cypherpunk-cheats/opsec.cheat

% opsec, operational-security, privacy, anonymity, security-culture

# ============================================================================
# OPERATIONAL SECURITY (OPSEC) FUNDAMENTALS
# ============================================================================

# OPSEC Definition
# Identifying critical information and preventing adversaries from obtaining it

# The 5-Step OPSEC Process
# 1. Identify critical information
# 2. Analyze threats
# 3. Analyze vulnerabilities
# 4. Assess risk
# 5. Apply appropriate countermeasures

# Core Principle: Assume breach
# Design systems assuming adversary has partial access

# ============================================================================
# THREAT MODELING
# ============================================================================

# Questions to answer:
# - What am I trying to protect?
# - Who am I trying to protect it from?
# - How bad are the consequences if I fail?
# - How likely is the threat to occur?
# - How much trouble am I willing to go through?

# Common threat actors:
# - Government surveillance (NSA, Five Eyes)
# - Corporations (data brokers, ad tech)
# - Cybercriminals (ransomware, identity theft)
# - Domestic abusers / stalkers
# - Employers / schools
# - Oppressive regimes

# Threat model examples:
# Journalist: Government surveillance, source protection
# Activist: Surveillance, doxxing, physical threats
# Average user: Corporate tracking, data breaches
# Criminal: Law enforcement, forensics

# ============================================================================
# IDENTITY COMPARTMENTALIZATION
# ============================================================================

# Separate identities for different contexts
# - Legal name identity (government, banking)
# - Professional identity (work, LinkedIn)
# - Personal identity (friends, social media)
# - Anonymous identity (activism, research)
# - Pseudonymous identities (online communities)

# Never cross-contaminate identities
# Use different: emails, phones, browsers, devices, accounts

# Example separation:
# Real Name → Banking, taxes, medical
# Work Name → Professional email, LinkedIn, conferences
# Handle1 → Twitter, Reddit, public discussions
# Handle2 → Security research, bug bounties
# Anonymous → Tor, whistleblowing, sensitive research

# ============================================================================
# ACCOUNT SECURITY HYGIENE
# ============================================================================

# Password management
# Use password manager (Bitwarden, KeePassXC, 1Password)
# Unique password per account (30+ characters)
# Enable 2FA everywhere (TOTP > SMS > nothing)
# Use hardware keys (YubiKey, Nitrokey) for critical accounts

# Password generation
pwgen -s 32 1

# Check if email in breach (HIBP)
curl "https://haveibeenpwned.com/api/v3/breachedaccount/email@example.com"

# Account security checklist
# [ ] Unique strong password
# [ ] 2FA enabled (TOTP or hardware key)
# [ ] Recovery email set (separate identity)
# [ ] Security questions (use fake answers stored in password manager)
# [ ] Login notifications enabled
# [ ] Review connected apps/permissions quarterly
# [ ] Remove unused accounts

# ============================================================================
# COMMUNICATION SECURITY
# ============================================================================

# Secure messaging hierarchy (best to worst)
# 1. Signal (E2EE, metadata resistance, open source)
# 2. Wire (E2EE, self-hosted option)
# 3. Element/Matrix (E2EE, federated, self-hosted)
# 4. Telegram (not E2EE by default, metadata leaks)
# 5. WhatsApp (E2EE but owned by Meta)
# 6. SMS (unencrypted, avoid)

# Email security
# - Use ProtonMail or Tutanota for sensitive emails
# - PGP/GPG for encryption (see gpg.cheat)
# - Assume all email is compromised (even encrypted)
# - Use temporary emails for signups (guerrillamail, temp-mail)

# Voice calls
# - Signal for encrypted calls
# - Avoid regular phone calls for sensitive topics
# - Use burner phones for high-threat scenarios

# ============================================================================
# DEVICE SECURITY
# ============================================================================

# Full disk encryption (FDE)
# Linux: LUKS (see veracrypt.cheat)
sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX
sudo cryptsetup luksOpen /dev/sdX encrypted_drive

# Check if encrypted
lsblk -f

# macOS: FileVault
# System Preferences → Security & Privacy → FileVault → Turn On

# Windows: BitLocker
# Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption

# Screen lock policy
# Lock after 5 minutes idle
# Require password immediately after sleep
xset s 300 5
xset dpms 600 600 600

# BIOS/UEFI password
# Prevents unauthorized boot device changes

# Secure boot
# Prevents bootkit/rootkit attacks
# Enable in BIOS/UEFI

# ============================================================================
# PHYSICAL SECURITY
# ============================================================================

# Device protection
# - Never leave devices unattended
# - Use privacy screens (3M privacy filters)
# - Tape over cameras when not in use
# - Disable microphone in BIOS (if possible)
# - Use RFID-blocking wallet
# - Faraday bag for phones (blocks all signals)

