No, I'm not talking about the one for your jimmy, I'm talking about remaining more anonymous for your....activities.
While trolling though some of bios/profiles, I noticed something a bit disturbing. The number of individuals exposing themselves to possible closer scrutiny from big brother.
Having been in IT a long time, Ive compiled a list of simple precautions you should consider.
Computers:
1. Get a good VPN. It's all encrypted to your VPN provider. Anyone wanting to see what you're doing will first have to figure out which of their servers your using which would next to impossible then figure out which of the connections you're using which is impossible. This allows you to browse over, public wifi without someone sniffing your data out of the air with all your credit card, personal information, or what your're browsing. It can also be used to beat location based restrictions. If you have been out of the country and you like to stream music, videos you can use it to select the local market where it is allowed.
2. Quit using Google, Bing and Yahoo. Use DuckDuckGo, they don't track you or your browsing habits. You still get Ads but it's based on what your search is not your history or cookies. That's how they make their money.
3. Think about using TOR browser.
4. Stop using Plug-Ins in whatever browser you're using. Your browser sends out enough information as it is.
5. Most browsers allow you to block third party cookies. Third-party cookies are one of the most common methods that advertisers use to track your browsing habits. If you visit two sites using the same advertising service, rest assured that the advertiser is keeping tabs on that information. However, every major Web browser offers the ability to turn off tracking cookies. It's not 100% perfect but why make it easy on them.
6. While you're there, if your browser has the option, check the "Do not track" option. Again, not perfect because web servers can be configured to ignore this. But if the site is honest, it's a small win.
Phones:
1. Buy a burner phone. A burner provides superior privacy than phones from carriers. Burners can still be traced, it’s just more difficult. It's best to purchase the phone at a Retail establishment (not local) with cash. If you use a Credit/Debit card, that can be traced back to you still. Always buy your new airtime/data with cash as well for the same reasons.
2. Get a NEW burner google email account that you're NOT going to use for anything. Download the Google Voice and get a Google Phone number that will act as a proxy to your actual number. This will still allow you to make and receive phone calls (MOSTLY free in US although I've never had to pay for any that I made so far in the US) and text messages, just make sure you do it within the Google Voice Application. It's just a way to hide your actual phone number. The number can connected to your burner phone, email (see email section), or can just be used stand alone on a computer. remember Google owns this service and will log all texts, calls, and numbers you enter...forever. But, so long as it's only attached to your burner phone, you're good to go.
3. If you need to keep your number anonymous regardless, use *67 before dialing the number. *67 is a very popular feature that blocks caller ID. If you use *67 before typing in the number you want to call, it will appear as “Unknown Caller”, “Block Caller ID”, or something similar. This will make sure that individual will not be able to call you back, get your name, and/or number. Everything in concealed to a “Private” caller ID. See:
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Anonymous-Call
4. Use signal to encrypted chat, phone calls, and video messages with a system that helps verify the identity of your contacts. Downside is, you other party needs to be using it as well but you can invite them to use it via SMS from your new phone! See
https://www.signal.org/
5. Don't use the finger print or facial recognition as your method to getting into your phone. Courts have ruled those are fair game without a court order. Instead, use a password or pin.
Email:
1. Ditch your Google, Yahoo, or ISP email. All of these providers read your emails and use it to gather information about you and whom you're communicating with. These emails services are subject to US jurisdiction.
2. Get ProtonMail. ProtonMail is encrypted email service. They are hosted in Switzerland outside the EU and US jurisdiction. Even if the US was able to get a court order to your email account, ProtonMail can't read it anyway, it's encrypted, only you would be able to open it. They have iOS and Android apps as well as a web portal. Just make sure of two things. Don't forget your password because it CAN'T be reset unless you enable the backup email (use your burner gmail account you created) and make sure you sign out after using it. There's everything from a free version (limited to 150 emails a day) to paid version where you can have your own domain.
Use some protection!
