cypherpunk-cheats/phone-privacy.cheat
rpriven 93ed13d6ee
Add nak (Nostr) + opsec secret-inspection; stage 20 privacy/security cheats
- nak.cheat: fiatjaf's Nostr army knife (placeholder keys + relay picker)
- opsec.cheat: 'inspect secrets without exposing them' section
- Stage 20 previously-untracked cheats (gpg, tor, veracrypt, email-privacy, etc.)
- .gitleaksignore: allowlist the canonical jwt.io example token (verified false positive)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-06-28 13:36:00 -06:00

604 lines
18 KiB
Text

% phone, smartphone, mobile-privacy, android, ios, grapheneos
# ============================================================================
# SMARTPHONE PRIVACY OVERVIEW
# ============================================================================
# Smartphone privacy challenges
# - Constant location tracking (GPS, cell towers, WiFi)
# - App permissions overreach (camera, mic, contacts)
# - OS telemetry (Google, Apple data collection)
# - Advertising tracking (GAID, IDFA)
# - Carrier surveillance (call logs, SMS, location)
# - Baseband processor (proprietary, potential backdoors)
# Privacy hierarchy (best to worst)
# 1. Dumbphone / No phone (maximum privacy, minimum functionality)
# 2. Privacy phone (Purism Librem 5, PinePhone)
# 3. GrapheneOS (hardened Android on Pixel)
# 4. CalyxOS (privacy Android)
# 5. iPhone (better than stock Android)
# 6. Stock Android (worst)
# ============================================================================
# GRAPHENEOS (MOST PRIVATE ANDROID)
# ============================================================================
# GrapheneOS features
# - Hardened Android (security patches, privacy improvements)
# - Sandboxed Google Play (optional, no special privileges)
# - Enhanced permissions (network, sensors per-app)
# - No Google services by default
# - Regular security updates (faster than stock)
# Supported devices
# - Google Pixel 8 Pro (recommended, 7 years updates)
# - Google Pixel 8
# - Google Pixel 7 Pro
# - Google Pixel 7
# - Older Pixels (check: grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices)
# Install GrapheneOS
# https://grapheneos.org/install/
# Web installer (easiest)
# 1. Enable Developer Options (Settings → About → Tap Build 7 times)
# 2. Enable OEM Unlocking (Settings → Developer Options)
# 3. Visit: https://grapheneos.org/install/web
# 4. Follow on-screen instructions
# 5. Connect phone, unlock bootloader, flash
# Command line install (Linux)
# Download tools
wget https://github.com/GrapheneOS/factory/releases/download/latest/grapheneos-install.zip
