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Category: Tools (Page 2 of 3)

Badgering the Trackers: How Privacy Badger Shields Your Digital Trail.

June 7, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is a leading nonprofit organization defending your civil liberties in the digital age. The EFF, founded in 1990 by John Gilmore, John Perry Barlow, and Mitch Kapor, mission is to defend civil liberties in the digital world. The EFF works to protect user privacy, free expression, and innovation through policy analysis, activism, technology, and if needed, litigation. The EFF also educates the public and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies. One of EFF’s more notable projects is Privacy Badger, a browser extension designed to protect users from online tracking.

The Privacy Badger automatically learns to block invisible trackers that spy on your online activity and collect your personal information. Privacy Badger, unlike other blocking extensions, does not rely on predefined lists of what to block; instead, it analyzes the behavior of third-party domains that embed cookies, scripts, and fingerprints on the web. It also does not block ads by default unless they are found to be tracking you without your consent.

You can install Privacy Badger on your browser; please refer to Privacy Hive’s post on choosing privacy-first browsers. Once installed, click the Privacy Badger icon in your browser toolbar to see how many trackers are detected and blocked on the current page. You can also adjust the blocking setting for each tracker by moving the sliders from red (block entirely) to yellow (block cookies) to green (allow). You can also disable Privacy Badger for a specific site or enable Global Privacy Control (GPC). This new standard signals your preference to opt out of selling or sharing your data. The EFF champions our rights and empowers us to navigate the virtual world with confidence.

Beware Of The Hidden Risks Of Smart Thermostats and Doorbells.

May 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Electronic doorbells and thermostats are smart home devices that can make our lives more convenient and comfortable. However, they also pose significant privacy risks that we should be aware of and take steps to mitigate.

How do they collect information?

Electronic doorbells, such as Ring and Nest Hello, are equipped with cameras and microphones to capture video and audio of anyone approaching your door. They can also connect to your smartphone and send you alerts and notifications. Some models even allow you to communicate with visitors remotely through the app.

Electronic thermostats, such as Nest and Ecobee, can monitor and adjust the temperature and humidity of your home based on your preferences and habits. They can also connect to your smartphone and other smart devices, such as speakers and lights, to create a personalized and automated environment.

Both devices can collect and store much data, such as your face, voice, location, schedule, behavior, and preferences. This data can reveal sensitive and personal information about you and your household, such as your identity, health, lifestyle, and activities.

How do they invade your privacy?

Electronic doorbells and thermostats can invade your privacy in several ways, such as:

  • Allowing unauthorized access: If the devices are not properly secured, hackers or malicious actors can access them remotely and spy on you or your visitors. They can also access your wireless network, e-mail addresses, and other personal data. Hackers exploited those vulnerabilities and harassed, insulted, and propositioned children and teens through their Ring cameras. 
  • Sharing without consent: If the devices are connected to third-party services or platforms, such as cloud storage, social media, or law enforcement agencies, they can share your data without your explicit consent or knowledge. For example, Ring has partnered with over 2,000 police departments across the US to provide them access to users’ videos upon request, without requiring a warrant or notification. This can potentially violate your Fourth Amendment rights and expose you to legal risks.
  • Violating others’ privacy: If the devices are pointed at public spaces or your neighbors’ property, they can capture and record people with a reasonable expectation of privacy. This can create ethical and social dilemmas, as well as potential lawsuits.

How can you protect your privacy?

Electronic doorbells and thermostats can offer many benefits but also have serious privacy risks. To protect your privacy, you should take some precautions, such as:

  • Secure your devices: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, update the software regularly, and turn off any unnecessary features or permissions. Using a secure wireless network to encrypt your data would be best.
  • Review the terms and settings: You should read and understand the terms of service and privacy policy of the devices and the apps. You should also review and adjust the settings to limit the data collection and sharing. It would be best to opt out of any third-party partnerships or programs you are uncomfortable with.
  • Respect others’ privacy: You should respect the privacy of your visitors and neighbors. You should inform them of the presence and purpose of the devices and obtain their consent before recording or sharing their data. You should also avoid pointing the devices at places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Electronic doorbells and thermostats are not just gadgets but also potential privacy invaders. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of these devices without compromising your privacy.

