In the digital age, activists face new threats to their privacy and security. Here’s how to protect yourself while organizing against fascism.
Essential Digital Security Practices
🔐 Secure Communications
– Use Signal for encrypted messaging
– Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
– Use ProtonMail or similar for secure email
– Avoid Facebook Messenger and SMS for sensitive communications
🌐 Browse Safely
– Use Tor Browser for anonymous browsing
– Install uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger
– Use a VPN service (ProtonVPN, Mullvad)
– Clear cookies and browsing data regularly
📱 Mobile Security
– Keep your phone updated with latest security patches
– Use encrypted messaging apps
– Turn off location tracking when not needed
– Use secure lock screens (not patterns or face unlock)
Operational Security (OpSec)
“Privacy is not about hiding something. It’s about protecting everything.” – Edward Snowden
Social Media Safety
– Use pseudonyms for activist accounts
– Don’t post photos with metadata
– Be careful about check-ins and location tags
– Review privacy settings regularly
Event Security
– Use burner phones for organizing
– Meet in secure locations
– Use code words for sensitive topics
– Have legal observer contacts ready
Recommended Tools
Communication:
– Signal (messaging)
– ProtonMail (email)
– Jitsi Meet (video calls)
Privacy:
– Tor Browser
– ProtonVPN
– DuckDuckGo (search)
File Security:
– VeraCrypt (encryption)
– SecureDrop (whistleblowing)
– OnionShare (file sharing)
Legal Considerations
Know your rights:
– Right to remain silent
– Right to an attorney
– Right to refuse searches
– Document police interactions
Emergency Contacts
Keep these numbers handy:
– National Lawyers Guild: Legal observers
– ACLU: Civil liberties support
– Electronic Frontier Foundation: Digital rights
Remember: Security is a process, not a product. Stay vigilant and keep learning.