Given that recently I decided to start on an information diet [1], and that the Information Diets’ Tools page [2] doesn’t mention Linux (practically only 3 times [3]), I am writing this post tailored to Linux in general & Ubuntu in particular.First I’ll leave you with a video about the Information Diet & some quotes:
online
Online Security: Rules to stay safe online
StandardSome basic rules of thumb to use when online to increase your safety online, ordered in order of
- General
- Never open or reply to any email from an unknown. Consider it suspicious.
- Never click a link given by a stranger or even by a friend if you’ve not asked for it.
- Browser related
- Disable redirects (links might redirect you to fake pages!)
- Use HTTPS instead of plain HTTP
- Block JavaScript & Java
- Block Ads
- Block 3rd parties in web pages (most of which are hidden)
- Control cross-site requests
- Erase internet history, private data, cookies
- Erase Flash Local Shared Objects (LSO), also known as long-term Super-Cookies
Note: Pages might not load well enough with the above; you will often need to allow some services & parties, but at least its under your control!
- Chatting
- Follow the “General”
- Use a good Instant Messenger
- Use encryption
And remember, a computer is as smart as its user is & secure as cautious its user is!
Disclaimer: Please be warned that following the above rules increases your online security but it is by no means guaranteed to be completely safe! As a matter of fact, there’s nothing as being completely safe online!
Thanks for reading
last update: 2013-09-15
Ibrahim El Merehbi 