Linux is often regarded as a more secure operating system by default in comparison to others, but it’s important to note that it is not completely immune to hacks. There are several measures you can take to enhance your privacy and security, ultimately minimizing the chances of unauthorized access.
In this guide, I will outline the steps we took to bolster the privacy and security of our Linux laptop, ranging from activating a firewall to choosing a browser that prioritizes privacy.
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to safeguard your laptop against unauthorized access is to enable the screen lock feature. This is particularly essential if you find yourself working in public settings such as cafes, libraries, or shared workspaces.
I configured my screen to lock automatically after a few minutes of inactivity. This measure ensures that my data remains protected even if I need to step away for a moment, whether it be for a coffee break or a quick conversation with a colleague.
To activate this feature on Ubuntu, go to Settings, look for the Privacy & Security section, and choose Lock Screen.
Ensure that your screen locks after a brief period of inactivity, ideally within 5 minutes or less.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcut to lock your screen instantly (the default is Ctrl + Shift + L or Super + L).
If you are installing Linux on your machine, you will likely be given the choice to encrypt your hard drive during the installation process. This feature is often overlooked.
Full Disk Encryption can be thought of as securing all your crucial files within a vault that encapsulates your entire hard drive. This means that even if someone manages to physically take your laptop, they won’t have access to your data unless they possess your encryption password.
Many Linux distributions allow you to activate encryption during the setup process. If you didn’t select this option initially, enabling full disk encryption later would necessitate reinstalling the operating system.
For those who prefer to safeguard their data without the hassle of a complete reinstall, using LUKS allows you to encrypt specific partitions or your home directory after installation. While this approach does offer a degree of protection, it lacks the extensive security provided by full disk encryption.
If your Linux laptop is online, it can be susceptible to network-based threats. To mitigate this risk, consider enabling the firewall on your Linux system. A firewall acts as a guardian for your internet traffic, screening out any unwanted or harmful connections.
Linux distributions generally come with integrated firewalls, like Iptables or UFW. However, in many of these distributions, enabling the firewall is a manual process.
I personally prefer using an Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) due to its simplicity in setup and its effectiveness in protecting against unauthorized access attempts. To activate it on Ubuntu, you can execute:
There is also the option to set specific rules to allow or block certain types of traffic, but for the majority of users, the default configuration will suffice.
If you are not very comfortable with using command-line tools, you have the option to install GUFW, which is a graphical interface for UFW. This makes managing firewall settings even simpler.
A Virtual Private Network secures all online activities between your Linux device and the internet, making it significantly more difficult for anyone to monitor your online behavior. If you are committed to maintaining your privacy, utilizing a VPN is crucial.
In my experience, I always ensure that my VPN is operational whenever I connect to public Wi-Fi, such as in cafes or airports. Rather than having my information transmitted openly online, the VPN encrypts my data and conceals my IP address, providing an additional layer of secrecy.
Setting up a VPN on Linux is relatively simple. Most VPN service providers now offer clients that are compatible with Linux. I personally prefer OpenVPN as it is open-source and allows me to maintain greater control over my privacy.
Additionally, you may want to consider other VPN options like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which are reliable and feature easy installation processes. Regardless of which VPN you choose, it is important to select a reputable provider with a robust privacy policy.
One straightforward method to improve your privacy is by switching to a private DNS server. A DNS server acts as the internet’s directory, converting website names into IP addresses so that your browser can access them.
Typically, your ISP manages your DNS, which means they can track every website you visit. To take back control, consider transitioning to a more private and secure DNS provider, such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS. These services frequently offer quicker browsing speeds along with enhanced security and privacy measures.
For example, Cloudflare guarantees not to log your DNS queries, which aids in preserving your online anonymity.
Setting this up on Linux is relatively easy. You can manually configure your chosen private DNS server by modifying the network settings in the system’s network section. For instance, on Ubuntu:
Alternatively, you can modify the /etc/resolv.conf file in the terminal to define your preferred DNS servers. It’s also a good idea to experiment with various DNS providers to determine which one delivers the best speed.
Many popular web browsers are infamous for monitoring your online behaviors. If maintaining privacy is essential, consider transitioning to a browser designed with security at its core. Personally, I favor Firefox, though other options like Floorp, Brave, and Tor Browser also prioritize privacy.
Firefox provides features such as enhanced tracking protection and options to block third-party cookies and unwanted ads. Additionally, you can enhance your security with privacy-centric add-ons such as uBlock Origin for ad blocking or HTTPS Everywhere to ensure secure connections to websites.
In contrast, the Tor Browser offers even more robust privacy by routing your internet data through multiple servers, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track your online activities.
Changing your web browser might feel inconvenient, but after making the switch, you will soon realize how much more control you have over your information.
Ensuring your system is up to date is a crucial part of safeguarding your system. Software updates frequently contain fixes for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. Ignoring these updates is akin to disregarding warning signals about possible threats.
Linux distributions, much like other operating systems, provide regular updates to address identified security issues. Whether it’s a kernel update or a software package correction, keeping your system current is vital for ensuring your laptop’s security.
I always make it a point to look for updates consistently – at least once a week – and install them right away when they are available. This proactive approach ensures that I am always shielded from the latest security vulnerabilities.
Depending on your chosen distribution, you can easily configure automatic updates or manually initiate a check for updates through the terminal using a straightforward command:
Additionally, it is essential to back up your files prior to executing any significant updates.
With just a few easy steps, you can greatly improve the privacy and security of your Linux laptop. Discover how certain distributions prioritize privacy and security.
Image credit: Unsplash. All modifications and screenshots by Haroon Javed.
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Haroon is a passionate tech aficionado with over five years of experience crafting a multitude of articles on topics such as Linux, programming languages, and beyond. His enthusiasm for exploring new technologies leads him to experiment with innovative applications. His writings have reached audiences on various online platforms, including HTG, Baeldung, and LinuxHint.
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