data from various sources, including internet service providers, social media platforms, telecommunications companies, and more.
The Impact on Privacy and Civil Liberties
Government surveillance raises serious concerns about privacy, freedom of speech, and civil liberties. The monitoring of our online activities can lead to a chilling effect, where individuals may hesitate to express their opinions freely or engage in activities they deem private. It erodes the fundamental principles of freedom and autonomy in the digital realm. Moreover, surveillance practices can disproportionately target marginalized communities, infringing upon their rights and perpetuating social inequalities.
The Threat of Mass Surveillance
One of the most alarming aspects of government surveillance is the potential for mass surveillance. Through programs such as bulk data collection and data mining, governments can gather and store massive amounts of information about individuals, often without their knowledge or consent. This indiscriminate collection of data raises questions about the balance between security and individual rights, as well as the potential for abuse or misuse of the collected information, which is sometimes used to coerce individuals into illegal activities at the government’s orders or commands, where thereafter you could end in jail for a very long time.
The Need for Transparency and Accountability
To ensure a healthy balance between security and privacy, governments must be transparent about their surveillance practices and accountable for their actions. Transparency enables citizens to understand the scope and limitations of surveillance, ensuring that it aligns with legal frameworks and respects individual rights. Moreover, robust oversight mechanisms, judicial review, and strong data protection laws can help safeguard against potential abuses and ensure that government surveillance is subject to checks and balances. Unfortunately, in some of our Western countries, opaque laws have been passed, allowing for even further surveillance of citizens through private cameras and microphones – an alarming trend that requires public awareness and vigilance.
Empowering Individuals in the Digital Age
While government surveillance may seem daunting, there are steps individuals can take to protect their privacy and assert their digital rights. Encryption technologies, secure messaging apps, and virtual private networks (VPNs) can provide a layer of protection against surveillance. Additionally, raising awareness, advocating for privacy rights, and engaging in public discourse on surveillance-related issues can contribute to a more privacy-conscious society.
Conclusion
Unveiling the extent of government surveillance on our online activities is a crucial step in understanding the implications it has on our privacy, freedom of speech, and civil liberties. It calls for a balance between security and individual rights, as well as transparency and accountability from governments. As we continue to navigate the digital age, it is essential to empower ourselves with knowledge, tools, and awareness to protect our privacy and actively participate in shaping the future of surveillance practices.
Tomorrow on Day 3: “Corporate Data Collection Exposed.”
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In today’s digital age, our personal data has become a valuable commodity, as everyday bread. From the websites we visit the products we purchase, every click, search, and interaction leaves behind a digital footprint.
What many of us may not realize is how our personal data is collected, analyzed, and monetized without our knowledge.
In this article, we will explore the hidden world of data exploitation and shed light on the methods used to profit from our information.
The Data Collection Process
Every time we use a website, mobile app, or social media platform, data is collected about our online activities. It starts innocently, with cookies and tracking pixels with our mouse observing our behavior. These digital spies capture information like our browsing habits, interests, and even location. But the scope goes beyond that. Companies often obtain data from third-party sources, creating a comprehensive profile of our preferences, demographics, and behaviors.
The Analytical Powerhouse
Once collected, our data undergoes analysis by sophisticated algorithms, or by a sophisticated artificial intelligence which starts to be the norm. These algorithms have the power to uncover patterns, predict behaviors, and even influence our decisions. They dissect our data to create personalized profiles that advertisers and marketers can exploit. By understanding our likes, dislikes, and also our vulnerabilities, they tailor advertisements and content with surgical precision, manipulating our choices and desires.
The Monetization Game
The primary goal of collecting and analyzing personal data is monetization or more shocking word “exploitation”. Our information is an asset that companies sell to advertisers, market researchers, and data brokers. These entities use our data to target us with highly personalized advertisements, making it seem as though they know us better than we know ourselves. Our personal information becomes currency, like Bitcoin, with the profits flowing into their pockets
What is the Dark Side of Data Exploitation
While personalized ads may seem harmless, the implications of data exploitation go far beyond mere advertising. In today’s world, where we witness an increasing number of individuals with malicious intent in our Western societies, including governments, our personal data can be tragically misused for nefarious purposes. Data breaches and hacks expose sensitive information, leaving us vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Moreover, corporations have created what is known as our ‘digital twin’ – a comprehensive digital profile that represents us based on the data they collect. This digital twin allows corporations to predict our behaviors, live our future, influence our choices, and exploit our vulnerabilities. It is a virtual mirror image of ourselves that is meticulously crafted through the collection and analysis of our personal data.