Dial into Privacy with a Burner Phone Strategy.

May 10, 2024 / / 0 Comments

A burner phone number is a temporary or disposable number you can use for various purposes without revealing your cell carrier phone number. You might need a burner phone number for reasons such as:

  • Protecting your privacy and security from unwanted callers, marketers, scammers, or stalkers.
  • Maintaining anonymity for online activities like dating, shopping, or whistleblowing.
  • Avoiding spam and robocalls on your primary phone number.
  • Have a backup or emergency phone number in case of loss, theft, or damage to your primary phone.
  • Separating your personal and professional life, such as for freelance work, job hunting, or business deals.

There are two main ways to get a burner phone number:

  • Buy a cheap phone with a SIM card or a service like Mint: This option involves buying a low-cost phone and a prepaid SIM card or a service that offers cheap plans. You can use this phone as your burner and discard it when you are done. The pros of this option are that you get a physical device that you can utilize for calls, texts, and other functions and that you don’t need an internet connection. The cons are that you must pay for the phone and the service and carry an extra device.
  • Download a burner phone app: This option involves downloading an application that provides you with a virtual phone number that you can use on your existing smartphone. Depending on the app, you can utilize this number for calls, texts, and other features. The pros of this option are that you don’t have to buy or carry an extra device and can get multiple numbers and manage them easily. The cons are that you need an internet connection to use the app and must pay for the app or the service unless you use a free app.

There are many burner phone apps available for Android and iOS devices. Here are three of the most popular ones:

  • Burner: This is one of the best-known and most straightforward burner phone apps. It offers numbers for the US and Canada, with local area codes. You can use the number for calls, texts, and picture messages and delete or switch the number anytime. You can also integrate the app with various services like Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, and SoundCloud. The app is free to download and comes with a 7-day trial period. After that, you must pay for a subscription or a prepaid plan, starting from $4.99 monthly for one line.
  • Hushed: This is another popular burner phone app that offers numbers for over 40 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Puerto Rico. You can use the number for calls, texts, and picture messages and delete or switch the number anytime. You can also customize your voicemail greeting and set up call forwarding. The app is free to download and comes with a 3-day trial period. After that, you must pay for a subscription or a prepaid plan, starting from $1.99 monthly.
  • CoverMe: This is a burner phone app that also offers secure messaging and encryption. You can use the number for calls and texts and send encrypted messages, photos, videos, and documents to other CoverMe users. You can also hide your contacts, messages, and call logs with a private vault and set up self-destructing messages and decoy passwords. The app is free to download and comes with some free credits. After that, you must pay for more credits or a subscription, starting from $2.99 monthly.

In conclusion, embracing the use of a burner phone number is a savvy move for anyone looking to bolster their privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. It’s a simple yet effective layer of defense that keeps your number out of the public domain, shielding you from unwanted calls and potential data breaches. Whether navigating online marketplaces, setting up accounts, or dating online, a burner number is your privacy shield, keeping your accurate contact details under wraps. Remember, in the digital age, your personal information is as precious as gold; protect it wisely. Stay informed, stay secure, and let burner phone numbers be your stealthy companion in the quest for digital privacy.

Firefox Configuration Manager For Enhanced Privacy.

April 19, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Privacy Hive has written several blog posts about Firefox, a popular web browser that offers many features and options to customize your browsing experience. Individuals with a high personal risk profile, such as those who handle sensitive information or are in the public eye, may need to take additional precautions to protect their digital privacy. One of these options is the Firefox configuration manager, which allows you to view and modify advanced settings that are not available in the regular settings menu. This blog post will explain how to access the configuration manager and what privacy-related settings you can change to enhance your online privacy.

