linux-hosts-instructions.md

Linux - Hosts File Instructions

What is the Linux host file?

The Linux hosts file is an important system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. Here are the key details about the Linux hosts file:

Location and Format

• Located at /etc/hosts.
• Plain text file without an extension.
• Each line contains an IP address followed by one or more hostnames.

Purpose and Function

The hosts file:

• Maps hostnames to IP addresses manually.
• Is checked before querying DNS servers.
• Allows overriding DNS entries for specific domains.
• Can be used to block access to certain websites.

Security Considerations

• Can be used as a simple firewall to block malicious websites.
• Modifying the hosts file can impact network connectivity and web browsing.

Instructions

1. Go to the folder location: /etc/hosts.

You will require escalated privileges to edit the file (use sudo for Linux/MacOS).

2. Now simply copy and paste the contents from the file found below by adding it into your hosts file.

• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/chartingshow/crypto-firewall/master/src/blacklists/hosts.txt

3. Save the hosts file and you're done. Linux will automatically block the websites listed in the crypto firewall.

4. Check on this github repo periodically for updates to the hosts file as you will need to manually update the hosts file yourself.