If your board support it, use watchdog.

Debian

What about compressing it into 7z password protected archives and uploading it to any good host like MEGA?

I use Docker and it works for what I use it so I have no need to change it, maybe if in the future I have the need to use podman I would consider to change. But right now I’m not interested.

Learn how to use Docker containers

DirtPi+Docker

Maybe a DNS leaking problem.

There are plenty of Orange Pi models available I suggest you to look if there is any model which adjust to your requerimients.

How about a GMKtec G3? Or an Orange Pi?

What about a Xiaomi Mi Box S?

👍👍

GMKtec G3

Definetly Western Digital for used drives, some time ago I sold like 3 of these IDE old drives from like 15 or 20 years ago and they was working perfectly. IDK of nowadays WD drives but used to be very good at least for me.