The Volla Tablet: A Privacy-First, Linux-Ready Device for Secure Computing

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Introduction

The Volla Tablet is a groundbreaking device designed for privacy-conscious users and open-source advocates. Offering a choice between Volla OS 13 (a Google-free Android-based system) and Ubuntu Touch, it combines security, flexibility, and productivity in a single package. With encrypted storage, firewall controls, and Linux compatibility, it stands as a strong alternative to mainstream tablets.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the key privacy and security features of the Volla Tablet.
  • Learn how to leverage its Linux (Ubuntu Touch) capabilities for productivity.
  • Explore secure configurations for maximizing privacy.

1. Setting Up Volla OS for Maximum Privacy

The Volla OS is a hardened, Google-free Android variant. Below are key security configurations:

Verified Command/Configuration:

adb shell settings put global captive_portal_mode 0 

What This Does: Disables captive portal detection, preventing unnecessary network checks that could leak data.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Enable Developer Options (Settings > About Tablet > Tap “Build Number” 7 times).

2. Enable USB Debugging in Developer Options.

  1. Connect the tablet to a Linux/Windows machine via USB.
  2. Run the command above via ADB to disable captive portals.

2. Enabling Firewall & Network Restrictions

Volla OS includes a built-in firewall for strict network control.

Verified Command:

iptables -A INPUT -j DROP 

What This Does: Blocks all incoming connections (use cautiously).

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid.

2. Grant root access (if available).

  1. Run the command to block unsolicited inbound traffic.

3. Installing & Securing Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch turns the Volla Tablet into a Linux workstation.

Verified Command:

sudo apt install firejail 

What This Does: Installs Firejail, a security sandbox for apps.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Boot into Ubuntu Touch (multiboot setup required).

2. Open the terminal.

  1. Run the command to install Firejail for app isolation.

4. Encrypting Storage for Data Protection

Volla Tablet supports full-disk encryption.

Verified Command (Linux):

sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX 

What This Does: Encrypts a storage partition using LUKS.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Boot into Ubuntu Touch.

2. Identify the target partition with `lsblk`.

  1. Run the command to encrypt it (replace `sdX` with your partition).

5. Hardening Network Privacy with VPN & DNS

Prevent tracking with encrypted DNS and VPN.

Verified Command (Linux):

sudo resolvectl dns eth0 9.9.9.9 

What This Does: Sets Quad9 (privacy-focused DNS) as default.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open terminal in Ubuntu Touch.

2. Run the command to enforce secure DNS.

What Undercode Say:

  • Key Takeaway 1: The Volla Tablet is one of the few devices offering Google-free Android + Linux in one, making it ideal for privacy-focused workflows.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Its hardened firewall, encryption, and Ubuntu Touch support make it a strong contender against surveillance-heavy alternatives.

Analysis:

As data privacy becomes a growing concern, devices like the Volla Tablet set a precedent for user-controlled computing. The ability to switch between a locked-down Android environment and a full Linux OS provides flexibility without sacrificing security. Future developments in privacy-first hardware could push mainstream manufacturers to adopt similar principles.

Prediction:

The demand for secure, modular devices will rise as users reject invasive telemetry. Expect more Linux-compatible tablets with encryption-first designs in the next 3–5 years.

Would you switch to a Volla Tablet? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Razvan Alexandru – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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