How to Access the Configuration Manager

To access the configuration manager, type “about:config” in the address bar and press Enter. You will then see a warning page that says, “This might void your warranty.” This is because changing some of the settings may affect the stability and security of Firefox. Therefore, you should only proceed if you know what you are doing and be careful not to change anything you are unsure about. To continue, click “Accept the Risk and Continue”. You will then see a list of preferences, each with a status, type, and value. You can use the search box at the top to filter the list by preference name.

What Privacy-Related Settings to Change

Many preferences affect your privacy in different ways. Some relate to how Firefox handles cookies, tracking, fingerprinting, geolocation, WebRTC, and other features that may expose your personal information or online behavior to third parties. Here are some of the more important preferences that you can change to enhance your privacy:

  • browser.safebrowsing.phishing.enabled. If this setting is “true,” Google can scan and store the sites you visit for the presence of malware. Set this value to false.
  • privacy.firstparty.isolate – This preference isolates all browser identifier sources (e.g., cookies) to the first-party domain to prevent tracking across different domains. To enable this feature, set the value to true.
  • Privacy.trackingprotection.enabled – This blocks website tracking. Set the value to true.
  • privacy.resistFingerprinting – This preference makes Firefox more resistant to browser fingerprinting, a technique that uses various characteristics of your browser and device to identify you uniquely. To enable this feature, set the value to true.
  • dom.battery.enabled—This technique tracks your battery usage. To block this information, set it to false.  
  • network.cookie.cookieBehavior – This preference controls how Firefox handles cookies, which are small pieces of data that websites store on your browser to remember your preferences, login details, or other information. Third parties can also use cookies for tracking purposes. To block third-party cookies, set the value to 1. To block all cookies, set the value to 2.
  • network.cookie.lifetimePolicy – This preference controls how long cookies are stored on your browser. To delete cookies at the end of the session, set the value to 2. To delete cookies after a certain number of days, set the value to 3 and specify the number of days in the network.cookie.lifetime.days.preference.
  • network.http.referer.trimmingPolicy – This preference controls how much information is sent in the Referer header, which tells the website you are visiting where you came from. This can reveal your browsing history or other sensitive information. To send only the scheme, host, and port in the Referer header, set the value to 2.
  • network.http.referer.XOriginPolicy—This preference controls when to send the Referer header across origins, which are different websites or subdomains. Set the value to 2 to send the header only when the full hostnames match.
  • network.http.referer.XOriginTrimmingPolicy – This preference controls how much information is sent in the Referer header across origins. To send only the scheme, host, and port in the Referer header of cross-origin requests, set the value to 2.
  • geo.enabled – This preference controls whether Firefox allows websites to access your geolocation, which can reveal your physical location. To disable geolocation, set the value to false.
  • media.navigator.enabled – This preference controls whether Firefox allows websites to access your microphone and camera, which can reveal your identity or surroundings. To disable media access, set the value to false.
  • media.peerconnection.enabled—This preference controls whether Firefox supports WebRTC, which allows real-time communication between browsers, such as video calls or file sharing. However, WebRTC can leak your IP address, even when using a VPN. To disable WebRTC, set the value to false.

Conclusion

By changing these settings, you can improve your privacy and reduce the risk of being tracked, identified, or exposed by websites or third parties. However, these settings are not a complete solution. You should also use other tools and methods mentioned in other Privacy Hive blog posts to protect your online privacy, such as a VPN and browser extensions blocking ads and trackers. You should also review your settings regularly and update your browser to the latest version. If you have other suggested configuration changes, please let us know. Stay safe, and happy browsing!

Private search engines let you be yourself, not a data point.

April 12, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The Importance of Private-Focused Search Engines

In today’s digital landscape, search engines are pivotal in our lives. Whether researching a topic, shopping for products, or seeking answers to burning questions, search engines are our gateway to the vast online universe. However, not all search engines are created equal. Privacy-focused search engines have emerged as a crucial alternative for users who value online privacy. Let’s explore why they matter and the pros and cons of three popular options: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Searx.

