Privacy Hive Blog

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Peek-Proof Your Pixels: Unleash The Power Of Webcam Covers.

June 14, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The Essential Guide to Webcam Privacy: Combining Convenience and Security

In our technology-driven world, privacy is a paramount concern, and one often overlooked aspect is the humble webcam. These small lenses, found in our computers, phones, and even baby monitors, can inadvertently become a gateway for intruders to invade our private moments. The solution, however, is both simple and effective: webcam covers.

Why Webcam Covers Are Crucial

Protection Against Camfecting: Hijacking a webcam, known as camfecting, poses a real threat. Hackers can gain control of your camera through phishing links or compromised websites, sometimes without triggering the ‘on’ light, allowing them to watch you silently.

Security During Video Meetings: With the rise of virtual meetings, webcams are in constant use. A webcam cover lets you decide when you’re visible, providing security even if your camera turns on by default.

Types of Webcam Covers

  • Sliding Covers: These are convenient for laptops; they can be opened or closed as needed and are a popular choice for ease of use.
  • Sticker Covers: Reusable stickers that are less expensive and offer a chance to personalize your device.
  • Built-In Camera Sliders: Some manufacturers now include built-in cameras in response to privacy concerns, adding trust and convenience.

Optimal Situations for Webcam Covers

  • Computers: Whether it’s a laptop with a built-in webcam or a desktop computer with an external USB camera, covers provide a discreet and hassle-free solution to maintain privacy.
  • Mobile Devices: A webcam cover adds an extra layer of privacy without damaging the lens for smartphones and tablets.
  • Baby Monitors and Smart Home Devices: Protect your child’s privacy with a webcam cover for baby monitors and cover cameras on smart home devices when not in use.

The Benefits of Webcam Covers

  • Affordability: Webcam covers are a cost-effective way to protect yourself, often costing just a few dollars for significant peace of mind.
  • Ease of Use: These covers are thin, discreet, easy to apply or remove, and suitable for tech novices and seasoned users.

Conclusion

Never underestimate the importance of a webcam cover. It’s a small accessory that plays a significant role in ensuring your private life stays private. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, remember that laptop camera covers are a small but vital step towards proactive privacy protection. So, cover up and take control of your digital life with confidence.

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.

Behind the Mask: Joy Boulamwini’s ‘Unmasking AI’ Sheds Light on Technology’s Hidden Biases.

May 31, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Joy Buolamwini’s research highlights the hidden biases in AI systems, particularly facial recognition technology. Her findings at MIT revealed a disturbing truth that systems often fail to identify darker-skinned faces, a flaw that could lead to grave discrimination. To address this, she founded the Algorithmic Justice League, a platform advocating for more equitable AI. The lack of regulation around AI systems poses a clear and present danger to civil rights and privacy. If not promptly addressed, these biases could perpetuate inequality on a massive scale.

“Unmasking AI” is an essential read for anyone concerned with the intersection of technology and civil rights. Buolamwini’s work reminds us that AI should be for and by the people, not just the privileged few. Her book urgently highlights the need to safeguard our human essence in an age where technology is becoming more dominant.

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.

Intimate Privacy: A Review of Danielle Keats Citron’s Fight For Privacy.

April 26, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In The Fight for Privacy, law professor and MacArthur fellow Danielle Keats Citron examines the threats to our intimate privacy in the digital age. She defines intimate privacy as the right to keep our bodies, health, gender, and relationships free from unwanted exposure and exploitation. She shows how this right is violated by various actors, from corporations to individuals, and how this harms our dignity, identity, and love. She also proposes ways to protect and respect intimate privacy, as a civil right and a social good, for ourselves and the next generation.

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.

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