Ultimate privacy setup: Buy certified qubes os laptop and use tor browser/whonix for web browser and ricochet refresh for chat over tor/file sharing

Qubes OS Secure Setup Guide (WebTunnel + Ricochet-Refresh)

Qubes OS Secure Setup Guide

This guide explains how to build a high-security Qubes OS system using:

  • Certified hardware
  • Whonix with WebTunnel bridges
  • Disposable Tor Browser
  • Ricochet-Refresh over Tor
  • Optional VPN router for defense-in-depth

Quick Introduction to Qubes OS

Qubes OS is a security-focused operating system that isolates applications into separate virtual machines (VMs). A compromise in one VM does not affect others.

  • TemplateVMs – Base OS and software
  • AppVMs – Daily-use application VMs
  • DisposableVMs – Destroyed after use
  • sys-whonix – Tor gateway for all Whonix-based VMs

Recommended hardware: NovaCustom V54 Series (preinstalled with Qubes OS).

Choose These Options for Maximum Security

  • Coreboot + Heads – verified boot and firmware tamper detection
  • Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – use Ethernet only
  • Privacy screen – shoulder-surfing protection
  • BusKill / kill-switch accessories – physical attack defense
  • Tamper-evident packaging – detect supply-chain tampering
Critical rule:
In Qubes OS + Whonix, Tor is configured only in sys-whonix. Do not configure bridges inside Tor Browser.

Why this matters

  • Ricochet-Refresh uses sys-whonix's Tor
  • Tor Browser settings affect only Tor Browser
  • Mixing settings causes broken connections
  • Avoids Tor-over-Tor errors

Step 2A: Obtain WebTunnel Bridges

Alternative (email):


To: bridges@torproject.org
Subject: get transport webtunnel
Body: get transport webtunnel

Step 2B: Configure sys-whonix

  1. Start sys-whonix
  2. Open terminal
  3. Run:
tor-connection-wizard
  1. Select Tor is censored
  2. Select Provide a bridge I know
  3. Paste WebTunnel bridges
  4. Finish wizard
sudo systemctl restart tor@default

Step 2C: Reset Tor Browser (Required)

  1. Open Tor Browser
  2. Settings → Tor
  3. Use Bridges: OFF
  4. Restart Tor Browser

Tor Browser now automatically uses sys-whonix + WebTunnel.

  • Hides IP before Tor
  • Protects all devices
  • Useful against ISP-level monitoring

Recommended chain:
Internet → VPN Router → sys-net → sys-whonix → AppVMs

Full Ricochet-Refresh instructions are here:
Use Ricochet-Refresh on Qubes OS

QubePurpose
sys-whonixTor + WebTunnel gateway
DisposableVMTor Browser
ricochet-appRicochet-Refresh
ricochet-dataPersistent identity storage
  • Back up Ricochet identity securely
  • Never connect Whonix VMs to sys-net directly
  • Use DisposableVMs for browsing
  • Keep Tor configuration centralized

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