Privacy. What does that even mean anymore? With a large portion of the population willing to give theirs up for minor conveniences or unknown threats and surveillance everywhere is there any such thing anymore?
While maintaining privacy in this day and age can be challenging, we’ve rounded up a few products and tools that can help. Since our readership is varied, some of these suggestions might seem elementary to some of our geekier readers. So bear with us.
Software
Tor
Tor is a software that was created to protect the privacy of its users by routing internet traffic through a worldwide network of relays. It’s not foolproof but can make it much harder to trace your internet activity back to you.
Hushed
Hushed puts a private, disposable communication in your hand. Private messaging, voice calling, texting, voicemails, and more in a simple & secure mobile app. iOS & Android
Burner
Unlimited numbers for calling, texting & picture messaging. Manage who can reach you without compromising your personal information or using a non-functioning fake phone number. iOS & Android
Signal
A private messenger. Send high-quality group, text, picture, and video messages, all without SMS and MMS fees and with unlimited numbers for calling, texting & picture messaging. Manage who can reach you without compromising your personal information or using a non-functioning fake phone number. iOS & Android
VPN
Just using a VPN (virtual private network) isn’t enough. You need to use one that respects your privacy. TorrentFreak asked a bunch of VPN services a dozen privacy-related questions. Check to see how yours rates or use this list to choose one.
Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security; it’s super-fast, simple and free. Think of it as a more secure WhatsApp. iOS Android Windows Phone Web Version PC Mac Linux
Secure iOS 9
Before you do anything on your new iPhone or iPad, you should lock it down. Here are the important settings you need to change in iOS 9 to help protect your privacy and security.
Physical Products
Burner Sim
The ACE Hackware burner SIMs are entirely private. No registration required - just activate and go! The network provider also redirects all data traffic through a proxy server making it harder for people to snoop on you.
RFID Sleeve
Your credit cards and passport could be leaking your information to electronic thieves through your purse or wallet. ACE Hackware RFID Protection Sleeves for credit cards and passports prevent damage to your card's magnetic strip while also helping safeguard your personal information.
Faraday Bag
Cell Signal, GPS, Rfid and WifI Signal blocking pouch for your phone. Sometimes it’s nobody’s business where you’re going and where you’ve been, including that Stingray.
Blackphone
Blackphone is the world’s first smartphone built from the ground up to be private by design. Now with a faster processor, more RAM and a larger display.
Style & Make-Up Tips
If you don’t like the idea of surveillance cameras tracking your every move, here are some low-tech tips that can help camouflage you from them.
Invisibility Glasses
These glasses can make it difficult to get a lock on your identity.
Anti-Drone Hoodie
A metal-plated hoodie that shields against thermal-imaging surveillance
Anti-surveillance Mask
Be someone else with this realistic mask.
