Helps you be safer online; Advocate for Opensource, Privacy and Digital Freedom; Founder & Chapter Lead
@null_neu
; priv/acc 🚀 (Privacy Accelerationist)
🧵:
@Apple
Pay vs
@Google
Pay in terms of
#Privacy
and
#Security
🛡️💳
Both Apple Pay and Google Pay are leading digital wallet services. They are more secure than direct card payments.
Image - Red arrow: Card info on public network (encrypted).
#ApplePay
#GooglePay
It has been less than a day or so since I enabled
#AppTrackingProtection
in my
@DuckDuckGo
app. Pretty awesome insights. It's super scary to see how many trackers are being used by so many apps to track us.
#duckduckgo
🔒
#Privacy
enthusiasts, take note!
@privacytests
has released a new category in its evaluations: 'DNS Privacy Tests'. Most browsers fail to encrypt DNS queries, leaving user data exposed in many countries - exceptions:
@mullvadnet
&
@torproject
.
Again, both are Firefox-based.
Spotted
@mullvadnet
VPN and browser ads on the Green Line in Boston!
#Privacy
and
#security
are more important than ever in the US 🇺🇸
Have you tried Mullvad yet? They are solid.
#Mullvad
In case you missed it, unearthed FBI training doc - dated Jan 7, 2021, reveals limits of law enforcement's access to encrypted comms. iMessage, Line, & WhatsApp data are compromised, but messengers like
@signalapp
remain intact.
#privacy
#opsec
#CyberSecurityAwareness
One most common thing that you may have observed is that a lot of
#privacy
researchers recommend is to get rid of as many Google products and services as possible.
#degoogle
🧵
Even with Advanced Data Protection activated on
#iCloud
,
@Apple
can still access your iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar. The encryption applies in transit and on their servers, but it's not end-to-end. Apple holds the keys.
#e2ee
#privacy
As a community dedicated to preserving privacy and resisting censorship,
@torproject
should reconsider its default search engine (DDG).
@DuckDuckGo
's tendency towards censorship contradicts Tor's principles. It's time to switch to a better alternative! Options we have:
🚨 Attention
@GrapheneOS
community! 🚨
Introducing the ultimate guide you've all been waiting for, now reviewed by a core team member of GrapheneOS! 🎉
Perfect for newcomers, this is your go-to resource for all things
#GrapheneOS
. 📚
#Privacy
#OpSec
🔍 Recent study shows
@Google
's
#Android
collects 20x more telemetry data than
@Apple
's
#iOS
. Your phone's "idle" state isn't so idle, huh?
#privacy
Research led by Professor Douglas J. Leith from Trinity College, University of Dublin,
Reference:
Privacy folks say Edge is useless. I disagree. Make your Edge useful in 3 steps:
1. Open Edge
2. Go to
3. Install
@brave
and make it as your default
#Privacy
#BrowserTips
cc:
@gnukeith
After researching
@zcash
for the past few months, it seems that the shielded transactions offer more privacy than those of Monero.
I'm still conducting ongoing research. I've spoken to a few people involved in the creation of Zcash, but I like to do my due diligence.
Looks like Google flagged for TOS violation. Times like these remind us of the value of
#privacy
respecting alternatives like
@ProtonDrive
or
@skiffprivacy
drive - offers
#decentralized
storage options.
End-to-end encrypted storage means ONLY for your eyes.
Performed Email security standards tests with
@internet_nl
.
- test to check if the service supports modern internet standards like IPv6, DNSSEC, DMARC, DKIM, SPF, STARTTLS, DANE, RPKI.
Scores:
@ProtonMail
- 75%
@skiffprivacy
- 85%
@TutaPrivacy
- 87%
#Privacy
is our fundamental right, and
#surveillance
has threatened civil liberties. Our privacy is our security. Many companies are thirsty for your data. Be aware of what you share.
A common misconception is that the
@brave
browser isn't private because it's built on
#Chromium
- a free & opensource project started by Google. While it is based on the Chromium project, it is not the same as Chrome.
