Configure your Privacy in Linux

In light of revelations by individuals such as William Binney, Edward Snowden, and WikiLeak contributors, concerns surrounding privacy and security have heightened. This has prompted a growing number of individuals to explore Linux, drawn by its reputation for heightened resistance to attacks and reduced vulnerability to viruses. Typically, newcomers gravitate towards user-friendly distributions like Mint or Ubuntu, assuming that once installation and driver setup are completed, their systems are secure. However, this assumption doesn’t necessarily hold true. While delving into the intricate nuances of the topic isn’t the purpose here, the following guide aims to provide a straightforward blueprint for those seeking to maximize their online anonymity. Whether driven by concerns over surveillance or the desire to shop discreetly without incurring a barrage of unsolicited emails, this guide offers essential steps to safeguard digital privacy.

The recommended starting point, which aligns with transitioning to Linux, involves exclusively utilizing programs with open-source code that is open to community scrutiny. Closed-source software, such as Microsoft Windows or Skype, harbors intentional “backdoors” that can be exploited by attackers. While the motives behind their inclusion remain speculative, their existence is undeniable, posing a threat to user security. It’s imperative to seek open-source alternatives for your Linux distribution, ensuring ongoing code review by a vigilant community.

Step two centers on obtaining software that bolsters and anonymizes internet connections. In this regard, the Tor Project stands as a dependable resource. While no solution is infallible, Tor has undergone rigorous testing and continuous development, offering a better alternative than complete vulnerability. An integral component of the Tor Project is the Tor Browser Bundle, a comprehensive tool worth exploring. For Debian users, incorporation involves appending the following line to the /etc/apt/sources.list file:

deb http://deb.torproject.org/torproject.org <DISTRIBUTION> main

Substitute <DISTRIBUTION> with your distribution’s codename (e.g., Lenny, Sid, Saucy, etc.). You’ll need to add the GPG key to authenticate packages by executing the following commands:

gpg –keyserver keys.gnupg.net –recv 886DDD89 gpg –export A3C4F0F979CAA22CDBA8F512EE8CBC9E886DDD89 | sudo apt-key add –

Following this, refresh your sources and install Tor by running:

apt-get update apt-get install tor

To facilitate a graphical interface for Tor, Vidalia is recommended. Installation for Debian users involves a similar process:

Append this line to /etc/apt/sources.list:

deb http://deb.torproject.org/torproject.org <DISTRIBUTION> main

Insert the appropriate distribution word in place of <DISTRIBUTION>. Subsequently, add the GPG key:

gpg –keyserver keys.gnupg.net –recv 886DDD89 gpg –export A3C4F0F979CAA22CDBA8F512EE8CBC9E886DDD89 | sudo apt-key add –

Refresh sources and install Vidalia:

apt-get update apt-get install vidalia deb.torproject.org-keyring

Configuring Firefox (and Thunderbird) to leverage the Tor proxy is the next step. Navigate to browser settings, select proxy settings, and choose SOCKS or SOCKS5 as the protocol with port 9050 and “localhost” as the host. To minimize your digital footprint, install plugins such as HTTPS Everywhere, NoScript, Adblock, Self-Destructing Cookies, and Disconnect. For Thunderbird users, TorBirdy can simplify proxy setup, though the EnigMail plugin remains crucial for email security.

Extending this protection to instant messaging software entails utilizing Pidgin alongside the Off the Record (OTR) plugin. This facilitates routing all online communications, including browser, Thunderbird, and Pidgin, through Tor, ensuring anonymous browsing. Pidgin can be installed with the command:

apt-get install pidgin

Lastly, opting for websites that do not track your activities is recommended. DuckDuckGo serves as a privacy-conscious alternative to Google. To secure hard drive contents, install BleachBit, known for both effectiveness and user-friendliness. For password management, PWSafe is a reliable option.

Following this guide provides a foundation for a relatively secure setup bolstered by an anonymization framework. While not infallible, these measures mitigate your digital footprint and the data shared with each online interaction. Be prepared to encounter verification requests from common logins due to heightened security protocols. Should you embrace these inconveniences in pursuit of privacy, a more secure digital experience awaits.

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