Why Privacy-Focused Search Engines Matter

1. Safeguarding Your Data

Most mainstream search engines act as data collection tools for advertising companies. They track your every move, collecting information like your IP address, search queries, and browsing history. Your private details—medical conditions, political beliefs, financial information—are all fair game. These data points create detailed digital profiles, and you unwittingly become the product. Privacy-focused search engines, on the other hand, prioritize your anonymity. They do not collect, share, or sell personal data, ensuring your searches remain private and confidential.

2. Escaping Censorship

Online censorship is rising, affecting our ability to access information freely. Some search engines filter, manipulate, or block search results. Unfortunately, even many private search engines fall prey to this problem. When Google and Bing use censorship, alternative search engines that deliver the same results follow suit. It’s a vicious cycle. However, some privacy-focused search engines strive to maintain neutrality and avoid censorship.

DuckDuckGo: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Privacy Champion: DuckDuckGo doesn’t collect your IP address, and logs search queries without personally identifying you.
  • Ad-Free Experience: While ads exist, they’re based on your search terms, not your activity.
  • Transparent Policies: A detailed privacy policy ensures transparency.
  • Anonymous View: Offers an anonymous view feature for extra privacy.

Cons:

  • Limited Customization: Fewer customization options compared to mainstream engines.
  • Smaller Index: Search results may not be as comprehensive as Google’s.

Startpage: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Zero Data Collection: Startpage collects nothing, not even search queries.
  • Netherlands-Based: Operates under EU privacy laws, emphasizing user control.
  • Quality Search Results: Highly rated search results.

Cons:

  • Google Dependency: Relies on Google’s Ad network for ads.
  • Less Customization: Fewer features than DuckDuckGo.
  • EU Jurisdiction: Some users may prefer US-based services

Searx: A Community-Driven Alternative

Searx stands out as a community-driven, open-source metasearch engine. It aggregates results from various search engines while respecting user privacy. Here are its key aspects:

Pros:

  • Customizable: You can host your own Searx instance or use existing ones.
  • Privacy-Centric: No tracking, no ads, and no profiling.
  • Diverse Sources: Pulls results from multiple search engines.

Cons:

  • Technical Complexity: Setting up your instance requires technical know-how.
  • Variable Quality: Search results may vary based on your chosen instance.

Conclusion

Privacy-focused search engines empower users to reclaim control over their online presence. Whether you opt for DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or explore community-driven alternatives like Searx, remember that your privacy matters. Choose wisely, and let your searches remain your business, not someone else’s.

Choosing a Privacy-Focused Cloud Storage Solution.

March 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Some individuals keep their personal and confidential files, such as photos, videos, and papers, on their own devices, where they can access them easily. Others use online storage services, like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. However, these providers may claim the right to examine, operate, and share your content for marketing purposes and with other entities.

There are privacy-first cloud storage services for those prioritizing data security and privacy. Privacy-first storage sites are cloud storage services that prioritize your data’s security and privacy over other features. They usually use end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge privacy, and robust authentication methods to protect your data from unauthorized access, hacking, or surveillance. Some examples of privacy-first storage sites not affiliated with major platforms are:

Proton Drive

Proton Drive is a secure cloud storage service created by Proton, the company behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar. Founded by a group of scientists at CERN, Proton puts privacy and security at the heart of all its products.

Benefits

  • Proton Drive uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you can access your files. Your files and metadata are encrypted on your device before uploading to the cloud, so Proton or anyone else cannot see or access them.
  • Proton Drive is based in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Proton does not collect or share personal data or cooperate with third-party requests unless a Swiss court approves them.
  • Proton Drive integrates seamlessly with other Proton products, such as Proton Mail and Proton VPN, to provide a comprehensive suite of privacy tools. You can use your Proton account to access all Proton services with a single login.

Costs

  • Proton Drive is in beta and accessible to all Proton users. You can get up to 20 GB of free storage by inviting your friends to join Proton.
  • Proton Drive plans to launch paid plans, starting from €4 per month for 100 GB of storage. You can also get discounts by bundling Proton Drive with other Proton services.

