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 the 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.
Protect your mobile device
Most of us use our phones and tablets as much or more than we use computers, so protecting your mobile devices is essential to protecting your privacy and protecting you from surveillance and tampering with your behavior. It’s an essential part.
We’ve already talked about the importance of using a secure text messaging service like Signal. Many of the instructions for computers also apply to phones.
- Always use a passcode.
- Keep your phone updated.
- Use Proton Mail or a paid service that respects your privacy.
- Proton has an app for mobile devices.
- Use a VPN.
- Proton, Express, and other VPN services work on your phone and are included with your subscription.
- Use the Brave browser.
- Use DuckDuckgo or Swisscows to search. Swisscows has a mobile app.
- Do not store personal information on your phone unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off unless you’re using them.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Manage per-app permissions
- Do not provide the company with more information than necessary.
- Turn off location services unless it’s essential.
- Use Apple’s Screen Time to decide in advance when and how you’ll use your phone.
- Be careful with biometric data and health information.
- Be careful about the apps you install. Use only what you need.
- If you have an iPhone, use the “Don’t let apps track me” feature to keep your data more secure.
- Try deleting social media apps from your phone and using them to read or listen to books or podcasts instead.
In general, treat your cell phone with the same care you would treat your computer. The reality is that our phones are where we waste a lot of time, where data is collected, and where behavior modification takes place. It’s not just about protecting your computer. Protect your phone.