Additionally, governments and intelligence agencies have been known to exploit personal data for surveillance purposes. They often obtain this data by purchasing it from data brokers, who aggregate and sell vast amounts of personal information. This practice infringes upon our privacy and civil liberties, as we are witnessing in current times. Our personal data is treated as a commodity, and governments and intelligence agencies use it to monitor and track individuals, undermining the fundamental principles of privacy and freedom. The growing awareness of these practices emphasizes the urgent need to protect our data and ensure that our rights are preserved in the digital age.
Taking Control of Your Data
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect our data and regain control over our digital lives. Start by understanding and adjusting the privacy settings on the platforms you use. Opt out of data collection wherever possible and be cautious when sharing personal information online. Additionally, utilizing privacy-focused tools and technologies such as virtual private networks (VPNs), ad blockers, and encrypted messaging apps can provide added security. In the upcoming days, we will dig deeper into these tools and explore how they can help safeguard your privacy.
Conclusion
Data exploitation poses significant risks to our privacy and security. From identity theft and fraud resulting from data breaches to the creation of ‘digital twins’ by corporations and governments, our personal data is vulnerable. However, we can take control and protect our digital lives. By adjusting privacy settings, opting out of data collection, and being cautious online, we regain control.
Stay tuned for Day 2, where we will dig into the world of government surveillance and unveil the extent to which our online activities are monitored. Together, we can take steps towards a more secure and privacy-conscious digital world.
Tomorrow on Day 2: “Government Surveillance Unveiled.”
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Do you have an old 64-bit laptop where Microsoft Windows 10/11 does not work anymore? There is a solution to bring back most of your laptops to life – in other words “recycling”.
We know that this last year, computer prices increased. Why not recycle your old computers / laptops?
Many Europeans will not have the money to buy new hardware since too many energy bills will come upon them with heavy increases that can go from 3 to 5 times the nominal price from last / this year, or even more. For instance, in Germany companies are already complaining that they get electricity invoices with 5 times the prices that they paid previously without speaking yet of the heating, maybe another 3 to 5 times too.
Massive unemployment is already in discussion. Now you should understand why many Europeans are unable to buy new computers.
What can be done with old computers / laptops?
We already heard about Linux distribution systems. Major ones are Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSuse, … This major systems require a lot less resources than Microsoft Windows, but it could be that your laptop is already over 10 old, even up to 20 years. So we need something even more lighter in resources.
There are a few light distributions, but one that stands out is the “Linux Lite”. Here are some minimal specs:
CPU
1 GHz with 2
cores
RAM
768 MB (0.75 GB) – as for Windows 11 you need a strict minimum of 4 to 8 GB
HDD / SSD
8 GB – as for Windows 11 you need a minimum of 64 GB
‘BIOS’
UEFI or old BIOS – as for Windows 11 you need UEFI and TPM version 2
Graphic card
3D video card
with only 256 MB
Display
VGA with 1024
x 768 and above
How to proceed?
1. Download the ISO – https://www.linuxliteos.com (you can contribute financially something small, or if you cannot just click on $ 0, then the Download button)
2. Download 64 bit (if you know what a Torrent is, you may use it)
3. Wait a few
seconds, a pop-up window or an icon may activate that it is showing
the download in progress
Secure your data (composed by Vasco Gonçalves / images source: PixaBay)
Let’s start with a real-life story where some of you might identify yourselves:
A CEO, let’s call her Joanna, lost her job for being trolled on social media.
What happened?
Joanna worked very hard to attain her position. She was relatively young, ambitious, and very successful. One morning, as usual, she arrived at the office and found her employees whispering and acting strangely.
She called her executive assistant and asked if she knew what was going on. Reluctantly, the assistant explained:
“Someone posted some photos of you and a man kissing, along with some nasty comments and other stuff.” The “other stuff” included partially masked nude photos of Joanna and a man, avoiding Twitter’s bans.
