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Computer Help and Support

ItsjustMe

(11,692 posts) Sat Sep 16, 2023, 02:15 PM Sep 2023

Stop Windows Spying With Hosts File - The PC Security Channel

2 replies

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Stop Windows Spying With Hosts File - The PC Security Channel (Original Post) ItsjustMe Sep 2023 OP

Works on all platforms AFAICT. usonian Sep 2023 #1

Doesn't work if the spying program is using direct IP (non-DNS) erronis Sep 2023 #2

usonian

(13,782 posts)

1. Works on all platforms AFAICT.

Reply to ItsjustMe (Original post)

Sat Sep 16, 2023, 02:23 PM

Sep 2023

One might also use a pi-hole device to block hosts for the entire home. Not sure you can get one pre-built. Thinking of the less computer-savvy people.

Of course, you could build one for friends and family. What a nice Christmas ( or other ) gift!

erronis

(16,827 posts)

2. Doesn't work if the spying program is using direct IP (non-DNS)

Reply to ItsjustMe (Original post)

Sat Sep 16, 2023, 02:45 PM

Sep 2023

And a lot of software including Microsoft is directly embedding the IP addresses inside without relying on DNS lookup.

No virus worth its salt will ever try to use DNS to send your private info to their servers.

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