Basic Computer Protection

May 7th 2020, Kire

(translated by Panos)

digiges.ch/slides/en/basic-protection.html

Digitale Gesellschaft
Digital Society

A non-profit organisation that provides information and advice on consumer and legal issues in the digital space, assesses technology impacts with regard to possible effects on basic and human rights and offers services, software projects and workshops on "digital self-defense".

Digitale Gesellschaft fights for our rights of freedom in a networked world.

Contents

  • Keep operating system and applications up to date
  • Trusted sources for programs
  • Handling of passwords
  • Hard disk encryption
  • Regular backups
  • Cloud Synchronization
  • Conclusion

Keep operating system and applications
up to date

  • Most updates contain security patches
  • Play in real time
  • "Patch your stuff" instead of "never touch a running system"

Keep operating system and applications
up to date

Keep applications up to date

  • Windows: Manually or with an Update-Tool
  • MacOS/iOS: App Store
  • Android: Google Play, F-Droid etc.
  • Ubuntu Linux: Software Updater

Trusted sources

  • Don't install software found "somewhere" in the Internet
    • Official manufacturer/project or through App Store, Google Play
  • Is the source code available? Are there any further updates?
  • Free of charge does not come for free: Business/sustainability model?
  • Pay attention to https encryption
  • This also applies to browser extensions, etc.!

Handling of passwords

  • As long as possible and "random"
    • Abbreviation of a sentence (incl. punctuation marks)
    • Juxtaposition of words
    • Password generator
  • For every service a different password
  • Change master passwords regularly
  • Use a Password Manager, such as KeePassXC

Hard Disk Encryption

  • Protection from offline attacks
    • Computer is stolen or confiscated
    • (Defective) mobile phone will be replaced and disposed
  • No protection when accessing an already powered PC
  • The initial encryption takes time
  • Before activation: Create backup!

Hard Disk Encryption

Backup

  • Regularly, beause backups lose value quickly
  • External hard disk, USB stick, "Cloud"
  • Attention to encryption
  • Multiple versions (disks, directories)
  • Keep it off-site
    • E.g. exchange two sticks for each other
    • One at home, one at work

Backup

Cloud

  • Access of Backups/Data in the iCloud is possible through Apple and authorities
  • Who is the customer if a service (like Gmail, GMX) is free?

Cloud Alternatives

Conclusion

  • Basic computer protection is not an one-time affair
  • Trusted services cost and/or are open source projects

Thank you for your interest

Slides: digiges.ch/slides/en/basic-protection.html

Website: www.digitale-gesellschaft.ch

Facebook: DigitaleGesellschaftSchweiz

Twitter: @digiges_ch

Digitale Gesellschaft
4000 Basel
Switzerland


IBAN CH15 0900 0000 6117 7451 1

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