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NSA Proof Your Computer Part 6: Exploring Cryptic Fonts And Operating Systems (Plus Video)

Oliver SK.

So, you’re still here to make your computer even more NSA proof? Let’s take a look at what people have come up with recently to make their PC’s secure and private again. Goodbye 1984!

The Operating System: Linux A Good Alternative, But Not For Newbies

Most people rely on either Windows, Mac OS X, Ubuntu or various distributions. They are all flawed and easy to hack. Yes, Ubuntu is as secure as Windows – most hackers are more familiar with Linux anyway and writing a Linux exploit is not exactly rocket science. So, believing you are 100% secure if you migrate to Ubuntu is false hope. Especially if you are new to Ubuntu and don’t even know how to compile and configure a firewall, your Ubuntu machine is easier to hack than a secure Windows PC that is properly configured (VPN, decent firewall, ports closed, etc!).

So – if all operating systems are flawed and even the best security out there will not fully protect you what’s left to do?

Virtual Machines – Not Safe From Viruses

Migrating to a virtual machine is one solution, but as pointed out by various whitepapers, viruses are capable of infecting virtual machines and you may not want to fully rely on virtual machines for your sensitive data , although I still encourage the use of virtual machines if you are just starting out with creating a secure computer environment. You may want to read our guide

Security By Isolation: Why Not Create An Entire Virtual OS?

The concept of virtual machines is great, so why not take it to the next level and create an entire virtualized OS? That’s what the makers of Qubes OS Project might have thought:

Qubes is an open-source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing. Qubes is based on Xen, the X Window System, and Linux, and can run most Linux applications and utilize most of the Linux drivers

Find Out More About Qubes

NSA-Proof Fonts For Your Emails (Wow, awesome concept)

Some smart people are working on cryptic fonts that you can use to write NSA-proof mails. The clou?

The NSA will most likely have bots that can scan your mail for keywords, but if you are using cryptic fonts, those bots will have a hard time scanning your mails. Neat!

So how does it work? First you head over to http://z-x-x.org/ and download the font, it’s as easy to install as any other font. It’s a .otf font and also includes a Mac OS X version. If you don’t know how to install the font, read this guide but it should be as easy as a double-click on the otf file unless you messed up your system badly.

Upcoming Security Devices: McAfee’s Plot To Liberate The Internet Again

Internet mogul McAfee is planning to release a device called Decentral to make computers NSA-proof by creating so called floating networks

According to McAfee the device will make it impossible for governments to tell who you are or where you are located. The device will support Android and iOS.

I can’t help it, but I like rebels like DotCom and Afee who simply fight on despite legal troubles and what not and don’t give up fighting big brother.

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