Your Online Privacy Matters. A Lot.

Constant Surveillance

Large corporations and governments monitor your online activities, collecting data about your habits, interests, and location. This surveillance can lead to:

• Excessive targeted advertising.
• Manipulation of information and opinions.
• Violation of fundamental privacy rights.

Data Leaks and Breaches

Companies store your personal information, making it a target for cyberattacks. Data breaches can result in:

• Identity theft.
• Financial fraud and exploitation.
• Reputational damage and loss of trust.

Censorship and Control

Lack of privacy can be used to censor dissenting voices or control access to information, especially in authoritarian regimes, impacting freedom of speech and access to knowledge.

• Blocking of websites and platforms.
• Algorithmic filtering of online content.
• Restriction of encrypted communication.

Browsers and Extensions

• Tor Browser: Offers unparalleled anonymity by routing your traffic through multiple relays. Ideal for sensitive Browse, but slower.
• Brave: A chromium-based browser with integrated ad and tracker blocking, promoting faster Browse and reduced data collection.
• uBlock Origin: A highly efficient and widely recommended content blocker. Install it on any browser (Brave, Firefox, Chromium-based).
• I Don't Care About Cookies: An extension that automatically accepts or hides cookie consent pop-ups, streamlining your Browse experience.
• Browser Hardening: Consider modifying browser settings (e.g., disabling WebRTC, enabling DNS over HTTPS/TLS, clearing cookies regularly) for enhanced privacy.

Mobile Operating Systems & Apps

• GrapheneOS: A security-hardened Android distribution designed for Google Pixel phones. It offers enhanced privacy features and a robust security model.
• CalyxOS: Another privacy-focused Android system that aims for ease of use while de-Googling your device. It includes MicroG for app compatibility.
• LineageOS + MicroG: A popular custom ROM that provides an Android experience without proprietary Google services, integrating MicroG for app compatibility.
• Aurora Store: A privacy-friendly client for downloading apps from Google Play without needing a Google account.
• F-Droid: A thriving repository of free and open-source software (FOSS) applications for Android, prioritizing user freedom and privacy.
• Fossify Apps: Simple, minimalist, and privacy-focused apps that often serve as excellent open-source alternatives to proprietary stock apps (e.g., gallery, calculator, contacts).
• FlorisBoard/HeliBoard: Open-source and privacy-focused keyboard alternatives to Gboard, offering customization without data collection.
• App Permissions: Regularly review and revoke unnecessary app permissions. Be skeptical of apps requesting access to your microphone, camera, or location if it's not essential for their core function.

Email and Password Services

• Proton Mail: Offers end-to-end encryption for emails, ensuring only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws.
• Tuta (formerly Tutanota): Another highly secure and privacy-focused email service with built-in encryption and a strong commitment to user data protection.
• Proton Pass: A comprehensive and secure password manager from Proton, integrating strong encryption for your credentials and secure notes.
• Proton Drive: Encrypted cloud storage that allows you to store and share files securely without surveillance.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable 2FA using a hardware key (like YubiKey), an authenticator app (like Aegis or Authy), or secure SMS where other options aren't available. Avoid SMS 2FA as a primary method due to SIM swap risks.

Network and Productivity Tools

• Proton VPN: A secure, no-log Virtual Private Network service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, preventing tracking and surveillance.
• NextDNS: A customizable DNS service that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains at the network level. Provides detailed logs (optional) for transparency (see guides for setup).
• LibreOffice: A powerful and free open-source office suite that serves as a robust alternative to proprietary options like Microsoft Office, maintaining document privacy.
• Gufw: A user-friendly graphical interface for UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) on Linux, making it easier to configure network rules for incoming and outgoing connections.
• Public Wi-Fi Caution: Avoid sensitive activities (banking, email) on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Assume public networks are compromised.

Hardware-Level Security

• Dedicated Privacy Devices: Consider using a separate device for highly sensitive tasks (e.g., an older ThinkPad with a stripped-down OS).
• Physical Disconnection: For extreme privacy, physically disable or remove internal microphones and webcams from laptops. Use external peripherals only when needed.
• Hardened Firmware: Research options like Coreboot or Libreboot for open-source BIOS/UEFI replacements on compatible hardware to mitigate firmware-level attacks.

Network Layer Hardening

• VPN Kill Switch: Ensure your VPN has a kill switch that automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks.
• Tor Over VPN: For enhanced anonymity, route your VPN traffic through Tor (VPN -> Tor). Be aware this can significantly slow down your connection.
• MAC Address Randomization: Configure your devices to randomize their MAC address when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, making it harder to track your device's physical location.

Operating System Fortification

• Regular Audits: Periodically audit your system logs and installed software for unusual activity or unauthorized installations.
• Data Encryption: Ensure full disk encryption (FDE) is enabled on all your devices (laptops, phones) to protect data at rest.
• Secure Boot: Verify Secure Boot is enabled on your PC (if supported) to prevent unauthorized operating systems or malware from loading during startup.