Features

  • Proton Drive lets you store and share files, such as documents, photos, videos, and music. You can access your files from any device using the web app, the desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux), or the mobile app (Android, iOS).
  • Proton Drive allows you to share your files securely with anyone, even if they don’t have a Proton account. You can create encrypted links that expire after a particular time or number of downloads and protect them with a password or a passphrase.
  • Proton Drive supports version history and trash recovery, so you can restore any file to a previous state or recover any deleted file within 30 days.

pCloud

pCloud is a cloud storage service offering standard and encrypted storage options. You can choose between pCloud Basic, a regular cloud storage service, or pCloud Crypto, a secure vault for sensitive files.

Benefits

  • pCloud Crypto uses client-side encryption to protect your files with a zero-knowledge architecture. This means your files are encrypted on your device before uploading them to the cloud, and you only have the key to decrypt them. pCloud or anyone else cannot access your files or your encryption key.
  • pCloud offers a unique lifetime subscription option, which lets you pay a one-time fee and get unlimited access to your cloud storage. This can save you much money in the long run, compared to paying monthly or yearly fees.
  • pCloud supports various file formats, such as images, videos, audio, documents, and archives. You can preview and stream your files directly from the cloud without downloading them to your device.

Costs

  • pCloud Basic is free for up to 10 GB of storage. You can get more free storage by completing specific tasks or inviting your friends to join pCloud.
  • pCloud Premium costs $4.99 per month or $47.88 per year for 500 GB of storage, or $9.99 per month or $95.88 per year for 2 TB of storage. You can also get a lifetime subscription for $175 for 500 GB or $350 for 2 TB.
  • pCloud Crypto costs an additional $3.99 monthly or $47.88 per year for unlimited encrypted storage. You can also get a lifetime subscription for $125.

Features

  • pCloud lets you sync any folder on your computer or mobile device with the cloud. You can also use pCloud Drive, a virtual drive that enables you to access your cloud files without taking up space on your device.
  • pCloud allows you to share your files and folders with anyone, even if they don’t have a pCloud account. You can set permissions, expiration dates, and passwords for your shared links. You can also create upload links that let others upload files to your cloud.
  • pCloud supports file versioning and trash recovery, so you can restore any file to a previous version or recover any deleted file within 30 days. With a paid plan, you can extend this period to 180 days or 360 days.

Sync.com

Sync is a cloud storage and document collaboration platform that helps teams stay safe, secure, and connected in the cloud. It combines file storage, file sharing, and file backup features with end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture.

Benefits

  • Sync uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and your authorized collaborators can access your files. Your files and metadata are encrypted on your device before uploading to the cloud, and Sync.com or anyone else cannot see or access them.
  • Sync is based in Canada, which has strong privacy laws and does not participate in mass surveillance programs. Sync.com does not collect or share personal data or comply with third-party requests unless they are legally valid and enforceable in Canada.
  • Sync offers unlimited cloud storage and unlimited data transfer for its paid plans, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space or bandwidth. You can store and share as many files as you want without limits or fees.

Costs

  • Sync Basic is free for up to 5 GB of storage. You can get more free storage by referring your friends to Sync.com.
  • Sync Solo costs $8 per month or $96 per year for 2 TB of storage, or $20 per month or $240 per year for 6 TB of storage. These plans are for individual users who want more storage and features.
  • Sync Teams costs $6 per user per month $60 per user per year for 1 TB of storage per user, $15 per user per month or $180 per user per year for unlimited storage per user. These plans are for teams who want to collaborate and manage their projects in the cloud.

Features

  • Sync lets you access your files from any device using the desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux), the mobile app (Android, iOS), or the web app. You can also use Sync CloudFiles, a virtual drive that lets you browse your cloud files without taking up space on your device.
  • Sync lets you share your files and folders with anyone, even if they don’t have a Sync.com account. You can set permissions, expiration dates, and passwords for your shared links. You can also create a custom-branded client portal with your company logo and domain name.
  • Sync supports file versioning and trash recovery, so you can restore any file to a previous version or recover any deleted file within 180 days. You can also enable ransomware protection, which lets you roll back your entire account to an earlier state in case of an attack.

