If you buy a used computer online, how do you know it doesn’t have malicious software installed to steal your information later? If you replace the hard drive, does that solve my worries? What’s best practice? I’ve gone down the 🐇🕳️ again….😂😵💫
Discussion
Seems logical to use a new drive. Check that nothing has been modified on the mobo perhaps? Never bought used pc but curious to know as well.
Thinking about doing a Node project. Honestly Gonna see if my local computer guys have a mini pc that they have pulled and will give me first. But can get them pretty cheap on eBay.
I’ll have a webstore open soon
For used computers? Do/will you use BRTPayserver? That’s my current project. Working on setting tunnel back to my node using Cloudflare. Looking for people that have already traversed that path.
And watch this Chris, they’re going on making rules about how my buying a new device to make my living is public enemy number uno when the device I bought from #Tim himself was paid for in full, just not signed as agreed with #Tim.
How fucking sick is that when splitting me over it?
🦇 
Yup! I’m using wireguard, stuck with exposing it publicly lol.
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Reset the cmos battery, update the bios, overwrite the drive. If vpro/amt is a feature or other remote control/reporting software, disable. Reset secure boot keys & enable secure boot while there.
Remember that aliens can probably program the molecules even in the plastic cover to record your heartbeat!!
Other than that just wipe the disk for real & maybe flash BIOS?
And if a PC check that nothing is hooked to the USB bus that should not be there, keyloggers come that way too…
Jum... the final answer is #openhardware , you must at least replace the hard disk, but you could minimize the issues with this tools:
boot firmware: https://libreboot.org/
Secure OS: Qubes OS https://qubes-os.org
🐇🕳️ for sure ... so look for a balance hahaha.
I usually am replacing the hard drive anyways for performance and size. I never even boot up windows on a refurb, pulling that drive and setting aside before hand.
Visually inspect the motherboard for any obvious shenanigans. Then install Linux.
Simply put, you cant have 100% certainty that a used or even new system hasnt been tampered with. And its actually far easier for a state actor to target a user via a new system vs a used one, particularly if theres supply chain impact (buying apple, dell, hp, lenovo, system76 etc from factory)
Was looking at some Lenovo’s that come without hard drive. I was assuming I’d replace anyway, don’t see the point in paying for one. I’d be looking to load up with Umbrel so i could transfer my existing Node to it. This is a project for later, but watching my HD and know it will have to be replaced at some point, so figure I’d upgrade from my Raspberry Pi when that time comes. Thanks for the information 🤙🏻🫂