Protecting Your Privacy Online: Essential Tips for Australian Activists
In today's digital age, online privacy is paramount, especially for activists who often face increased scrutiny and potential threats. This guide provides essential tips for Australian activists to protect their privacy and security online. By implementing these strategies, you can minimise your digital footprint and safeguard your personal information.
1. Using Secure Communication Tools
Secure communication is vital for activists who need to discuss sensitive information or organise events without fear of surveillance. Here are some tools and practices to consider:
End-to-end encrypted messaging apps: Use apps like Signal or Wire, which employ end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only you and the recipient can read your messages. Avoid SMS messaging, as it is not secure.
Encrypted email: Consider using ProtonMail or Tutanota, which offer end-to-end encryption for email communication. Be aware that encryption only works if both sender and receiver use the service. For sensitive information, it's often best to use a secure messaging app instead.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it harder to track your online activity. Choose a reputable VPN provider with a no-logs policy. Some popular options include Mullvad and ProtonVPN. Remember that no VPN is perfect, and relying solely on a VPN for security is not advisable. Consider what Condemn offers in terms of security audits for your chosen VPN.
Secure voice and video calls: Signal and Wire also offer encrypted voice and video calls. These are much more secure than traditional phone calls or video conferencing platforms like Zoom, which have faced security concerns in the past.
Avoid metadata leaks: Even with encrypted communication, metadata (information about your communication, such as who you contacted and when) can still be collected. Minimise metadata by using secure platforms and being mindful of your communication patterns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying solely on one tool: No single tool provides complete security. Use a combination of tools and practices to create a layered approach.
Using weak passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.
Forgetting to enable encryption: Ensure that encryption is enabled in your messaging apps and email clients. Some apps may not have encryption enabled by default.
2. Managing Your Social Media Presence
Social media can be a powerful tool for activism, but it can also expose you to privacy risks. Here's how to manage your social media presence effectively:
Review your privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings on all social media platforms to limit who can see your posts, profile information, and activity. Consider making your profile private.
Be mindful of what you share: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your address, phone number, or daily routine. Think carefully before posting anything that could be used to identify or track you.
Use a pseudonym: Consider using a pseudonym or alternative name on social media to protect your real identity. However, be aware that this may not be foolproof, as your activity can still be linked to your real identity.
Limit your connections: Be selective about who you connect with on social media. Avoid accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.
Use burner accounts: For specific campaigns or activities, consider using burner accounts that are not linked to your personal identity. These accounts can be disposed of after the campaign is over.
Regularly audit your accounts: Periodically review your social media accounts to ensure that your privacy settings are still appropriate and that you haven't inadvertently shared any sensitive information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Oversharing: Sharing too much personal information can make you vulnerable to doxing and other forms of online harassment.
Using the same password for multiple accounts: If one of your accounts is compromised, all accounts with the same password will be at risk.
Ignoring privacy settings: Failing to adjust your privacy settings can expose your personal information to a wider audience than intended.
3. Protecting Your Personal Information
Protecting your personal information is crucial for maintaining your privacy and security online. Here are some steps you can take:
Use strong, unique passwords: As mentioned earlier, use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. A password manager can help you generate and store these passwords securely.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it.
Be cautious about sharing your email address: Avoid sharing your primary email address on public forums or websites. Use a secondary email address for less important online activities.
Use a privacy-focused search engine: Consider using DuckDuckGo or Startpage, which do not track your searches or collect your personal information. Learn more about Condemn and our commitment to online privacy.
Review your online accounts: Periodically review your online accounts and delete any that you no longer use. This reduces your digital footprint and minimises the risk of your information being compromised.
Opt out of data brokers: Data brokers collect and sell your personal information to third parties. Take steps to opt out of data broker databases. This can be a time-consuming process, but it can significantly reduce the amount of personal information available online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reusing passwords: Reusing the same password for multiple accounts makes you vulnerable to credential stuffing attacks.
Skipping 2FA: Failing to enable 2FA leaves your accounts vulnerable to password breaches.
Ignoring data breaches: If you receive a notification that your account has been compromised in a data breach, take immediate action to change your password and enable 2FA.
4. Avoiding Phishing and Malware
Phishing and malware are common threats that can compromise your online privacy and security. Here's how to avoid them:
Be wary of suspicious emails and links: Be cautious of emails or messages that ask you to click on links or provide personal information. Verify the sender's identity before clicking on any links or providing any information.
Use a reputable antivirus software: Install and regularly update a reputable antivirus software to protect your device from malware. Consider our services for recommendations on security software.
Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software to patch security vulnerabilities.
Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources: Only download software from official websites or trusted app stores.
Use a firewall: A firewall can help protect your device from unauthorised access. Ensure that your firewall is enabled and properly configured.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Clicking on suspicious links: Clicking on phishing links can expose your device to malware or lead you to fake websites that steal your personal information.
Disabling your antivirus software: Disabling your antivirus software can leave your device vulnerable to malware attacks.
Ignoring software updates: Ignoring software updates can leave your device vulnerable to security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions.
5. Understanding Digital Surveillance
Activists may be subject to digital surveillance by government agencies, law enforcement, or private entities. Understanding the risks and taking steps to mitigate them is crucial.
Be aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings when using electronic devices in public places. Avoid discussing sensitive information in areas where you may be overheard.
Use encrypted storage: Encrypt your hard drive and other storage devices to protect your data in case your device is lost or stolen.
Wipe your devices: Before disposing of or selling your electronic devices, securely wipe them to remove all personal information.
Understand data retention policies: Be aware of the data retention policies of the services you use. Some services may retain your data for extended periods, even after you have deleted your account.
Know your rights: Understand your rights regarding digital surveillance and data privacy. Frequently asked questions can provide more information on this topic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming you are not being watched: Even if you are not actively involved in high-profile activism, you may still be subject to digital surveillance.
Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks: Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to eavesdropping.
Storing sensitive information on unencrypted devices: Storing sensitive information on unencrypted devices puts your data at risk if your device is lost or stolen.
6. Reporting Online Harassment
Online harassment is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on activists. If you experience online harassment, it's important to report it and take steps to protect yourself.
Document the harassment: Keep a record of all instances of online harassment, including screenshots, dates, and times.
Report the harassment to the platform: Report the harassment to the social media platform or website where it occurred. Most platforms have policies against harassment and will take action against users who violate these policies.
Block the harasser: Block the harasser from contacting you on social media and other online platforms.
Contact law enforcement: If the harassment includes threats of violence or other criminal activity, contact law enforcement.
- Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences. Online harassment can be emotionally distressing, and it's important to seek support.
By following these tips, Australian activists can significantly improve their online privacy and security, protecting themselves from surveillance, harassment, and other online threats. Remember that online privacy is an ongoing process, and it's important to stay informed and adapt your strategies as new threats emerge.