cypherpunk-cheats/anti-surveillance.cheat

% anti-surveillance, counter-surveillance, privacy, anonymity, tracking

# ============================================================================
# UNDERSTANDING SURVEILLANCE
# ============================================================================

# Types of surveillance
# - Mass surveillance (NSA, Five Eyes, PRISM)
# - Targeted surveillance (law enforcement, private investigators)
# - Corporate surveillance (ad tech, data brokers, analytics)
# - State surveillance (oppressive regimes, censorship)
# - Interpersonal surveillance (stalkers, abusers)

# Surveillance vectors
# - Network monitoring (ISP, VPN, Tor exit nodes)
# - Device tracking (GPS, cell towers, WiFi/Bluetooth beacons)
# - Behavioral tracking (cookies, fingerprinting, analytics)
# - Physical surveillance (CCTV, license plate readers)
# - Social surveillance (social media, contacts, metadata)
# - Biometric surveillance (facial recognition, gait analysis)

# ============================================================================
# NETWORK ANTI-SURVEILLANCE
# ============================================================================

# VPN (Virtual Private Network)
# Hides traffic from ISP, not from VPN provider
# Choose no-logs VPN: Mullvad, IVPN, ProtonVPN

# Install and connect to VPN
sudo apt install openvpn
sudo openvpn --config vpn_config.ovpn

# Check VPN connection
curl ifconfig.me

# Tor (The Onion Router)
# Multi-hop encryption, anonymity network
# See tor.cheat for full Tor guide

# Start Tor
sudo systemctl start tor

# Route traffic through Tor
torsocks <command>
$ command: echo -e "curl https://check.torproject.org\\nwget https://example.com"

# I2P (Invisible Internet Project)
# Anonymous network layer, decentralized
# Install: https://geti2p.net/

# DNS encryption (prevent ISP DNS spying)
# DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
# Firefox: about:config → network.trr.mode = 2

# DNS-over-TLS (DoT) with systemd-resolved
sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf
# DNS=1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
# DNSOverTLS=yes
sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

# dnscrypt-proxy (encrypted DNS)
sudo apt install dnscrypt-proxy
sudo systemctl enable dnscrypt-proxy
sudo systemctl start dnscrypt-proxy

# ============================================================================
# DEVICE TRACKING PREVENTION
# ============================================================================

# GPS tracking (smartphones)
# Disable location services when not needed
# Android: Settings → Location → Off
# iOS: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Off

# Airplane mode (disables all radios)
# Prevents: Cell tower, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC tracking

# Remove battery (older phones)
# Only true way to ensure phone is off

# Faraday bag/pouch
# Blocks all electromagnetic signals
# Test with: call phone while in bag (shouldn't ring)

# MAC address randomization
# Prevents WiFi tracking

# Linux (NetworkManager)
sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/wifi-random-mac.conf
# [device]
# wifi.scan-rand-mac-address=yes
# [connection]
# wifi.cloned-mac-address=random

# macOS
# System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Use private Wi-Fi address

# Android
# Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi → WiFi preferences → Use randomized MAC

# Bluetooth tracking prevention
# Disable Bluetooth when not in use
# Randomize Bluetooth MAC if possible

# ============================================================================
# BROWSER ANTI-SURVEILLANCE
# ============================================================================

# Browser fingerprinting defense
# See browser-hardening.cheat for full guide

# Essential settings
# - Block third-party cookies
# - Enable tracking protection
# - Disable WebRTC (IP leak)
# - Use uBlock Origin
# - Enable HTTPS-only mode

# Test fingerprint uniqueness
# EFF Cover Your Tracks: https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/

# Browser isolation (containers)
# Firefox Multi-Account Containers
# Separate: Banking, Shopping, Social, Work, Anonymous

# Clear cookies on exit
# Settings → Privacy → Cookies → Delete on close

# ============================================================================
# PHYSICAL SURVEILLANCE COUNTERMEASURES
# ============================================================================

# Camera covering
# Laptop: Webcam cover, tape, slide cover
# Phone: Remove when not in video call

# Microphone disabling
# BIOS disable (if available)
# Physical disconnect (advanced)
# Ultrasonic tracking defense (inaudible ads)

# RFID blocking
# Credit cards: RFID-blocking wallet
# Passport: RFID sleeve
# Key fobs: Faraday pouch

# Gait analysis defense
# Put pebble in shoe (changes walk pattern)
# Reflective/IR-blocking clothing

# Facial recognition defense
# Face masks, sunglasses, hats
# CV Dazzle (makeup patterns)
# Adversarial fashion (pattern clothing)
# IR LEDs (invisible to eye, blind cameras)

