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2. Secure Media Handling and USB Preparation

  • Step 1: Selection of Trusted USB Media

    Section titled “Step 1: Selection of Trusted USB Media”

    • Use a new USB drive if possible.

    • If not new, use a USB drive that:

      • You personally own

      • You have used before

      • You trust

    • Do not use USB drives that:

      • Came from unknown people

      • Were found somewhere

      • Were used on many random computers

    Simple idea:
    If you don’t trust the USB, don’t use it.

    Step 2: Dedicated USB Usage Policy

    Section titled “Step 2: Dedicated USB Usage Policy”

    • Decide that this USB drive is only for Tails OS

    • Do not use this USB for:

      • Movies

      • Music

      • Office files

      • Personal storage

    • Do not plug this USB into:

      • Friends’ computers

      • Office systems

      • Public computers

    Simple idea:
    One USB = one purpose only.

    Step 3: Media Labeling and Lifecycle Control

    Section titled “Step 3: Media Labeling and Lifecycle Control”

    • Physically label the USB drive using:

      • A sticker

      • A marker

    • Example labels:

      • “Tails Only”

      • “Secure OS USB”

    • Keep track of:

      • When you created it

      • Where you used it

    • If the USB is lost or damaged:

      • Stop using it permanently

    Simple idea:
    Know which USB it is and where it has been used.

    Step 4: Cross-Contamination Avoidance

    Section titled “Step 4: Cross-Contamination Avoidance”

    Cross-contamination means mixing safe and unsafe usage.

    To avoid it:

    • Do not use the Tails USB on:

      • Windows machines you don’t control

      • Internet cafés

    • Do not copy files from:

      • Random USB drives

      • Unknown systems

    • Do not plug unknown USB drives into your Tails system

    Simple idea:
    Do not mix trusted and untrusted devices.

    Step 5: Storage Chain-of-Custody Awareness

    Section titled “Step 5: Storage Chain-of-Custody Awareness”

    This means knowing who handled the USB.

    • Always know:

      • Who used the USB

      • Where it was stored

    • Store the USB:

      • In a safe place

      • Not lying around openly

    • Do not lend the USB to others

    • Treat it like:

      • A key

      • An ID card

    Simple idea:
    If you lose control of the USB, you lose trust in it.

    Step 6: Final USB Readiness Check

    Section titled “Step 6: Final USB Readiness Check”

    Before burning Tails OS:

    • Confirm:

      • USB is trusted

      • USB is clean

      • USB is only for this task

      • USB has not been shared

    Only after this:

    • Start the Tails OS burning process

    Simple idea:
    Prepare the USB properly before using it.

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Section titled “Next”

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