Brave develops its own codebase.
#PrivacyMyths
🧵
Privacy vs. Security vs. Anonymity
#Privacy
is the state of being free from observation.
#Security
is the state of being free from danger.
#Anonymity
is the state of being free from identification.
Certainly, there is an overlap in each other.
🚨 URGENT SECURITY ALERT 🚨
Just watched this eye-opening video by
@veritasium
on major vulnerabilities in our phone networks. It affects EVERYONE with a mobile phone. Watch here:
As a security researcher, I'm stunned by the implications.
🧵
- Support Mozilla Foundation and its browser - Firefox
- Chromium-based browsers are becoming a monopoly
- Contributing to open source software is how the internet will thrive and be open to all without any censorship
- Some useful extensions that you can use for your
@firefox
@mysk_co
Better alternative:
@enteio
auth:
-
#opensource
- end to end encrypted backups
- multi device support
- offline mode
- cross platform: iOS, Android
Use to view codes on desktop
Securing your digital life can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s over 300+ tips and strategies to help you protect your online privacy and security. 🔒 Start simple and stay safe out there!
#cybersecurityawareness
#Privacy
#opsec
📢 Discover the GrapheneOS AppVerse!🛡️
Curated for privacy-centric
@GrapheneOS
users, this ultimate app list offers trusted alternatives that prioritize your
#privacy
and
#security
. Enhance your experience with a wide range of apps.
via
@AlternativeTo
🚀 Just released: Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Privacy-Respecting AI Usage! Learn how to protect your personal information while leveraging AI technologies. Your feedback is important to me—please take a look and let me know your thoughts:
Affordable ✅
Side note: Happy to see Ente mention Proton Pass - they don’t shy away from listing great products unlike Tuta, even though the company could be a competitor.
If you know you know 🙃
@anantshri
Check out
@Bitwarden
! It's the best password manager imo. It's opensource. Works across all kinds of OS. Even for enterprises, it works great. It conducts regular third-party security audits and is compliant with Privacy Shield, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and SOC 2 security standards.
Ever wondered how
@Bitwarden
keeps your passwords safe? It's all about Key Derivation Functions (
#KDF
), turning your master password into a secure encryption key.
Account Settings -> Security -> Keys
#CyberSecurityAwareness
I've comprehensively compared
@StandardNotes
vs
@notesnook
. Both offer robust encryption but differ in features and pricing. Check out the full analysis and share your experiences to help others choose their ideal private note-taking app.
I believe it's time for a shift in our approach to search engines. We need platforms that prioritize
#privacy
and operate on independent indexes, stepping away from Big Tech's known censorship practices. Which one do you use?
Good options:
@brave
search,
@mojeek
Check out
@GrapheneOS
, DivestOS,
@LineageAndroid
, iodeOS,
@e_mydata
Comparison chart by Sandbag6736 from Techlore forum. Personal preferences play a big role. 🔍📱
#AndroidROMs
Feel free to comment if there’s any inaccuracies.
Fully transitioned to being a full-time Linux user and it feels liberating! Goodbye to Windows & hello to unlimited possibilities. Using the
@system76
laptop - powerhouse built for pros. Enhanced my workflow with my favorite
@pop_os_official
. Let the journey begin!
@skiffprivacy
@milichab
Highlight “existing” - you know that’s not what I asked. Sorry but this reply just looks like a PR damage control thing y. Don’t do that to me - I don’t deserve that.
You told us you would opensource everything soon that’s why I recommended your products on my list.
Explore Proton Pass, an
#opensource
& secure password manager from the
@ProtonPrivacy
team—features: end-to-end encryption, email aliases, & integrated 2FA, etc. Easily switch from other password managers and join a privacy-first ecosystem.
#ProtonPass
Hi all, super excited to announce that I will be pursuing my MS in
#Cybersecurity
of
@KhouryCollege
at
@Northeastern
- in the Fall of 2022.
#mscy
Looking for an
#internship
. Any support/advice/tips are much appreciated.
Grateful to my friends, family, and other well-wishers!
