I wanted to share a huge time-saving tip that I’ve began using. Previously, I would install virtual machines from scratch when I needed to perform a task that needs to be segmented.
I started to create a virtual machines for each purpose, and created a baseline VDI from it. For example, if I need Windows in the future, I can copy the baselined Windows VDI that already has Mullvad browser, VPN installed, and bloat removed. This has saved a tremendous amount of time from installing OSs frequently.
On top of this, I can just delete the VM completely when I am done with it. This further helps with opsec & compartmentalization.
Example personal usecases on a Linux hypervisor are:
Using software that only works on Windows
Torrenting
General web browsing
Managing sockpuppet accounts on cybercrime forums
Examining ransomware leaks and other data breach dumps
Using any software that I generally don’t trust
Since the hypervisor is generally unmodified, I don’t need to worry about any of these activities being mixed together. The biggest concern in my personal threat model is the fourth usecase; there have been researchers who have been doxxed, harassed, etc due to opsec fails.
