[opsec] Percentage of Tails Users

So I after a few month, I do all basic opsec things. It wasn't too hard learning pgp, tor settings, bitcion anonymization etc. I even have pretty safe offline storage for all passwords. Nevertheless I still use windows.

I know with some unluck this could break all other opsec. There could be another operation whatever by LE where they use data from Microsoft. We simple don't know, Operation Onymous also came out of nowhere as far as I know.

I know it's not possible to really know the percentage of tails users but has someone some figures? Is really almost anybody using Tails? I sometimes get the impression on this sub.

I simply don't wanna end up as someone who was to lazy to learn a Linux OS. It's still somewhat deterrent to me since it's very comfortable simply using dmns on windows. I can even listen to spotify and be on twitter & reddit on chrome (also I guess that's also not good for opsec in spite of TOR using it's own gateway, huh?)

I just know that it will take some time to figure out tails. Till then I would still use windows. Do really only sloppy people l do this or is it common for personal amount buyers to use Windows? That wouldn't be an excuse for not using tails, I know. But it would at least decrease the risk if there were a lot of other ppl doing it.

Thanks, Zak


Comments


[6 Points] andblowyourhousedown:

I just know that it will take some time to figure out tails. Till then I would still use windows.

It would take less than a day. Actually no more a few hours, most likely, considering that it's far easier than some of the stuff you have already figured out - i.e. PGP, Bitcoins, etc.

Entirely up to you if you wanna do it, of course, just saying that it ain't that hard to do.


[7 Points] need4speeds:

I can assure you that the vast majority of DNM users don't use tails. It might not seem that way, since /r/darknetmarkets is a niche community of DNM users that promotes tails pretty heavily but you also have to understand that the vast majority of DNM users don't browse /r/darknetmarkets. I'm not saying whether or not you should use tails as that's completely up to you, just pointing out that you shouldn't get the wrong impression about how many dnm users use tails.


[5 Points] entactoBob:

My $0.02: Probably fine for a buyer (definitely not adequate OPSEC for a vendor, IMHO), but it's foolish to jeopardize your freedom any more than you have to in this situation, particularly if it's just from sheer laziness and mental inertia. Plus, bonus: you'll get some Linux experience & while not totally "easy", it should be well within your capabilities given all the other minutiae and tedium you've mastered thus far.

Don't stop now, whip that OPSEC into best practices shape. Value your freedom by protecting it with anonymity. And it's possible you've made it into this giant pain in the ass in your head that it actually isn't in practice. Set aside an afternoon & you'll probably be done with time to spare. And trust me, setting it up is not as bad as you think. But I would advise you to do it nice & clear-headed, paying attention to what you're doing, and using forums & such as resources in case you get stuck. There are defs subs for these topics.

And who knows? You might like Linux & realize it's faster, sexier, & more customizable than Windows & OS X. Most distributions these days feature cool user interfaces that behave like you expect from an OS; not just a dark, blinking, command line prompt. Ubuntu is a great starting point. Linux Mint is cool, too. Arch Linux requires some more engagement, but it's very popular amongst so-called Linux power users. Get a feel for what you like if you have time, but definitely understand that TAILS requires some concentrating and following of instructions, but you got that.

Unless you have any real reasons (don't be a slug) for not doing this OPSEC move and at least trying it out do not let laziness be the reason you catch a charge. It sucks for all of us every time LE snags someone from our community. Let's help make that several factors more difficult and expensive for the adversary.


[2 Points] yeahmynameisbrian:

The Tor browser bundle for Windows is good enough security. You really don't have to "learn" how to use Tails however. You install it on a flash drive, boot it up, and it's ready to go.


[2 Points] RakrionZak:

Okay, thanks for all your replies! I'm sorry for not replying sooner.

I think I'll talk some free afternoons next week and try to install Tails. It should be manageable and you encouraged me.

Only thing I'm worried about is losing too much comfort (I know I theoretically shouldn't trade this in for security). Can I be logged on to reddit and Spotify on Tails and if so would it fuck up the opsec?

PS: I have set a strong windows pw and strong market pws. They are stored on a save place offline. My Pgp keys are on a usb which I keep safe as well. Assuming worst case and they confiscate my PC would it be of any use to them?

Thanks again!


[1 Points] JailsucksLEtoo:

Maybe tails is useful for large amounts buyer or for vendors. It's grate in the case of device confiscation for searching proof purposes since you have nothing related to DNMs on your PC, but this really could happen only to big fishes (at least in the large majority of legislations about drugs). But be sure to stay aware from viruses using windows, there are tons of that shit on the darknet area. I'm a buyer of small personal quantities and I use ubuntu because makes me feel more confident, and because i prefer it of course.


[1 Points] None:

I don't trust tails. I use an old pentium 4 laptop and an older version of linux with TOR and PGP installed on it, and only use it for the darknetz, and its hard drive is encrypted. It does not have a bitcoin wallet or any bitcoin private keys stored on it.


[1 Points] procowtipper:

Tails is literally the easiest OS ever to learn. Tor, PGP, electrum, IM, and email clients are all built right into the system. The hardest part is loading it onto the USB.