Just completed the 'Basics of Personal Threat Modeling' course by
@privacy_guides
- Helps identify & prioritize the most probable security & privacy risks
- Enables focused resource allocation, tailored defenses, & heightened awareness.
#threatmodeling
For all those
@GrapheneOS
users - The GrapheneOS team has been working super hard on the stable release of Android 15 for us. Please show your appreciation by donating here:
We have to ensure sustainability of great
#FOSS
projects. (priv/acc)
🔍 Study reveals alarming
#privacy
issues in Android phones. Major brands have been found to transmit sensitive data to third parties even when devices are idle. The exception? /e/OS, prioritizing user privacy. Time for an industry-wide change?
Paper:
Thrilled to announce that
@skiffprivacy
Mail is now featured on
@privacy_guides
! This milestone marks a year-long journey of invaluable feedback from privacy advocates, solidifying Skiff Mail as a trusted name in privacy.
#SkiffMail
New addition to my list under 'Cryptocurrencies & Wallets':
@zashi_app
- send and receive $ZEC & private memos
- reliable and fast
- ability to Spend before Sync
- built-in mechanisms for user support
via
@AlternativeTo
#zcash
@zcash
@zcashmedia
Big shoutout to the Signal team and their incredible President
@mer__edith
for their relentless work on privacy! 🙌 This update is a game-changer. Consider showing your support by donating. Every bit helps keep our communications safe and private. 💖
📱
@GooglePixel_US
stands tall among the most secure smartphones🛡️. With the Titan M chip for data protection and OS integrity, Secure Boot, the on-device processing of Pixel Visual Core, and prompt security patches.
Are you an iPhone user? Must check out thread
Always recommend iOS over Android(infected with Google services) for better
#privacy
.
Here's, Apple iOS Hardening Checklist -
🧵
@davidbombal
Great video! Some thoughts:
- CalyxOS can't be considered fully "de-googled" as it uses many Google services.
-
@GrapheneOS
releases faster security updates compared to CalyxOS
- In terms of app compatibility, Sandboxed Google Play on GOS >>> MicroG
- GOS Web Install is easy too!
Looks like the
@mullvadnet
browser has fixed a lot of issues lately. Great work, team Mullvad! Thanks to
@privacytests
for verifying the tests.
Safe to say that
#Mullvad
is one of the best browsers for Desktops in terms of
#privacy
Ever wonder which browsers are the best for
#privacy
across your sessions? Check out the latest release by
@privacytests
on first-party & third-party tracking prevention.
Who passed?
#LibreWolf
,
@mullvadnet
,
@torproject
- all are Firefox-based browsers.
Comparing the search results of some of the most popular
#private
search engines:
@brave
,
@DuckDuckGo
,
@startpage
,
@mojeek
Query: 'fide candidates 2024 standings'
Personal Favourite: Brave Search (with AI summarizer)
Like the recent Summary feature added on Mojeek!
I'm curious - what's still stopping more people from switching to
@GrapheneOS
? As a privacy & security focused mobile OS, it seems to check a lot of boxes. Is it device compatibility? Missing key apps/features? Just a lack of awareness? Genuinely want to understand the barriers.
🚨 Attention iOS & iPadOS users! 🚨
Updated my ultimate hardening guide & I need your help to make it even better! 🙏
Please let me know:
✅ Any areas need more detail?
✅ Suggestions for improvement?
Show your support by starring the repo! ⭐️
More tips for
@signalapp
users:
- Enable Screen Lock & Registration Lock
- Disable Message Previews
- Use Disappearing Messages (if you need to)
- Always keep Signal updated
- Secure your phone number with two-step verification
#Signal
#PrivacyTips
#SecurityTips
@skiffprivacy
Hey Skiff team, if I am not mistaken- you haven’t opensourced everything you promised earlier. What are we missing here? Last time I checked, only Skiff Mail was fully opensource. Would appreciate an honest reply from you to a long-time Skiff supporter. cc:
@milichab
The
@brave
's website scores 100% in the website test of
@Internet_nl
:
This means Brave Search will be listed in the Hall of Fame soon -
cc:
@BrendanEich
🚨 Important update from
@signalapp
! 🚨
The latest update (v7 on Desktop):
✅ Keep your phone number hidden
✅ Choose to share a username instead
✅ Take control with new privacy settings - You decide who finds you by phone number.