Conclusion Proton Drive, pCloud, and Sync.com are among today’s best privacy-focused cloud storage services. They offer end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and robust data protection policies. They also have different benefits, costs, and features that may suit various needs and preferences. Privacy-focused storage providers give you peace of mind; they protect your data from hackers and spies.

Protect Your Online Privacy From Browser Leaks.

March 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

What is Browser Leakage?

In previous blog posts, Privacy Hive has discussed the importance of choosing a privacy-oriented browser and installing browser extensions for improved online privacy. This post explores browser leakage and actions you can take to protect your online privacy.

Browser leakage refers to the private information your browser can access, which you want to keep between yourself and the browser. Modern web browsers enhance the user experience, but the various features and functions can also inadvertently expose your personal information.

Your browser has access to a significant amount of private information, which includes:

  • IP Address: Your IP address can reveal your general location and is visible to all websites you visit.
  • Browser History: Your browser will store websites you visit.
  • Cookies: These small files are stored on your computer by websites you visit.
  • Form Data: Website forms can remember information you enter into your browser.
  • Passwords: If you choose to save them, your browser can store passwords for quick access.
  • Autofill Data: includes your name, address, and credit card numbers if you save them.
  • System Information: Websites can extract data about your system through JavaScript and Web APIs.

Websites to Determine the Extent of Browser Leakage

Websites like Browser Leaks and Privacy.net Analyzer offer a range of tests to evaluate the security and privacy of your web browser. These tests identify ways websites may leak your IP address, collect information about your device, and perform browser fingerprinting.

Browser Leaks is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to evaluate the security and privacy of your web browser. It provides many tests that identify ways websites may leak your IP address, collect information about your laptop, and perform browser fingerprinting. The site provides analysis and offers a complete examination of your online presence and potential vulnerabilities. It includes IP address Whois lookup, TCP/IP operating system fingerprinting, Web RTC, DNS, and IP6 leaks. Understanding these risks, you can take appropriate steps to protect your online privacy and minimize exposure.

Privacy.net Analyzer is another tool that lists information about website advertisements and widget collection from your web browser. It provides an analysis of your geolocation and browser permissions. This site offers tests you can perform to evaluate your browser privacy. The site helps you understand what data is exposed from your browser and how the information can identify and track your behavior using techniques like IP lookups and fingerprinting. This knowledge can help you take the necessary steps to enhance your online privacy.

There are several ways you can control what information your browser shares with websites:

  • Delete your browser history: If you do not want to see advertisements based on your previous online activity, delete cookies, clear your browser, and search history.
  • Adjust your privacy settings: The privacy settings in your browser give you some control over the information websites collect about you. For example, you can block websites from seeing your browsing history or decide not to share your location.
  • Screen Sharing: Be cautious when sharing your screen with websites. Firefox, for example, warns users not to share when a browser window is visible on your screen unless you trust that website.
  • Sync Browser Data: Some browsers allow you to sync your browser data with your account, giving you control over the shared information.
  • Use Privacy Browsing Mode: Some browsers, like Firefox, have a private browsing mode that deletes your browsing history after you end your session; however, it does not block websites from seeing your online history.  

Staying informed and vigilant is the key to protecting yourself from browser leaks. Regularly update your browser and its plugins, and always be cautious about the websites you visit and the information you share online.

Remember, no solution is perfect; the best defense combines these methods. Stay informed about the latest privacy threats and defenses to ensure online privacy.

Texting: The World’s Least Secure Whisper.

March 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Why You Should Switch from SMS to a Secure Messaging App

Text messaging is one of the most popular ways to communicate in the digital era, but it also comes with privacy and security risks. In this blog post, we will explain why text messaging is based on older technology and is insecure, how text via SMS can be hijacked, and why using a text application is a good alternative to just a phone number for texting.

