Matt Faulkner

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Sail High Seas Safely!

Sometimes companies get really weird about the public sharing their favorite Linux ISOs with each other. Not just that, but all the weird bad guys trying to give you bad ISOs. So I’ve put together a small guide for configuring a safe enviroment for searching for those cool ISOs.

Man, how many times can I say ISOs in this post….

Required Tools

  • ProtonVPN (with Premium subscription)
  • qBittorrent
  • Malwarebytes
  • Firefox web browser

Before Starting

  • Apply all OS, Security, and Application updates.
  • Reboot PC into a fresh state.
  • Exit and terminate all unrequired programs using Task Manager.
  • Ensure ProtonVPN network adapter appears in Task Manager.
  • Ensure using Firefox in Private Browsing mode.
  • Ensure Malwarebytes is running.

Firefox Settings

I like to use the following extensions…

  • uBlock Origin
  • Privacy Badger

Under the Privacy & Security tab….

  • Enhanced Tracking Protection: Strict
  • Tell websites not to sell or share my data enabled
  • Send websites a “Do Not Track” request
  • Ask to save passwords disabled
  • No passwords in the browser credentials store
  • Autofill disabled

Further down you will find Firefox Data Collection and Use

  • Disable all options.

qBittorrent Settings

In settings/options under the BitTorrent tab…

  • Enable DHT
  • Enable PeX
  • Encryption Mode: Require Encryption
  • Enable anonymous mode

In settings/options under the Advanced tab…

  • Network Interface > ProtonVPN

qBits

ProtonVPN Settings

  • Secure Core enabled
  • NetShield enabled
  • Killswitch enabled
  • Allow Alternative Routing enabled
  • DNS Leak Protection
  • IPv6 Leak Protection enabled

ProtonVPN

References

Firefox Hardening Tips 2019

About Studies - Firefox Help

Anonymous Mode

Other

I typically trust the following users….

  • threesixtyp
  • YIFY
  • TGXgoodies
https://yts.mx/

Above is a link you might find useful.

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