She asked to see the posts.
“Oh my God! These photos are of my husband and me! How did they get these photos? They were in my encrypted Cloud! Nobody could have accessed them! These photos are private!”
In that instant, she knew her career had come to an end and felt overwhelming shame. She wanted the ground to swallow her whole. She ran out of the office and went home, never to return.
Joanna had a virtual conference with the Board of Directors to announce her resignation. She handed in her written resignation the next day via postal mail. Although the Board opposed her resignation, Joanna could no longer work with her colleagues.
What happened to Joanna? Where does she live now? Does she still work?
Keep reading, the answers will be given.
Consequences
Have you ever faced a situation so overwhelming you felt like retreating from the world?
Maybe due to compromised photos like Joanna, or perhaps some confidential documents or patents are circulating on the Internet.
Gossip starts to mushroom everywhere, from your family to unknown people. You are trolled on social media. Many move away to unknown places, permanently or until the dust settles, as Joanna did. Some people lose jobs they cared about and receive no financial compensation. Though rare, some even commit suicide.
As a business owner or CEO, it is very difficult to hire someone who is or was trolled on social media or in gossip columns, even if the news is fake and they are innocent.
Others will say, “I have nothing to hide!“
Joanna was a respected professional and active member of her community, balancing family and career with dedication, but in an instant, she lost everything!
Maybe you are young and free-spirited. But one day, you might make mistakes, knowingly or unknowingly. That’s when you’ll wish the ground to swallow you whole!
One thing we should never forget:
“The Internet NEVER FORGETS anything!”
Once comments, photos, videos… are published, they remain somewhere in the world forever. Just search your favorite search engine, and you will see that some photos pop up even if they are no longer available on certain websites.
Are you in such a situation? Maybe, or maybe not yet!
Are you a celebrity? An actress or an actor, a social media magnate, a business leader, a politician …
Do you have innovations, patents… to secure and hide?
Do you have professional or private pictures or videos to secure and hide?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are certainly a candidate to secure and hide professional or private data or information, especially if it could be embarrassing to the public!
“I already have my data in a secure online cloud.”
Can you trust such online clouds? Joanna thought her data was secure in the Cloud. She paid a hefty fee for the provider to secure her phone and cloud.
If you ‘secure’ your data on the cloud, you become a perfect target for hackers, paparazzi, corporations, and rogue governments. With today’s circumstances, everyone is in need of money, and this could likely intensify over the next 5 to 10 years!
Despite their best efforts, clouds from Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others are serious hacking targets. Here is a simple example:
How many accounts have been compromised (publicly known and undisclosed)?
You just need to look on Twitter, at hacker sites, and anonymous forums. Many brag about their exploits and sometimes post a nude picture of a celebrity or publish a few lines of a top-secret document as proof. They want to monetize these documents and photos or sell them back to you for a huge amount of money.
What is the guarantee that the malicious hackers will not retain a copy for future financial demands (again and again)? Many companies are in such a position and pay regularly – as an insurance policy – without being assured of the data’s destruction!
What can be done? What is the best option?
The best storage is a Secure Local Open Source Personal Cloud (SLOSPC). Think of SLOSPC as a personal vault in your home, fortified with cutting-edge security.
What is that?
Simply said, SLOSPC is a highly secure
computer in your house or premises. Not any kind of security, but the
highest form of security that exists for now – all the software
opensource and free**.
How does it work? Simply said:
We install it with all the securities (Linux-based).
We test it.
We let it be tested by an independent ethical hacker.
We arrange for a non-published domain name (difficult to guess) if you need to access documents via the Internet.
We train the user(s) in security matters.
If you wish, we intervene only in urgent matters and perform annual maintenance (we never see your private documents since they are encrypted under your name).
I hope you understand the implications of ‘everyone has something to hide’ and the vulnerabilities of online cloud systems.
So, what happened to Joanna?
Where does she live now?
What does she do for a living?
Joanna and her new life
She relocated with her family to a quieter location to start afresh. After a year, she applied for a business permit and now does local marketing for small companies – keeping it local.
