how to stay safe(ish) on the internet

This is a quick guide on how to not let your online activity affect your personal life in an age of cancel culture and doxxing

Things To Know

  • Your phone is an always-on surveillance device. So is Alexa/Google at-home/every other voice-activated helper

  • Phones, tablets, and laptops are always vulnerable through the camera and microphone. You are being monitored every time you use one, and many continue to collect data when not in use and even while powered off

  • Smart devices are prone to hacking. Everything from lightbulbs to thermostats to dildos. If it can communicate with the internet, it can be commandeered by a stranger

  • THE INTERNET IS FOREVER. People take screenshots. Web crawlers archive website snapshots, many of which are freely available to access on sites like archive.org

  • Incognito and privacy mode do nothing for your security or safety

  • Browsers like Firefox have an option called 'Reader Mode' that can be used to remove ads and even bypass paywalls or denial or access due to adblocker

  • Social media is the digital equivalent of a business card and should be treated as such. Anything you put on social media is actively sought out by employers and data miners. Simply having a social media profile can also make you a target for random personal doxxing or other attacks. Any information provided will be used against you by all mentioned parties

programs and apps

  • Pidgin
    Privacy-oriented chat program. Compatible with many current chat services as well as old ones

  • Firefox
    Privacy-oriented browser with a variety of protection plug-ins:
    • Ad Blocker
      Blocks most advertisements that can inhibit (may block access to some websites)
    • VPN
      Masks your IP address and location (may interfere with services like Netflix, can be turned on and off)

  • Privacy Badger
    Blocks advertises from tracking your online movements

  • VLC media player
    Video/media player that runs ad-free with no tracking or permissions (also comes with useful features like sound boosting and audio/video sync correction)

TIPS

  • Never put your personal information on a website unless you absolutely have to

  • Never install an app that asks for blanket permissions on your device (ex: a workout app that wants to acess your photo gallery or contacts). Stick to permission-less apps at all times when possible

  • Use a PC whenever possible. Older PC's have less built-in spyware.

  • When not using your phone, keep it tucked under a pillow or in a sturdy pocket to muffle sound and block the microphone

  • If you have a laptop with a camera/microphone, cover both with masking tape. They can be hacked

  • Stay off public wifis - they aren't safe

  • The easiest way to stay safe is to keep your real identity off social media altogether - you can't be doxxed if you supply no personal information.
    Info that can be used to find/track you:
    • Exact age or DOB
    • Photos of yourself (even partials might have identifying features like moles, scars, tattoos), your home, or personal vehicles
    • Home city (or state, depending on population)
    • employment history
    • Places you congregate
    • Mention or photos proving ownership of rare or custom made items (such things can be easily tracked through market places like etsy and ebay)

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