# License plate tracking
# No perfect solution (illegal to obscure)
# PhotoBlocker spray (questionable effectiveness)
# Avoid toll roads/automated systems when possible

# ============================================================================
# SOCIAL MEDIA ANTI-SURVEILLANCE
# ============================================================================

# Privacy settings (maximum)
# Facebook: Settings → Privacy → Friends only
# Instagram: Private account, disable tagging
# Twitter: Protected tweets, disable location
# LinkedIn: Limit profile visibility

# Disable location tagging
# Don't post real-time location
# Wait until you've left before posting

# Limit personal information
# Don't share: phone, address, workplace, school, family
# Use fake birthday (security questions)

# Review tagged photos
# Untag yourself from compromising photos
# Enable tag approval before appearing on profile

# Remove metadata from photos before posting
# See metadata-removal.cheat
exiftool -all= photo.jpg

# ============================================================================
# SMARTPHONE HARDENING
# ============================================================================

# GrapheneOS (privacy-focused Android)
# Install on Pixel devices
# https://grapheneos.org/

# CalyxOS (privacy Android alternative)
# https://calyxos.org/

# LineageOS (de-Googled Android)
# https://lineageos.org/

# iOS privacy settings
# Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Ask App Not to Track
# Settings → Privacy → Analytics → Share iPhone Analytics (OFF)

# Android privacy settings
# Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account → Data & privacy
# Turn off: Location History, Web & App Activity

# Disable app permissions
# Review: Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts
# Only grant when needed

# App alternatives (privacy-focused)
# Maps: OsmAnd, Organic Maps
# Keyboard: AnySoftKeyboard, OpenBoard
# Browser: Mull (Firefox), Brave
# Messaging: Signal, Element
# Email: K-9 Mail (with ProtonMail)

# ============================================================================
# OPERATING SYSTEM HARDENING
# ============================================================================

# Privacy-focused Linux distros
# Tails (amnesiac, Tor-based): https://tails.boum.org/
# Whonix (Tor workstation): https://www.whonix.org/
# Qubes OS (security by isolation): https://www.qubes-os.org/

# Disable telemetry (Ubuntu)
ubuntu-report -f send no

# Disable telemetry (Windows)
# Settings → Privacy → Diagnostics & feedback → Off

# macOS privacy
# System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy
# Disable: Location Services (when not needed), Analytics

# Firewall (block outbound connections)
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw default deny outgoing
sudo ufw allow out to any port 443
sudo ufw allow out to any port 80

# Hosts file blocking (ad/tracker domains)
sudo curl -o /etc/hosts https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts

# Pi-hole (network-wide ad/tracker blocking)
# Install on Raspberry Pi or Docker
# https://pi-hole.net/

# ============================================================================
# EMAIL ANTI-SURVEILLANCE
# ============================================================================

# Encrypted email providers
# ProtonMail: https://proton.me/mail
# Tutanota: https://tutanota.com/
# Mailfence: https://mailfence.com/

# Email aliasing (hide real address)
# SimpleLogin: https://simplelogin.io/
# AnonAddy: https://anonaddy.com/
# Apple Hide My Email
# Firefox Relay: https://relay.firefox.com/

# PGP/GPG encryption
# See gpg.cheat for full guide
gpg --gen-key
gpg --armor --export email@example.com > public_key.asc

# Temporary/disposable email
# 10 Minute Mail: https://10minutemail.com/
# Guerrilla Mail: https://www.guerrillamail.com/
# Temp Mail: https://temp-mail.org/

# ============================================================================
# MESSAGING ANTI-SURVEILLANCE
# ============================================================================

# Secure messaging (E2EE)
# Signal (best all-around): https://signal.org/
# Element/Matrix (federated): https://element.io/
# Wire (business-friendly): https://wire.com/

# Signal hardening
# Enable registration lock (PIN)
# Enable disappearing messages (default)
# Enable screen security (no screenshots)
# Disable link previews

# Metadata resistance
# Signal sealed sender (hides sender metadata)
# Session (no phone number required)

# Anonymous messaging
# Ricochet Refresh (Tor-based): https://www.ricochetrefresh.net/
# Briar (peer-to-peer): https://briarproject.org/

# ============================================================================
# SEARCH ENGINE PRIVACY
# ============================================================================

# Private search engines
# DuckDuckGo: https://duckduckgo.com/
# Startpage: https://www.startpage.com/
# Searx (self-hosted): https://searx.space/
# Brave Search: https://search.brave.com/

# Search without logging in
# Use private/incognito mode
# Clear cookies after each session

# Avoid Google (if possible)
# Google tracks all searches (even logged out)
# Builds profile based on IP, cookies, fingerprint

# ============================================================================
# PAYMENT PRIVACY
# ============================================================================

