Category: Security

Setup a Flashdrive with QubesOS in 5 Easy Steps

Discover how to setup a Flashdrive with QubesOS and take it anywhere

I live in a world of computers with Microsoft Windows operating systems from DOS to Windows 10. Conversely, Macs were an old-school (literally, at school) way of computing. Likewise, Linux was a tech genius with nefarious undertones. I’m happy to say this bias is transforming and I’m enjoying it. This article will describe how to setup a Flashdrive with QubesOS.

I found Qubes OS during my exploration with the Raspberry Pi. Qubes OS presents itself as “a reasonably secure operating system”. This operating system runs applications in Virtual Machines (or “qubes”) creating more separation between them.

Qubes OS can also be installed on a flash drive.

This isn’t a guide to walkthrough the installation of Qubes OS. Instead, here are a few helpful resources to get Qubes OS installed while on a Windows PC. The documentation is already quite helpful.

1. Ensure System Compatibility

First, make sure your system supports Qubes OS and that it can leverage the benefits of the operating system. I never meant to install Qubes OS when I built my Windows PC and after changing some settings, my system was ready: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/system-requirements/

2. Download the ISO File

Furthermore, assuming your system can support Qubes OS, the installation file needs to be downloaded. I suggest downloading the ISO file. This link explains in more detail how to verify the digital signature: https://www.qubes-os.org/downloads/

3. Copy the ISO to Prepare the Flashdrive with QubesOS

Although there are a few ways to install an operating system from an ISO file, you need to prepare the installation medium first. To that end, I chose a flash drive and used Rufus to help. Check out the documentation carefully – it recommends Rufus on Windows. Select “DD Image” after selecting the Qubes ISO: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/installation-guide/#copying-the-iso-onto-the-installation-medium

4. Run the Installation on the Flashdrive with QubesOS

After preparing the installation medium, prepare the installation drive. I installed Qubes OS on a flash drive. Boot from the installation medium and make sure the device is available when you reach the Installation Summary screen. Don’t worry, you can still cancel the installation on this screen. You may not even get there if your system doesn’t yet support Qubes OS.

Tip: the installation process will ask for two passwords 1) to encrypt the drive and 2) to login. You will need to enter both after each boot up so choose them well: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/installation-guide/#installation

5. Perform Post-Installation

This is the last step. There are a few post-installation steps to go through: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/installation-guide/#post-installation

Enjoy your reasonably secure operating system!

Check out the Qubes OS Project source code on GitHub: https://github.com/QubesOS

Serialization, Encryption, and Extension Methods Working In Harmony

Recently I wrote a blog entry called “Extension Me Serialize: With Encryption!” for Magenic focusing on encrypting serialized data. The url is: http://magenic.com/Blog/ExtensionMeSerializeWithEncryption.aspx and it has been referenced on Channel 9: http://channel9.msdn.com/Shows/This+Week+On+Channel+9/TWC9-Windows-8-C-Amp-NuGet-Mouse-Mischief-and-more.

Embracing the power of extension methods, I offered the ability to easily serialize objects while simultaneously offering security by default and defense in depth approaches. Also, as noted in the post, depending solely on encryption is not a responsible form of security for your IT system. The protection and maintenance of your encryption keys must be the first step. Encryption is meaningless unless the encryption keys are properly managed. If an attacker can easily access the encryption keys used for data encryption and can apply those to decrypt the data, the data is plaintext to them. I implore you, protect   your   keys !