# Travel security
# - Use burner laptop/phone for sensitive travel
# - Encrypt all drives before crossing borders
# - Back up data before travel, wipe device
# - Assume devices compromised after crossing hostile borders
# - Never unlock devices under duress (know your rights)

# Home security
# - Lock devices when leaving room
# - Store backups in fireproof safe
# - Keep hardware keys in separate location
# - Shred sensitive documents (cross-cut shredder)

# ============================================================================
# METADATA AWARENESS
# ============================================================================

# Metadata is data about data
# Examples:
# - Photos: GPS, camera model, timestamp
# - Documents: author, edit history, software version
# - Emails: sender, recipient, timestamp, IP
# - Files: creation date, modification date, MAC addresses

# Remove metadata (see metadata-removal.cheat)
exiftool -all= file.jpg

# Metadata you can't avoid:
# - ISP knows your browsing (use VPN)
# - Email headers reveal IP (use Tor)
# - Phone company knows location (use airplane mode)
# - Signal server knows when you're online (use sealed sender)

# ============================================================================
# NETWORK SECURITY
# ============================================================================

# Home network hardening
# - Change default router password
# - Disable WPS
# - Use WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 unavailable)
# - Disable UPnP
# - Disable remote management
# - Change default SSID (don't include personal info)
# - Enable router firewall
# - Segment IoT devices (separate VLAN)

# VPN usage (see vpn.cheat)
# Use for:
# - Public WiFi
# - Torrenting
# - Hiding traffic from ISP
# - Geo-restriction bypass

# Don't use VPN for:
# - Banking (flags fraud detection)
# - Anything requiring your real identity
# - Tor (use Tor alone or VPN → Tor)

# DNS security
# Use encrypted DNS (DoH or DoT)
# Options: Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9 9.9.9.9

# Configure DoH in Firefox
# about:config → network.trr.mode = 2
# network.trr.uri = https://mozilla.cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query

# ============================================================================
# SOCIAL ENGINEERING DEFENSES
# ============================================================================

# Phishing awareness
# Check sender email carefully (look for typos)
# Hover over links before clicking
# Don't trust urgent requests
# Verify requests through separate channel
# Never give passwords over phone/email

# Vishing (voice phishing)
# Verify caller identity
# Call back on known number
# Don't give info over phone
# Be suspicious of urgency

# Pretexting
# Don't overshare on social media
# Use fake answers for security questions
# Limit public information

# ============================================================================
# ONLINE FOOTPRINT REDUCTION
# ============================================================================

# Audit online presence
# Google yourself (all name variations)
# Check data broker sites (Spokeo, BeenVerified, WhitePages)
# Search email addresses
# Review old social media posts

# Remove information from data brokers
# Opt out of: Spokeo, WhitePages, PeopleFinder, Intelius
# Use removal services: DeleteMe, Privacy Duck

# Social media privacy settings
# Facebook: Settings → Privacy → Limit past posts
# Twitter: Protected tweets, limit tagging
# Instagram: Private account, review followers
# LinkedIn: Limit profile visibility

# Delete old accounts
# Use: https://justdelete.me/
# Or: Account → Settings → Delete Account

# ============================================================================
# SECURE COMPUTING HABITS
# ============================================================================

# Software updates
# Enable automatic updates for:
# - Operating system
# - Browser
# - Security software
# - All applications

# Check for updates manually
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
brew update && brew upgrade

# Antivirus/EDR (if needed)
# Linux: ClamAV
sudo apt install clamav
sudo freshclam
clamscan -r /home/

# Firewall
# Enable UFW (Linux)
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw default deny incoming
sudo ufw default allow outgoing

# Check firewall status
sudo ufw status verbose

# ============================================================================
# BACKUP STRATEGY (3-2-1 RULE)
# ============================================================================

# 3-2-1 Backup Rule
# 3 copies of data
# 2 different storage types
# 1 offsite copy

# Backup tools
# Linux: rsync, restic, borg
# macOS: Time Machine
# Cross-platform: Duplicati, rclone

# Encrypted backups (restic)
restic init --repo /backup/location
restic backup /home/user --repo /backup/location

# Cloud backup (encrypted)
# Rclone to cloud storage
rclone sync /home/user remote:backup --encrypt

# Test backups regularly
# Restore random files monthly to verify integrity

# ============================================================================
# SECURE DISPOSAL
# ============================================================================

# Securely delete files (see secure-deletion.cheat)
shred -vfz -n 5 sensitive_file.txt

# Wipe free space
# Linux
sfill -f /home/
# or
cat /dev/urandom > /home/deleteme.dat
rm /home/deleteme.dat

# Wipe entire drive before disposal
sudo dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/sdX bs=1M status=progress