The Problem with SMS

SMS stands for Short Message Service, and it is the standard protocol for sending and receiving text messages over cellular networks. SMS was developed in the 1980s and 1990s, and it has not changed much since then. SMS has several limitations and vulnerabilities, such as:

  • SMS messages are not encrypted, meaning they can be intercepted, read, and modified by anyone with access to the network or the device.
  • SMS messages are stored by cellular providers, who can see the contents of the messages and share them with third parties, such as advertisers, law enforcement, or hackers.
  • SMS messages have a limited length of 160 characters, which can result in fragmented or incomplete messages.
  • SMS messages rely on the phone number of the sender and the receiver, which can be spoofed, hijacked, or stolen by malicious actors.

The Solution: Secure Messaging Apps

Secure messaging apps are applications that use the internet to send and receive text messages and other types of media, such as photos, videos, voice messages, documents, etc. Secure messaging apps have several advantages over SMS, such as:

  • Secure messaging apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which means that only the sender and the receiver can see the messages’ contents, and no one else, not even the app provider, can access them.
  • Secure messaging apps do not store the messages on their servers; they delete them after they are delivered or after a certain period, depending on the user’s settings.
  • Secure messaging apps do not limit the length or type of messages and can support rich features such as group chats, stickers, emojis, gifs, etc.
  • Secure messaging apps do not depend on the user’s phone number; they can use other identifiers, such as usernames, email addresses, or QR codes, to verify the user’s identity and prevent impersonation or hijacking.

How to Choose a Secure Messaging App

Many secure messaging apps are available on the market, but not all are equally trustworthy or reliable. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a secure messaging app are:

  • The app’s privacy policy and terms of service should clearly state what data it collects, how it uses it, and with whom it shares it.
  • The security features and the app’s encryption protocol should be transparent, open-source, and audited by independent experts.
  • The app’s user interface and user experience should be easy to use, intuitive, and customizable.
  • The app’s popularity and reputation. It should have a large and active user base and positive reviews and ratings.

Some of the most popular and reputable secure messaging apps are:

  • Signal: Signal is a free and open-source app that offers E2EE for text, voice, and video messages, group chats, disappearing messages, and other features. It is widely regarded as the most secure and private messaging app and is endorsed by many experts and activists, such as Edward Snowden, Elon Musk, and Jack Dorsey.
  • Telegram: Telegram is a free and cloud-based app that offers E2EE for text, voice, and video messages, as well as group chats, channels, bots, and other features. Telegram is known for its speed, reliability, and functionality, and it has over 500 million users worldwide.
  • Wire: Wire is a free and open-source app that offers E2EE for text, voice, and video messages, as well as group chats, file sharing, and other features. It is designed for personal and professional use and complies with European data protection laws.

Conclusion

Text messaging is a convenient and popular communication method but poses privacy and security risks. SMS is based on older technology and is insecure, and using text via SMS can be hijacked. A text application is a good alternative to just a phone number for texting, as it offers more security, privacy, and functionality. However, not all text applications are equally secure, and users should carefully choose the app that best suits their needs and preferences.

BleachBit: Scrubbing Your Digital Footprints So You Can Tread Lightly On The Web!

March 1, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Online privacy is a fundamental right that everyone should enjoy. However, in the digital age, our data and activities are constantly exposed to various threats, such as hackers, malware, spyware, phishing, and identity theft.

We must have suitable PC security measures to protect our online privacy. Good PC security allows you to enjoy the Internet’s benefits without compromising privacy.

BleachBit

BleachBit is a free and open-source tool that frees disk space by deleting, shredding, and wiping traces of files deleted by other applications. It works for Linux and Windows systems and supports thousands of applications, including Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. BleachBit is vital for keeping your computer clean because it helps you remove junk files that slow down your system, consume valuable storage space, and expose your online activities. Using BleachBit regularly lets you maintain your computer’s performance, optimize your disk usage, and protect your online privacy.

BleachBit protects your online privacy by deleting the traces of your online activities that other applications leave behind. For example, BleachBit can erase your browsing history, cookies, cache, passwords, and form data from web browsers, which prevents websites, advertisers, and hackers from tracking your online behavior, preferences, and identity. BleachBit can also shred files that contain sensitive information, such as bank statements, tax returns, or personal photos, thus making it impossible for anyone to recover or access those files, even with specialized software. BleachBit can reduce the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and online surveillance.