#privacy
#signalmessenger
#opensource
🚨 Attention
@1Password
users! Concerned about your
#privacy
? Stumbled upon many trackers on the official 1Password website using
@brave
Shield,
@ublockorigin
, and
@themarkup
Blacklight tool. It's important to be aware of the trackers we encounter online.
Exciting news! 🎉
@skiffprivacy
Mail now offers biometric authentication for our mobile apps.
Update to the latest version for enhanced security.
Biometrics make accessing your mail not only convenient but also safer by adding an extra layer of verification.
#SkiffMail
Signal calls are arguably the best (compared to normal call which can be recorded/tracked) as its end to end encrypted and the quality is great.
#e2ee
You can also share ur screen using
@signalapp
desktop.
Used by
@Snowden
,
@jack
,
@schneierblog
Such an honor to meet the legendary Richard Stallman at
#LibrePlanet2024
at Wentworth Institute! Engaging with a pioneer of the free software movement and discussing the future of digital rights was absolutely inspiring.
@fsf
🚀
#FreeSoftware
#OpenSource
#TechForGood
Thrilled to see
@skiffprivacy
raising the bar with their user-friendly annotated
#privacy
policy. It’s a game-changer. Other companies, take note! Simplification is key to
#transparency
and
#trust
. Check their approach:
New addition to my list under 'AI':
@AskVenice
- No account required for basic use
- Encrypted, decentralized processing
- Multiple opensource AI models to choose from
- Ability to save conversations locally
- Crypto payments available
via
@AlternativeTo
Here is a new addition to my list under Multi-Factor Authentication:
@2FAS_com
-
#opensource
- Cloud backup
- Cross-platform: iOS, Android
- Browser extension available
- user friendly
Full list here: via
@AlternativeTo
Recent glitches in Google Drive - a vital lesson: even tech giants are vulnerable to data loss. The future beckons with
#web3
-
@skiffprivacy
's Drive, utilizing
#IPFS
, paves the way for a
#decentralized
approach, ensuring resilience & granting us greater control over our data.
Brave Search is the answer. As a privacy-first search engine, Brave Search doesn't track users, providing unbiased results without compromising on user data. Its commitment to an open web aligns perfectly with Tor’s values. No more filtered results or biased algorithms.
@startpage
Both are great privacy respecting messengers.
Signal is free, Threema is paid. But, Threema offers more anonymity as they don't ask for phone number like Signal.
Signal based in US
Threema based in Switzerland
As a privacy-conscious user, which paid plan would you choose?
@skiffprivacy
or
@ProtonPrivacy
Skiff Mail vs Proton Mail
Skiff Drive vs Proton Drive
Skiff Calendar vs Proton Calendar
Skiff Quick Alias vs Proton SimpleLogin
Others: Skiff Pages, Proton VPN, Proton Pass
#privacy
@telegram
Tbh, you have been one of the best messengers when it comes to features, but your track records have been questionable. Do you have any supporting evidence to show that you are privacy-friendly? Let’s start with this. Care to explain?
Big news from
@nvidia
! They're fully transitioning to open-source GPU kernel modules with the R560 driver release. 🎉
This applies to newer GPUs (Turing, Ampere, Ada Lovelace, Hopper). Older GPUs will still use proprietary drivers.
I've criticized
@Meta
for their
#privacy
issues, and I stand by that. But credit where it's due: open-sourcing LLaMA was a great move. It's important to recognize positive steps, even from companies we criticize. Meta did well here. 👏
#LLaMA
#OpenSource
Desktop OS -
#Linux
distros 🏆
Different distros serve different purposes; either way, we Linux users are all on the same team who like our
#freedom
and
#privacy
.
Support
#opensource
❤️