How to disable snooping in Windows 10?
While enthusiastic Microsoft fans rush to install the new Windows 10 shell with joyful rapture, wiser and more prudent users are trying to take a closer look at the text of the license agreement and the stuffing of the newfangled operating system. It is worth recalling that in the trial version of the "tens" for sane people there were an order of unacceptable conditions. And what about them in the final version – did they survive?
Windows 10 collects user data and passwords
Microsoft reserves the right to collect and store a history of visits by the user to various sites, passwords to them, the names of access points used by the user to connect, along with passwords to them. The problem is that this data is tied to a Microsoft account, and its password can be stolen or hacked. In such a case, the attacker will be able to learn a lot about his victim.
Therefore, data synchronization is not only possible, but must be turned off. And Microsoft came up with the idea to enable this feature by default, counting on the fact that the vast majority of users will not even pay attention to the details of implementing such a “synchronization", so think a hundred times before upgrading to Windows 10.
Cortana – virtual spy
The Cortana virtual assistant used by the "ten" has already been dubbed by many as a "virtual spy". Microsoft, in the license agreement for Windows 10, has reserved the right for this application to collect various user data:
- SMS and fragments of mail correspondence;
- user coordinates;
- data on scheduled events marked in the user’s calendar;
- data on calls made – who called whom and how often;
- data from the contact book and a number of other data.
In addition, this service will collect data about computer usage: the time set on the alarm clock, the music available on it, a list of installed programs and search queries, and much more. Samples of the user’s voice will even be sent to Microsoft’s servers for processing.
The only consolation is that some of the functions for the Russian user will not work yet, including the dubious Cortana service.
Collection of information for marketers
Third party tracking of users. It is no longer a secret that the "ten" will be stuffed with advertising, which is the reason for the unexpected "generosity" of Microsoft, which decided to distribute this operating system for free. Previously, this company was not seen in such a charity.
In order to inventory all advertising consumers, each of them will be assigned an identification number, to which advertisers will have access. It turns out that marketers will also be able to track user behavior. Similar dubious "innovations" related to tracking by ID number, Microsoft willingly borrowed from Google. Therefore, on all your devices with Windows 10, it is better to immediately disable the transmission of identification numbers (advertisingID).
Video on how to turn off Windows 10 snooping
Is encryption really that secure?
Microsoft also stores the encryption key. Everything is very cool: by encrypting their data using the supplied BitLocker utility, the user sends a copy of the access key to their data to the “benefactors” from Microsoft. The license for the "top ten" states that this password will go to a server controlled by the author of the OS. And the company, upon request, will provide this key to the US intelligence services.
Local files are in danger!
There is also a simply shocking clause in the license agreement for the "top ten": the company can dispose of user data.
The meaning of this paragraph is that Microsoft can not only provide local files, personal correspondence and other personal data to the authorities at their request, but also use them itself if it feels some threat to other customers here.
How to disable spyware in Windows 10?
If you decide to install Windows 10, then you need to do it like this:
Before installation:
- During installation, do not use express settings, but configure everything manually, disabling all questionable and obviously unnecessary checkboxes.
- You need to create a local account, not using an account offered by the Microsoft system.
After installation:
- After installation, go to: start > settings > privacy and turn off all the checkboxes.
- Next, in the feedback and diagnostics section, select “never” and “basic information”.
- Settings > updates > advanced options – here you need to remove the first item and select a method for receiving updates.
- The Russian version does not yet have Cortana, it should not be downloaded, and if it is, then delete it (click on the search icon next to the start, and then go through the settings).
- It is useful to rename your computer after installing "dozens" (Search > Type "about computer" > Rename).
Advanced users:
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Right-click on Start > Command Prompt (Admin). Then write down (you can even copy it, in Windows 10 there is such an opportunity): sc delete DiagTrack sc delete dmwappushservice C: ProgramDataMicrosoftDiagnosisETLLogsAutoLoggerAutoLogger-Diagtrack-Listener.etl
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Then group policies: click (win + R) > gpedit.msc (administrative rights are needed), go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds > Allow Telemetry – Disabled This procedure is relevant for Enterprise versions, however, advanced users will also be useful.
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In the same group policies: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive > Prevent use of OneDrive for file storage > Enabled
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In the same configuration: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender > Turn it off > Enabled.
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Through the registry editor (Run > regedit), go to the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesDataCollection, and change the AllowTelemetry parameter to 0 (zero).
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Manually enter the data in Hosts: right-click Start > command line (administrator), write notepad C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts there, and enter all hosts addresses:
127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.0.1 localhost.localdomain
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1 localhost
127.0.0.1 local
127.0.0.1 vortex.data.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 vortex-win.data.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 telecommand.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 telecommand.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
127.0.0.1 oca.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 oca.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
127.0.0.1sqm.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 sqm.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
127.0.0.1 watson.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 watson.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
127.0.0.1 redir.metaservices.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 choice.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 choice.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
127.0.0.1 df.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 reports.wes.df.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 wes.df.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 services.wes.df.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 sqm.df.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 watson.ppe.telemetry.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 telemetry.appex.bing.net
127.0.0.1 telemetry.urs.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 telemetry.appex.bing.net:443
127.0.0.1 settings-sandbox.data.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 vortex-sandbox.data.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 survey.watson.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 watson.live.com
127.0.0.1 watson.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 statsfe2.ws.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 corpext.mitadfs.glbdns2.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 compatexchange.cloudapp.net
127.0.0.1 cs1.wpc.v0cdn.net
127.0.0.1 a-0001.a-msedge.net
127.0.0.1 statsfe2.update.microsoft.com.akadns.net
127.0.0.1 sls.update.microsoft.com.akadns.net
127.0.0.1 fe2.update.microsoft.com.akadns.net
127.0.0.1 65.55.108.23
127.0.0.1 65.39.117.230
127.0.0.1 23.218.212.69
127.0.0.1 134.170.30.202
127.0.0.1 137.116.81.24
127.0.0.1 diagnostics.support.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 corp.sts.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 statsfe1.ws.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 pre.footprintpredict.com
127.0.0.1 204.79.197.200
127.0.0.1 23.218.212.69
127.0.0.1 i1.services.social.microsoft.com
127.0.0.1 i1.services.social.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
127.0.0.1 feedback.windows.com
127.0.0.1feedback.microsoft-hohm.com
127.0.0.1 feedback.search.microsoft.com
After that, the NSA will be left to bite their elbows.
Video on how to turn off Windows 10 snooping