13
submitted 2 days ago by PiraHxCx@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

If I keep all incoming connections blocked, but also all outgoing connections blocked except my browser (no MS/Win service is communicating with anything online), would my attack surface be just the browser? So it wouldn't matter if Win is not updated?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] specialwall@midwest.social 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

There are going to be more services you need than http and https. You'll also need to allow DNS queries and a way to keep your time updated, for instance.

The advantage of blocking incoming connections is that each potentially vulnerable network service isn't automatically exposed to the internet. Blocking outgoing connections isn't going to improve your security much, considering that any compromised service trying to phone home could just use http, the same protocol your browser uses.

It would still matter that your OS isn't up to date. For instance, if there is ever a vulnerability in the way Windows 10 renders an image format that allows remote code execution, Microsoft will not give you a patch.

If you must remain on Windows 10, the best way to reduce attack surface is going to be to uninstall as much software as possible that you don't use.

If you only use a browser, then you could have a quite seemless transition to Linux. That way you can have an up-to-date system. The vast majority of browsers support it natively, including Chrome and Edge.

[-] PiraHxCx@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

edit: nvm, thanks for the answer.

this post was submitted on 03 Dec 2025
13 points (100.0% liked)

Privacy

43539 readers
637 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS