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A Step-by-Step Guide to Secure and Anonymous Web Browsing

In today’s increasingly surveilled digital landscape, maintaining anonymity and privacy online is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re operating in a highly monitored environment, facing intense governmental surveillance, or simply concerned about corporate tracking, this guide will help you establish a personal safety net to secure your browsing experience.

This guide covers setting up Mullvad VPN, using Mullvad Browser, integrating with KeePassXC for password management, and ensuring your privacy and anonymity while browsing the web.

Note: I primarily use ArchLinux with dwm. Your experience may vary depending on your operating system and environment.

Step 1: Setting Up Mullvad VPN

Mullvad is a top-notch, privacy-focused VPN that supports anonymity with minimal logs and powerful encryption. Here’s how to get it up and running:

Install Mullvad VPN (AUR version)

1. Install Mullvad VPN: Use your preferred AUR helper (like yay or paru):

   yay -S mullvad-vpn
   

2. Launch Mullvad VPN: After installation, start the Mullvad VPN client and log in with your Mullvad account (you can create one on their website).
3. Connect to a VPN Server: Choose a server to secure your connection and mask your real IP address.

Hide Mullvad VPN in the System Tray

To ensure Mullvad runs unobtrusively:

1. Install stalonetray: If you use dwm or herbstluftwm:

   sudo pacman -S stalonetray
   

2. Add stalonetray to Autostart: Include it in your autostart script (~/.xinitrc or ~/.config/herbstluftwm/autostart):

   stalonetray &
   

3. Verify: Mullvad VPN should now appear in the system tray, allowing easy access and control.

Step 2: Installing and Setting Up Mullvad Browser (Flatpak)

Using a privacy-focused browser is essential for maintaining anonymity. Mullvad Browser is designed with privacy and anonymity in mind, offering features like WebRTC leak protection, cookie blocking, and built-in Tor support.

Install Mullvad Browser from Flatpak

1. Ensure Flatpak is Installed:

   sudo pacman -S flatpak
   

2. Add the Flathub Repository:

   flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
   

3. Install Mullvad Browser:

   flatpak install flathub net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
   

4. Launch the Browser: Access it from your application menu or via:

   flatpak run net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
   

Step 3: Enhancing Security with KeePassXC

To securely manage your passwords and online credentials, KeePassXC is an excellent open-source, encrypted, and privacy-conscious choice.

Install KeePassXC

1. Install KeePassXC: Available in the official repositories:

   sudo pacman -S keepassxc
   

2. Launch KeePassXC: Open the application and create a new database to store your passwords securely.

KeePassXC Integration with Mullvad Browser

While KeePassXC doesn’t offer a direct browser extension for Mullvad Browser, you can use its Auto-Type feature to fill in passwords:

1. Enable Auto-Type: In KeePassXC, go to Tools > Settings > Auto-Type and ensure it’s enabled.
2. Configure Auto-Type for Entries: For each entry, set up the window associations to match the Mullvad Browser’s window title.
3. Use Auto-Type: Navigate to the login page in Mullvad Browser, select the corresponding entry in KeePassXC, and trigger Auto-Type (usually by pressing Ctrl+V).

Note: Auto-Type simulates keystrokes to enter your credentials. Ensure no sensitive information is displayed or logged during this process.

Step 4: Additional Privacy Enhancements

To ensure a fully secure and anonymous browsing experience, consider the following steps:

Modify Firefox Preferences (for Mullvad Browser)

To further enhance your privacy in Mullvad Browser (which is based on Firefox):

1. Access Advanced Preferences: Type about:config in the Mullvad Browser’s address bar and press Enter.
2. Adjust Settings:
   • privacy.resistFingerprinting: Set to true to prevent unique device fingerprints.
   • privacy.firstparty.isolate: Set to true to isolate cookies and prevent cross-site tracking.
   • signon.rememberSignons: Set to false to prevent the browser from saving login information.

Step 5: Managing Your System Privacy

Beyond browser and VPN configurations, consider the following system-wide privacy measures:

• Regularly Update Your System: Ensure all software is up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches.
• Use Encrypted Communication: Prefer encrypted messaging services and email providers that support end-to-end encryption.
• Limit Data Sharing: Be mindful of the information you share online and adjust privacy settings on social media and other platforms accordingly.

By implementing these steps, you can significantly enhance your online privacy and maintain a more secure and anonymous browsing experience.

Remember, while these tools and configurations can greatly improve your online privacy, no solution is foolproof. Always stay informed about the latest security practices and remain vigilant about your digital footprint.