System Configuration and Access
Donate
Best Security Practices for System Configuration and Access.
[edit]
Tip: Kicksecure should preferably be used only on computers without shared access.
It is unwise to allow others to use your computer, even if they are trustworthy individuals. If they are not equally knowledgeable in computer security, then one mistake could potentially lead to compromise of the entire system. [1]
Needless to say, Kicksecure should not be hosted in the cloud
, on a foreign server that is not controlled by the user, on a virtual private server (VPS), or other remote hosting options. The risks include: [2] [3]
- Data on these systems is readily accessible to their owners.
- Data can be accidentally or deliberately altered / deleted.
- Legal ownership of data is disputed.
- Shared technological vulnerabilities include insecure interfaces and application program interfaces (APIs), data loss / leakage and hardware failure.
- Proven vulnerability to large scale attacks like "hyperjacking", along with exposure to traditional threats like network eavesdropping, invasion, denial of service attacks, side-channel attacks and so on.
Use a Dedicated Host Operating System and Computer[edit]
Both Kicksecure and Kicksecure-Qubes users should avoid dual / multi-boot configurations. The other operating system (OS) such as for example Microsoft Windows could modify the unprotected /boot partition or firmware to maliciously compromise Qubes or the host OS, and also potentially spy on user activities.
Kicksecure users are recommended to use one dedicated host operating system (OS) just for hosting Kicksecure VM (in case Kicksecure is hosted on a VM). Otherwise, if the host OS which is used daily is compromised, Kicksecure cannot provide any additional protection. This is because the host is part of the system's trusted computing base (TCB):
For a computer system, the trusted computing base or TCB comprises the set of all hardware, software, and firmware components that are critical to establishing and maintaining its security. Typically, the TCB consists of an OS with all its in-built security controls, individual system hardware, network hardware and software, defined security procedures and protocols, and the actual physical location of the system itself.
...
Maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of data on a system is a prime responsibility of the TCB. The trusted computing base is also charged with enforcing the system’s security policy, and is the only component of a system that operates at such a high level of trust. This means that if any part of the TCB is subverted or contains flaws, the overall security policy of a system may be compromised.
See Malware and Firmware Trojans to learn more about the impacts of a compromised TCB.
For even greater security, the dedicated host OS can be used on a computer solely bought for Kicksecure activities. Ideally this computer will have never been used for anything else before, negating the risk of a prior hardware compromise.
Kicksecure on External Media[edit]
See: Kicksecure on USB or other External Media.
See Also[edit]
Footnotes[edit]
- ↑ If necessary, this risk is partially mitigated by creating untrusted domains in Kicksecure for Qubes for other users.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing#Security_and_privacy
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_security
A secure by default operating system with the latest security research in place.
At
Kicksecure we value freedom and trust, supporting Open Source and Freedom Software
2012-
2024 ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LP
We believe security software like Kicksecure needs to remain Open Source and independent. Would you help sustain and grow the project? Learn more about our 12 year success story and maybe DONATE!