Security & Privacy

Whisper2Linux is designed with a strong focus on user privacy and security. This section outlines the security measures implemented in the application and provides guidelines for maintaining privacy while using Whisper2Linux.

Privacy-First Design

1. No Persistent Storage of Audio Data:

   • By default, Whisper2Linux does not store any audio recordings.
   • All audio data is processed in-memory and discarded after use.

2. Minimal Data Collection:

   • Only the necessary audio data for command processing is captured.
   • No personal information is collected or stored.

3. Local Processing:

   • Most operations are performed locally on the user's machine.
   • API calls are made only when necessary for speech recognition and AI responses.

Security Measures

1. Limited Key Monitoring:

   • Only the Ctrl and Alt keys are monitored for activation.
   • No keylogging of other keystrokes occurs.

2. Secure API Communications:

   • All API calls use HTTPS to encrypt data in transit.
   • API endpoints should be configured to use valid SSL certificates.

3. Input Sanitization:

   • User inputs are sanitized before processing to prevent injection attacks.

4. No Root Privileges Required:

   • Whisper2Linux operates without requiring root or administrative privileges.

Best Practices for Users

1. API Key Management:

   • If using custom API endpoints that require authentication, store API keys securely.
   • Use environment variables or a secure key management system.

2. Regular Updates:

   • Keep Whisper2Linux and its dependencies up to date to benefit from the latest security patches.

3. Secure Environment:

   • Use Whisper2Linux in a secure, private environment to prevent eavesdropping.

4. Review Permissions:

   • Regularly review the permissions granted to Whisper2Linux.

5. Customize Trigger Word:

   • Change the default trigger word to a unique phrase for added security.

Data Handling

1. Transcription Data:

   • Transcriptions are temporary and not stored persistently.
   • Users can implement custom logging if transcript retention is required.

2. In-Memory Clipboard:

   • The in-memory clipboard is cleared when the application is closed.
   • Sensitive information in the clipboard should be manually cleared by the user.

Network Security

1. Firewall Configuration:

   • Ensure your firewall is properly configured to allow only necessary connections for Whisper2Linux.

2. API Endpoint Security:

   • If self-hosting API endpoints, follow best practices for server security.

Auditing and Logging

1. Optional Logging:

   • Logging is disabled by default to maximize privacy.
   • When enabled, logs do not contain sensitive user data.

2. Performance Metrics:

   • Performance logs do not include user content or sensitive information.

Third-Party Services

1. API Providers:

   • Review the privacy policies of any third-party API services used.
   • Ensure they comply with your privacy requirements.

2. Open-Source Dependencies:

   • Regularly audit open-source dependencies for security vulnerabilities.

User Awareness

1. Clear Documentation:

   • Provide clear documentation on what data is processed and how.

2. Transparency:

   • Be transparent about any changes to privacy practices or security measures.

Compliance Considerations

1. GDPR Compliance:

   • Whisper2Linux's default configuration aligns with GDPR principles by not storing personal data.

2. Data Sovereignty:

   • Users should be aware of where API calls are processed if using cloud-based services.

Security Audits

1. Regular Code Reviews:

   • Conduct regular code reviews focusing on security aspects.

2. Vulnerability Scanning:

   • Use automated tools to scan for potential vulnerabilities in the codebase.

Incident Response

1. Reporting Vulnerabilities:

   • Provide a clear process for users to report potential security vulnerabilities.

2. Update Protocol:

   • Establish a protocol for quickly addressing and patching any discovered security issues.

By adhering to these security and privacy measures, Whisper2Linux aims to provide a secure and privacy-respecting experience for its users. Always prioritize user privacy and security in any customizations or extensions to the application.