# Cash (most private)
# No digital trail
# Untraceable

# Cryptocurrency (pseudo-anonymous)
# Monero (privacy-focused): https://www.getmonero.org/
# Bitcoin (with mixing): CoinJoin, Wasabi Wallet

# Privacy-focused debit cards
# Privacy.com (virtual cards)
# Revolut (disposable virtual cards)

# Gift cards (pseudo-anonymous)
# Buy with cash
# Use for online purchases

# ============================================================================
# DIGITAL ASSISTANT PRIVACY
# ============================================================================

# Disable voice assistants
# Alexa: Mute button, unplug when not in use
# Google Home: Mute button, disable voice match
# Siri: Settings → Siri & Search → Disable

# Delete voice recordings
# Amazon: Alexa Privacy → Review Voice History → Delete
# Google: myactivity.google.com → Voice & Audio → Delete

# Self-hosted alternatives
# Mycroft (open source): https://mycroft.ai/
# Rhasspy (privacy-first): https://rhasspy.readthedocs.io/

# ============================================================================
# IOT DEVICE HARDENING
# ============================================================================

# IoT risks
# Cameras, smart TVs, thermostats, lights = surveillance devices

# Network segmentation
# Put IoT on separate VLAN/network
# Block internet access when not needed

# Change default passwords
# Use strong unique passwords
# Disable UPnP

# Disable unnecessary features
# Microphones, cameras (if not needed)
# Cloud connectivity (use local control)

# Pi-hole for IoT blocking
# Block telemetry/analytics domains

# ============================================================================
# COUNTER-SURVEILLANCE DETECTION
# ============================================================================

# Physical surveillance detection
# Multiple passes (vary route)
# Use reflections (windows, mirrors)
# Note suspicious people/vehicles
# Sudden stops/direction changes

# Digital surveillance indicators
# Battery draining faster (spyware)
# Phone hot when idle (background processes)
# Unusual data usage (exfiltration)
# Strange noises on calls
# Unexpected reboots

# Network surveillance detection
# Monitor network connections
sudo netstat -tulpn

# Check for unusual processes
ps aux | grep -v grep

# Check DNS queries
sudo tcpdump -i any port 53

# ============================================================================
# BURNER DEVICES & IDENTITIES
# ============================================================================

# Burner phone (for high-threat scenarios)
# Prepaid, cash-purchased
# No personal info linked
# Disposable after use

# Burner laptop
# Fresh OS install (Tails, Linux Live USB)
# No personal accounts logged in
# Factory reset after use

# Burner identity
# Separate email (Tutanota, ProtonMail)
# Separate phone number (Burner app, Hushed)
# Separate payment method (cash, gift cards)
# Never mix with real identity

# ============================================================================
# DEAD DROPS & COVERT COMMUNICATION
# ============================================================================

# Dead drop (physical)
# Leave data in agreed location
# Retrieve later, no direct contact

# Digital dead drop
# Upload to cloud, share credentials separately
# OnionShare (Tor hidden service)

# Steganography (hidden messages)
# Hide data in images
steghide embed -cf image.jpg -ef secret.txt

# Extract hidden data
steghide extract -sf image.jpg

# ============================================================================
# ANTI-SURVEILLANCE CHECKLIST
# ============================================================================

# Daily
# [ ] Use VPN/Tor for sensitive browsing
# [ ] Airplane mode when not using phone
# [ ] Cover webcam when not in use

# Weekly
# [ ] Clear browser cookies/history
# [ ] Review app permissions
# [ ] Check unusual battery drain

# Monthly
# [ ] Review social media privacy settings
# [ ] Check data broker sites (opt out)
# [ ] Audit connected devices

# Quarterly
# [ ] Rotate burner identities
# [ ] Review surveillance threat model
# [ ] Update anti-surveillance measures

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

# Know your rights
# Right to privacy (varies by country)
# Right to refuse searches (with exceptions)
# Right to remain silent

# Recording laws
# One-party vs two-party consent
# Know your jurisdiction

# Counter-surveillance legality
# Generally legal to protect your own privacy
# Interfering with investigations may be illegal
# Consult lawyer if unsure

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

# Privacy guides
# EFF Surveillance Self-Defense: https://ssd.eff.org/
# Privacy Guides: https://www.privacyguides.org/
# PRISM Break: https://prism-break.org/

# Books
# "Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden
# "No Place to Hide" by Glenn Greenwald
# "The Art of Invisibility" by Kevin Mitnick

# Tools
# OSINT tools (to see your exposure)
# Burner phone apps: Burner, Hushed
# Encrypted communication: Signal, Element

# Communities
# r/privacy (Reddit)
# r/privacytoolsIO (Reddit)
# PrivacyGuides forum