Protecting your Digital Privacy
November 14, 2024
Privacy Plus+
Privacy, Technology and Perspective
This week, let’s revisit essential privacy and security practices, highlighting WIRED Magazine's comprehensive guide on protecting yourself from government surveillance.
Previous Coverage
We've extensively covered the protection of digital privacy in these previous posts:
· How to Go Quasi-Dark – Email and Messaging Edition
· 5 Tips for Protecting Your Home Network and Devices
· Help us help you (protect your privacy)
Key Security Measures
WIRED’s guide highlights several critical areas:
Encrypted Communications
· Use end-to-end encrypted messengers (Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage)
· Signal recommended for best privacy: no metadata collection, customizable message deletion
· Avoid default settings in Facebook Messenger, Telegram, X which only encrypt in transit
Device Encryption
· iOS/Android: Use full disk encryption with strong alphanumeric passwords
· Computers: Enable FileVault (Mac) or BitLocker/Veracrypt (Windows)
· Power off devices when not in use for maximum security
Cloud Storage
· Minimize sensitive data in cloud storage
· Enable end-to-end encryption when available (iCloud, Meta apps)
· Use Veracrypt for encrypting files before cloud upload
· Consider keeping sensitive data locally only
Online Anonymity
· Use Tor Browser or Brave's private browsing
· Consider VPN with strong privacy guarantees
· iCloud Private Relay available for Apple users
Location Privacy
Limit app location permissions
Review and delete unused apps
Disable automatic location logging
Consider using Faraday bags or leaving devices home
Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone for additional protection
Financial Privacy
· Use cash when possible
· Understand that payment apps/cryptocurrency transactions can be traced
· Be aware that financial records are accessible to law enforcement
Additional Considerations
· Burner phones: Limited usefulness due to difficulty maintaining true anonymity
· Past data: Consider that historical information may already be available through data brokers
· Device compartmentalization: Separate work/personal activities on different devices
You can read the entire article in WIRED by clicking on the following link:
https://www.wired.com/story/the-wired-guide-to-protecting-yourself-from-government-surveillance/
Our Thoughts
These privacy tools and practices aren't just relevant for activists and journalists – they're essential for anyone valuing their privacy rights or concerned about government overreach. Whether protecting health information, personal communications, or exercising basic privacy rights, these measures offer important protection in today's connected world.
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Hosch & Morris, PLLC is a boutique law firm dedicated to data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, the Internet and technology. Open the Future℠.