# Physical destruction (if necessary)
# - Drill holes through platters
# - Degauss magnetic media
# - Professional shredding service

# ============================================================================
# DIGITAL HYGIENE CHECKLIST
# ============================================================================

# Daily
# [ ] Lock screen when leaving device
# [ ] Check for suspicious emails/messages
# [ ] Clear browser history/cookies (if not automated)

# Weekly
# [ ] Review account login notifications
# [ ] Check for software updates
# [ ] Backup important data

# Monthly
# [ ] Change critical passwords (if compromised)
# [ ] Review connected apps/permissions
# [ ] Audit active sessions
# [ ] Review firewall/security logs

# Quarterly
# [ ] Review threat model
# [ ] Audit online presence (Google yourself)
# [ ] Delete unused accounts
# [ ] Review and rotate encryption keys
# [ ] Test backup restoration

# Yearly
# [ ] Full security audit
# [ ] Review all passwords (check HIBP)
# [ ] Update emergency contacts
# [ ] Document security procedures

# ============================================================================
# OPSEC FAILURES (WHAT NOT TO DO)
# ============================================================================

# Common mistakes:
# ❌ Reusing passwords across accounts
# ❌ Using SMS 2FA (SIM swapping attacks)
# ❌ Posting travel plans on social media
# ❌ Using real name for anonymous accounts
# ❌ Clicking links in unsolicited emails
# ❌ Connecting to public WiFi without VPN
# ❌ Saving passwords in browser
# ❌ Not encrypting sensitive files
# ❌ Using same email for everything
# ❌ Ignoring software updates
# ❌ Oversharing personal information online
# ❌ Using "forgot password" with real security questions
# ❌ Not having backups

# ============================================================================
# OPSEC FOR HIGH-THREAT SCENARIOS
# ============================================================================

# Journalist/Activist OPSEC
# - Use Tails OS for sensitive work
# - Air-gapped device for sensitive documents
# - Tor for anonymity
# - Signal for communication
# - Dead drops for physical exchanges
# - Secure source protection protocols
# - Document handling procedures
# - Duress codes/plans

# Whistleblower OPSEC
# - Never use work devices/networks
# - Use SecureDrop for submissions
# - Use Tor Browser (not VPN)
# - No personal identifiers in communications
# - Remove all metadata from documents
# - Consider timing of submissions (avoid obvious timing)

# Cryptocurrency OPSEC
# - Hardware wallets for storage
# - Use mixing/tumbling services
# - Separate identities per wallet
# - Use Tor for transactions
# - Never KYC with main identity

# ============================================================================
# SECURITY CULTURE
# ============================================================================

# Need to know principle
# Only share information with those who need it

# Verify trust
# Confirm identity through multiple channels

# Document security
# Encrypt sensitive documents
# Secure file sharing protocols
# Clear device screen when discussing sensitive info

# Meeting security
# Check for surveillance devices
# Use Faraday bags for phones
# Meet in public places (CCTV is less concerning than recording)
# Assume all electronic communications monitored

# ============================================================================
# LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
# ============================================================================

# Know your rights (varies by country)
# Right to remain silent
# Right to refuse device searches (sometimes)
# Right to attorney

# Border crossings
# Assume devices will be seized/imaged
# Know your rights at borders (limited protections)
# Use burner devices when possible

# Warrant canaries
# Public statement indicating no government demands
# Removal indicates legal pressure (gag order)

# ============================================================================
# INSPECT SECRETS WITHOUT EXPOSING THEM
# ============================================================================

# Confirm a secret EXISTS without printing it
grep -q '^API_KEY=' ~/.env && echo present || echo missing

# Check a secret's length without revealing it (catch truncation/corruption)
awk -F= '/^API_KEY=/{print length($2)}' ~/.env

# Fingerprint a secret to compare two copies without showing either
sha256sum ~/.env | cut -d' ' -f1

# Verify a file's signature without exposing its contents
gpg --verify <signature_file> <file>

# NOTE: these prove a PROPERTY of a secret (exists / length / matches) — not its value.
# That's good opsec hygiene, NOT cryptographic zero-knowledge (no soundness, no untrusting verifier).

# ============================================================================
# RESOURCES
# ============================================================================

# OPSEC Reading
# - "The Art of Invisibility" by Kevin Mitnick
# - "Extreme Privacy" by Michael Bazzell
# - Security in a Box: https://securityinabox.org/
# - EFF Surveillance Self-Defense: https://ssd.eff.org/

# OPSEC Communities
# - r/privacy (Reddit)
# - r/opsec (Reddit)
# - Privacy Guides: https://www.privacyguides.org/

# Threat intelligence
# - HIBP: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
# - CVE Database: https://cve.mitre.org/
# - Security mailing lists