She asked me for a solution to her problem, and I proposed the above solution, a SLOSPC.
* Some news about photoshoots, new collection designs, innovations, officially non-published patents, private photos, private documents, accounts and passwords (sensitive people may abstain from viewing some websites):
** You may contribute financially to the opensource community so they can continue to perfect their free products, which we can enjoy. More and more companies and private individuals are turning to open-source and contributing heavily so developers can continue developing and controlling any code available full-time.
Disclaimer
The story presented in this article, while inspired by real events, includes fictional elements and altered facts to protect the privacy and safety of individuals involved. The individual referred to as “Joanna” is not based on any one person, and details have been intentionally modified to prevent identification.
As the author, I acknowledge being an acquaintance of a family whose experiences loosely inspired this narrative. However, the fictionalization ensures that no harm or harassment can be traced back to anyone connected to the events. This article aims to educate readers about digital security and privacy, not to disclose or speculate on any individual’s personal life.
How common are cyberattacks on Linux? Can we do something about it?
More common than you think. Do not get fooled by the hype:
“Linux is secure, stable, and flexible. It’s the most secure OS in the world!”
Sadly, nowadays it became a marketing tool and does not correspond to the reality. It is still true that is better than Microsoft Windows regarding stability and flexibility, but Linux has more or less the same security issues as a Windows system.
An Operating System is as secure as the developer and user take care about their own clean security habits.
Let’s dive in and see how to counteract cyberattacks, just by taking some steps.
By doing some simple actions you may avert a serious disaster – public shame, getting fired, even go to court to explain ‘Why was I careless?’ where thereafter it is very difficult to get a new job.
First some small simple stats*. Areas used:
Web services: 96% of the top 1 million servers are run by a Linux system
Smartwatches
Aerospace industry
More and more workstations and file servers
Cloud services are run mostly by a Linux system
Major countries which are exposed to attacks are*:
USA
Germany
China
France
Hong Kong (not a country as per decree, belongs to China)
Now with the war, these stats could have changed. It was noticed an active increase in attacks.
It seems that non-ethical hackers have the upper-hand and get rich. Did I miss my vocation? Just kidding!
NEVER go that route because either you land in a grave, 6-feet under, or land in jail for a very long time!
What can be done?
1.During the installation process use strong passwords. Many users, privately or at work, still use weak passwords as (cracked in less than a second):
“ I love you ” “ 123456 ” “ qwerty ”
Use a password manager (very easy to use). Personally I use one where in most web subscriptions I use over 700-bits passwords (an overkill but easy to setup and to use) – copy and paste!
Or use a long passphrase: “Yesterday, I went in the evening @19:15 for a swim!” Almost 190-bit password (takes decades to decode it). Of course do not use this passphrase. Use something that happened in your life, secret to you – easy to use and you will never forget.
A password or passphrase is a PERSONAL item and not to be given to anyone, including your boss!!! She/He wants it, ask for a Liability Release Form!**
In case you give it freely to your boss, it is the same you sign your resignation or she/he will put the blame on you for any mishap. Do not be afraid, she/he has access to your files you working on but with her/his own password. So it is traceable.
2. When you install a Linux or a Windows system the first thing to be done is ALWAYS – update your system:
– Graphical way:
‘Software’ → click Updates
– Through the ‘Terminal’:
Debian and Debian-based systems, for instance Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Fedora system:
sudo dnf update -y
openSuse system:
sudo zypper update -y
DO NOT FORGET to restart your system! Sometimes it is not required, but I always do it even for minor updates.
3. NEVER open an e-mail attachment if you do not know its origin!
By taking these three steps, you are protected about 95% of the time.
Still want to increase your chances of not getting hacked?
In most Linux systems, by default, the root account is locked. If someone has access to root, she/he can do everything in your system – the ‘god’ of all users!
During the installation create a normal account with administration privileges, hence the command word ‘sudo …’ + password to give access to root privileges – no activity, logged out automatically after a few minutes.
Generally every Linux system has an active firewall – that’s fine.
Voilà, your got a protection of 99%. If hacked it has nothing to do with you but with the vendor.
In case you need more information or need some help in doing all these steps or even to further secure your server or workstation, do not hesitate in taking contact:
