Editor’s note: We are facing an unprecedented moment in American history. Our government and multinational technology monopolies have made it clear that our people are targets of the vast surveillance state they have built.The deep state seeks to imprison those who share meme, Blaze Media Journalist, and even leading presidential candidates. It’s time for us to take back control of our privacy and digital communications. This guide gives you the tools to do just that.This is an excerpt from a larger guide.
own your own files
Like many other companies in Big Tech, convenience comes at the expense of security and privacy. Storing your documents in a note-taking app like Google, Dropbox, or Evernote allows you to share large files and work with a team, and keeps them reasonably secure and accessible. But in reality, your files and photos are stored on someone else’s server. This means that the server owner has control and access. It’s like storing all your files in a cabinet in someone else’s living room. They can see it. And don’t think it won’t happen. Google doesn’t just store files.that manage them, decide what is acceptableand have locked out and User access blocked their account.
I currently use a paid Dropbox account for sharing and collaboration, and I find it extremely valuable. Dropbox Paper lets you collaborate in real-time, just like Google Docs. Also, this is just one service, not a bundle that stores data in different locations. I like it better than Google and find it easier to share with people who don’t have Gmail accounts. But Dropbox is still someone else’s server. I’m looking for better options for privacy, such as some applications built with blockchain protocols to store files.
There are several private options that meet this need.
protonWe are starting our own drive, but this is in beta. I’ve used it a little and it works great.
used base camp Over the years, I have been involved in various projects and collaborations with teams. I love it, and so do my colleagues. Although not as capable as Dropbox when it comes to storing and sharing files, Basecamp has this feature and you can use it with your team.
storageis a new decentralized storage option built on the Ethereum blockchain.
You always pay for storage, no matter what you use it for.
personal server
Another option is to set up a personal server. This is more private, but also more complex and requires you to be aware of your own security. I haven’t done this yet, but here are some resources.
- Urbit – Personal Server
- Essay on how to set up a personal server
- Wired Magazine on Setting Up a Personal Server
I think personal servers and blockchain-based distributed servers are the way we should go. But at the moment it is more complicated and you need to pay attention to security and hacking. One of the benefits of Google, Dropbox, and other services is that they are world-class engineers and can protect your data from hackers. However, in return, they gain access and control over your data. You may not want to get a personal server, but you at least want to get a service that respects your privacy. Also, the “cloud” is someone else’s server, so be careful with your most personal documents, encrypt them, and make offline backups. Anything you want to keep private, such as important documents, tax documents, passwords, or letters to family members, should be kept offline and not sent digitally.
offline backup
Finally, it’s important to have multiple offline backup drives and store them in separate locations. You can also create backups in the cloud, but unless it’s your own server. Someone else is guarding your data. Even on Google back up to tape.
RAID system
If you have a lot of things to back up, a RAID system will come in handy and provide more security. RAID stands for redundant array of independent disks. This means that the data resides on multiple disks, and if one disk fails, the data remains on the other disk drives. For most people, a basic backup disk is sufficient. But if you need extra security, RAID might be a good option.
Buy physical media for something of value
Having digital music, books, and videos can be very useful. CDs and DVDs can get scratched or lost, but it’s great to have all your music instantly available on all your devices. The same goes for books. I don’t really like reading e-books, so I usually buy paperbacks or hardcovers. As a result, I ended up with thousands of books, cluttering every room in my house. Putting half of them on an e-reader will go a long way toward keeping my wife sane. But again, convenience may come at a price. Books in digital format can also be edited, changed, and deleted. For example, when I sometimes buy books on my Kindle, the terms and conditions state that I don’t “own” the books. you have licensed the book. If you really value your books, movies, and music, you may want to consider purchasing them in physical form. It’s all a trade-off, but if you really want to access a book or movie and enjoy it in the same way you bought it, buy physical media.
