Privacy Moves to Take

Zone 1: Basic Privacy & Security

1. Password Management:

   • Avoid using browser or OS password managers.
   • Use a password manager like Bitwarden (cloud-based) or KeePass (local storage).
   • Create strong, unique passwords for each account.
   • Generate random answers for security questions and store them in your password manager.
   • Use long, complex passwords for your devices and memorize them.
   • Secure your router with a strong password and enable WPA2 encryption.
   • Disable biometrics in high-risk areas (e.g., airports, protests).

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

   • Avoid SMS-based 2FA; use local authenticator apps like Tofu (iOS), Aegis (Android), or hardware keys.
   • Back up your 2FA codes separately to avoid getting locked out.

3. Minimize Digital Footprint:

   • Disable tracking on Google My Activity.
   • Delete unused accounts and replace personal information with fake data using services like Gorilla Mail.
   • Use sites like JustDeleteMe.xyz to find and delete old accounts.

4. Social Media Privacy:

   • Use basic privacy settings.
   • Avoid friending strangers, commenting on public posts, or sharing personal information.
   • Do not grant unnecessary permissions to apps (e.g., location tracking).

5. VPN Usage:

   • Use a trusted VPN to encrypt traffic and mask your IP address.
   • Recommended VPNs: ProtonVPN, Mullvad, IVPN, Windscribe, and Surfshark.

6. Secure Communication:

   • Avoid SMS; use encrypted messaging apps like Signal.
   • Switch to privacy-focused email providers like ProtonMail or Tutanota.
   • Use disposable email services like 33Mail, Gorilla Mail, or TempMail.

7. Browser Security:

   • Use trusted extensions and privacy-respecting search engines like DuckDuckGo or Startpage.
   • Clear cookies and browsing data frequently.
   • Use incognito mode when necessary.

8. Smartphone Privacy:

   • Disable analytics, telemetry, and unnecessary app permissions.
   • Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS when not in use.
   • Enable MAC address randomization (iOS 14+ and Android 10+).
   • Keep your device and apps updated.

9. File Management:

   • Clear temporary files and logs regularly using tools like BleachBit.
   • Securely delete sensitive files (do not rely on the recycle bin).
   • Back up your data (on-site and off-site).

10. Real-World Privacy:

    • Avoid using public computers for personal information.
    • Be cautious with smartwatches, fitness trackers, and IoT devices.
    • Use safes and shredders for physical documents.

Zone 2: Enhanced Privacy & Security

1. Disable Biometrics Completely:

   • Use strong passwords instead of biometrics for better security.

2. Delete Google Account:

   • Remove your Google account to reduce data collection.
   • Use company provided Google Account if you have one or an Al Burhan Google account.
   • For storage use the company account and Yandex.
   • For subscriptions use the Yandex email
   • For private emails use the Proton Mail account.

3. Pseudonyms & Separate Accounts:

   • Create pseudonyms for specific tasks (e.g., shopping, social media).
   • Use VoIP services (e.g., Google Voice, Burner) for phone numbers.

4. Social Media Anonymity:

   • Avoid posting personal photos or identifiable information.
   • Use progressive web apps instead of native social media apps.

5. Browser Separation:

   • Use different browsers for different purposes (e.g., Tor for anonymity, Firefox for personal use).
   • Harden Firefox for privacy and security.

6. Free & Open Source Software (FOSS):

   • Switch to FOSS alternatives for your daily apps.
   • Use F-Droid for Android or AltStore for iOS to find FOSS apps.
   • Consider using Linux for your desktop OS.
   • Switch Apps on Digital Tools I am Using and Why

7. Device Security:

   • Use iOS or Type 2 Android devices for better privacy.
   • Consider custom ROMs like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS for maximum privacy.

8. Computer Security:

   • Password-protect your BIOS and encrypt your drives.
   • Use VeraCrypt for file-level encryption.
   • Spoof your MAC address for additional anonymity.

9. Metadata Removal:

   • Strip metadata from files using tools like mat2 or EXIF removers.

10. Home Security:

    • Install security cameras and alarms.
    • Use cable locks for laptops and intrusion kits for desktops.
    • Remove IoT devices from your home.

Zone 3: Extreme Privacy & Security

1. Delete Social Media & Online Accounts:

   • Export and delete your data from social media platforms.
   • Falsify information before deleting accounts.
   • Delete My Online Accounts to Delete

2. Advanced Browser Techniques:

   • Use hardened Firefox for personal accounts.
   • Use Tor for anonymity and casual browsing.
   • Be aware of behavioral tracking and social engineering attacks.

3. Ditch Smartphones:

   • Use dumb phones or custom ROMs like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS.
   • Consider not having a phone at all and relying on VoIP.

4. Operating Systems:

   • Use Linux for privacy and security.
   • Consider specialized OS like Tails OS (anonymity) or Qubes OS (security).

5. Anonymous Purchases:

   • Use cash for in-person purchases.
   • For online purchases, use gift cards, non-reloadable Visa cards, or privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero.

6. Physical Privacy:

   • Remove or disable cameras and microphones on devices.
   • Use external webcams and microphones.
   • Wear sunglasses, masks, or hats to avoid facial recognition.

7. Advocacy:

   • Educate friends and family about privacy.
   • Normalize privacy by advocating for it in your community.

Testing Your Privacy

8. Search Yourself:
   • Look up your name, phone number, and address on search engines and people-search websites.
9. Evaluate Your Progress:
   • Use the checklist and scoring system provided in the video’s description to assess your privacy level.
10. Aim for "Tech Lore Approved":

• Implement everything in Zone 1 as a baseline, then move to Zones 2 and 3 based on your threat model.