Guide To Computer Security (2022): Difference between revisions
mNo edit summary |
|||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
===Windows 7=== | ===Windows 7=== | ||
Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft; as such, known security issues are unlikely to be patched barring exceptional circumstances. | Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft; as such, known security issues are unlikely to be patched barring exceptional circumstances. Usage of the Internet Explorer browser is not recommended. | ||
====Securing Windows 7==== | |||
==== | There are a number of areas that require attention in order to make Windows 7 reasonably secure. | ||
=====Indexing Service===== | |||
The indexing service provides a book-like index of all files stored on any drive for which it is enabled. It enables faster searches of drives and folders. However, names of all indexed will be stored in plain-text on the drive on which Windows is installed, even if those files are encrypted. | |||
To turn off the indexing service: | |||
Control Panel -> Programs -> Turn Windows features on or off. Deselect 'Indexing Service'. | |||
=====Recent Items===== | |||
=====System Restore===== | |||
=====Swap File===== | |||
=====Hibernation===== | |||
=====Thumbnail cache===== | |||
Windows 7 stores thumbnails in a central cache on the drive on which Windows is installed. Thumbnails of encrypted images will also be stored in this central cache when the folder in which the images are located is accessed. | |||
Built-in methods and [https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/10794-thumbnail-cache-enable-disable.html software]for disabling the cache exist, but there are reports of these solutions not working perfectly. People living in particularly oppressive regimes should consider wiping their thumbnail cache regularly. | |||
=====Telemetry===== | |||
Windows 7 sends data about your computer usage to Microsoft. The relevant 'features', designed for Windows 10, were introduced to Windows 7 via Windows Updates. | |||
The following updates should be uninstalled if present: | |||
*KB3068708 | |||
*KB3022345 | |||
*KB3075249 | |||
*KB3080149 | |||
===Linux=== | ===Linux=== | ||
Revision as of 13:41, 6 December 2021
The original Guide to Computer Security was produced by the Newgon.com Support Team after consultation with the Newgon.com forum community in 2008. It explained how you could protect data stored on your hard drive and stay anonymous on the internet. The guide may be of interest to people who wish to protect their anonymity and data from adversaries. This page represents an updated version currently under development.
Operating Systems
Windows 10
As of December 2021, Windows 10 is the world's most popular operating system. Although extremely convenient, it is widely considered to be a very poor choice for data security and privacy.
Multiple guides exist online describing how to reduce the risk posed by using Windows 10. However, it is inherently insecure and best avoided for anyone who is concerned about the leakage of sensitive information.
Windows 7
Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft; as such, known security issues are unlikely to be patched barring exceptional circumstances. Usage of the Internet Explorer browser is not recommended.
Securing Windows 7
There are a number of areas that require attention in order to make Windows 7 reasonably secure.
Indexing Service
The indexing service provides a book-like index of all files stored on any drive for which it is enabled. It enables faster searches of drives and folders. However, names of all indexed will be stored in plain-text on the drive on which Windows is installed, even if those files are encrypted.
To turn off the indexing service:
Control Panel -> Programs -> Turn Windows features on or off. Deselect 'Indexing Service'.
Recent Items
System Restore
Swap File
Hibernation
Thumbnail cache
Windows 7 stores thumbnails in a central cache on the drive on which Windows is installed. Thumbnails of encrypted images will also be stored in this central cache when the folder in which the images are located is accessed.
Built-in methods and softwarefor disabling the cache exist, but there are reports of these solutions not working perfectly. People living in particularly oppressive regimes should consider wiping their thumbnail cache regularly.
Telemetry
Windows 7 sends data about your computer usage to Microsoft. The relevant 'features', designed for Windows 10, were introduced to Windows 7 via Windows Updates.
The following updates should be uninstalled if present:
- KB3068708
- KB3022345
- KB3075249
- KB3080149