While BleachBit can delete most traces of your online activities, it cannot delete all. BleachBit cannot delete digital traces stored on remote servers, such as email messages, cloud files, or social media posts. You would need to delete those manually from the respective websites or applications. Furthermore, BleachBit cannot hide your online activities from third parties, such as your internet service provider, government agencies, or hackers. Additional VPN, Tor, or encryption tools, which we discussed in previous blog post would add additional protection to your online privacy.

Conclusion

Using BleachBit regularly lets you maintain your computer’s performance, optimize your disk usage, and protect your online privacy.

How to Protect Your Privacy When Sharing Images Online.

February 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

We all love sharing our photos with our friends and family online, whether through email, social media, or other platforms. But did you know that every image you take with your digital camera or phone contains hidden information that could reveal more than you want to?

What is EXIF Data?

EXIF stands for Exchangeable Image File Format, a standard specifying the format of the metadata stored in the image file. Metadata is data about data; in this case, it is data about the image itself.

Some of the information that EXIF data can contain are:

  • Date and time of the photo
  • Geographic location of the photo (latitude and longitude)
  • Camera model or phone type
  • Camera settings (such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO)
  • Orientation of the photo
  • The thumbnail of the photo

While some of this information can be useful for organizing and editing your photos, some can also be sensitive and personal. For example, if you share a photo of your home or your workplace, the EXIF data could reveal the exact address of where you live or work. Or if you share a photo of your children, the EXIF data could reveal their age, school, or hobbies.

How to Remove EXIF Data?

Fortunately, there are ways to remove or edit the EXIF data from your images before you share them online. Here are some examples of tools and methods that you can use:

  • Online tools: Many websites offer free services to remove EXIF data from your images. For example, Exifpurge.com allows you to upload multiple images and download them without any EXIF data. However, be careful when using online tools, as they may not be secure or reliable. Always check the website’s privacy policy and terms of service before uploading your images.
  • Desktop software: You can install many programs on your computer to remove or edit EXIF data from your images. For example, ExifTool is a powerful and versatile command-line tool that can read, write, and modify EXIF data for various file formats. Alternatively, ExifEraser is a simple and user-friendly tool that can remove EXIF data from JPEG images with a few clicks.
  • Browser extensions: If you use a web browser to upload or share your images online, you can also use browser extensions to remove or edit EXIF data from your images. For example, Exif Viewer is a Firefox extension that allows you to view and edit EXIF data for any image on the web. Similarly, Exif Remover is a Chrome extension that will enable you to remove EXIF data from any image on the web.

How to Blur Images?

Another way to protect your privacy when sharing images online is to blur or obscure the faces or other identifiable features of the people in the images, especially young children. This approach can help prevent unwanted recognition, tracking, or harassment by strangers or malicious actors.

There are also various tools and methods that you can use to blur or obscure your images, such as:

  • Online tools: Many websites offer free services to blur or obscure your images. For example, facepixelizer.com allows you to upload an image and automatically blur the faces or manually select the areas that you want to blur. Similarly, pinetools.com enables you to upload an image and adjust the blur level for the whole image or an assigned area.
  • Desktop software: You can install many programs on your computer to blur or obscure your images. For example, GIMP is a free and open-source image editor that has various tools and filters to blur or obscure your images. Alternatively, Paint.NET is a simple, user-friendly image editor with multiple tools and filters to blur or obscure your images.
  • Browser extensions: If you use a web browser to upload or share your images online, you can also use browser extensions to blur or obscure your images. For example, Blurweb.app is a Firefox and Chrome extension that allows you to blur any element on any website, such as images, text, or videos. Similarly, Image Blur is a Firefox extension that enables you to blur any image on the web with a right-click.

Conclusion

Sharing images online can be fun and rewarding, but it can also pose risks to your privacy and security. Using the tools and methods mentioned above, you can remove or edit the EXIF data and blur or obscure the images before sharing them online. This way, you can protect your personal information and identity and enjoy your online experience without worries.

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