unzip grapheneos-install.zip
# Flash GrapheneOS
./grapheneos-install.sh
# First boot setup
# Skip Google account
# Disable cloud services
# Set strong passphrase (not PIN)
# ============================================================================
# GRAPHENEOS HARDENING
# ============================================================================
# Enable sandboxed Google Play (if needed)
# Apps → Apps → System apps → Google Play Services → Install
# App permissions (granular control)
# Settings → Apps → [App] → Permissions
# Deny: Location, Camera, Microphone (unless required)
# Network permission (GrapheneOS feature)
# Settings → Apps → [App] → Network
# Block internet for apps that don't need it
# Sensors permission (GrapheneOS feature)
# Settings → Apps → [App] → Sensors
# Blocks accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.
# Auditor app (hardware attestation)
# Verifies device integrity
# Install: F-Droid or GrapheneOS app store
# ============================================================================
# CALYXOS (PRIVACY ANDROID ALTERNATIVE)
# ============================================================================
# CalyxOS features
# - Privacy-focused Android
# - microG (open source Google Services alternative)
# - Datura Firewall (control app network access)
# - Seedvault backup
# - F-Droid included
# Supported devices
# - Google Pixels (similar to GrapheneOS)
# - Fairphone 4/5
# - Motorola devices
# Install CalyxOS
# https://calyxos.org/install/
# Web installer
# https://calyxos.org/install/web
# First boot
# Skip Google account
# Enable F-Droid
# Configure Datura Firewall
# ============================================================================
# IOS PRIVACY HARDENING
# ============================================================================
# iOS advantages
# - Better than stock Android (less Google tracking)
# - Strong app sandboxing
# - Regular updates (even for older devices)
# iOS disadvantages
# - Closed source (can't audit)
# - Apple still tracks (less than Google, but not zero)
# - Walled garden (limited customization)
# iOS privacy settings
# Settings → Privacy & Security
# Location Services
# Settings → Privacy → Location Services
# Set per-app: Never, Ask Next Time, While Using
# Disable analytics
# Settings → Privacy → Analytics & Improvements
# Turn OFF: Share iPhone Analytics, Share iCloud Analytics
# Limit ad tracking
# Settings → Privacy → Tracking
# Turn OFF: Allow Apps to Request to Track
# App permissions review
# Settings → Privacy → [Permission type]
# Review: Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Photos
# Hide IP address
# Settings → Safari → Hide IP Address → Trackers and Websites
# Private Relay (iCloud+ feature)
# Settings → [Name] → iCloud → Private Relay
# Hides IP address from websites (VPN-like)
# ============================================================================
# ANDROID PRIVACY HARDENING (STOCK/LINEAGEOS)
# ============================================================================
# LineageOS (de-Googled Android)
# https://lineageos.org/
# Custom ROM without Google services
# Supports 100+ devices
# Android privacy settings
# Disable Google tracking
# Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account
# Data & Privacy → Turn OFF: Location History, Web & App Activity
# App permissions
# Settings → Privacy → Permission manager
# Review all permissions, revoke unnecessary
# Disable personalized ads
# Settings → Privacy → Ads
# Turn ON: Delete advertising ID
# Network permission (Android 12+)
# Requires root or custom ROM with firewall
# AFWall+ (firewall, requires root)
# Block internet per-app
# https://github.com/ukanth/afwall
# ============================================================================
# APP ALTERNATIVES (PRIVACY-FOCUSED)
# ============================================================================
# App stores
# F-Droid - https://f-droid.org/ (open source apps)
# Aurora Store (Play Store alternative, no Google account)
# Browser
# Mull (Firefox-based) - F-Droid
# Brave Browser - Play Store / F-Droid
# Tor Browser - https://www.torproject.org/download/#android
# Messaging
# Signal - https://signal.org/
# Element (Matrix) - https://element.io/
# Briar (peer-to-peer) - F-Droid
# Email
# K-9 Mail - F-Droid
# FairEmail - F-Droid
# ProtonMail app - Play Store / F-Droid
# Maps / Navigation
# OsmAnd - F-Droid (offline maps)
# Organic Maps - F-Droid
# Magic Earth - Play Store
# Keyboard
# OpenBoard - F-Droid (no network access)
# AnySoftKeyboard - F-Droid
# FlorisBoard - F-Droid
# Camera
# Open Camera - F-Droid
# GrapheneOS Camera (Pixels with GrapheneOS)
# Gallery
# Simple Gallery - F-Droid
# Fossify Gallery - F-Droid
# Notes
# Standard Notes - https://standardnotes.com/
# Joplin - F-Droid
# Notesnook - https://notesnook.com/
# Password manager
# Bitwarden - https://bitwarden.com/
# KeePassDX - F-Droid
# 2FA/TOTP
# Aegis Authenticator - F-Droid
# andOTP (deprecated, use Aegis)
# ============================================================================
# LOCATION PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# Location tracking sources
# - GPS (precise location)
# - Cell towers (approximate location)
# - WiFi networks (location database)
# - Bluetooth beacons
# Disable location completely
# Settings → Location → Turn OFF
# Disable location scanning (Android)
# Settings → Location → Location Services → Wi-Fi scanning (OFF)
# Settings → Location → Location Services → Bluetooth scanning (OFF)
# Per-app location permissions
# Allow only when using app (not "Always")
# Airplane mode (nuclear option)
# Disables: Cell, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
# Use when not needing connectivity
# Remove SIM card
# Prevents cell tower tracking
# Can still use WiFi for data
# Faraday bag
# Blocks all signals (cell, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth)
# Test: Call phone while in bag (shouldn't ring)
# ============================================================================
# NETWORK PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# VPN on mobile
# See vpn.cheat (to be created)
# Recommended: Mullvad, IVPN, ProtonVPN
# Orbot (Tor for Android)
# Routes traffic through Tor
# https://guardianproject.info/apps/org.torproject.android/
# Install Orbot
# F-Droid → Orbot
# Or: Play Store → Orbot
# Use Orbot with apps
# Orbot → Start → Select apps to route through Tor
# DNS encryption
# Android 9+: Settings → Network → Private DNS
# Use: dns.quad9.net or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
# ============================================================================
# PERMISSION MANAGEMENT
# ============================================================================
# Review all app permissions
# Settings → Apps → [App] → Permissions
# Dangerous permissions (require approval)
# - Location (GPS, coarse location)
# - Camera
# - Microphone
# - Contacts
# - Call logs
# - SMS
# - Storage (photos, files)
# Grant permissions sparingly
# Games don't need contacts
# Flashlight doesn't need location
# Wallpaper app doesn't need microphone
# One-time permissions (Android 11+)
# Grant permission for single use
# App must re-request next time
# Permission auto-reset (Android 11+)
# Settings → Apps → Unused apps
# Automatically revoke permissions for unused apps
# ============================================================================
# CARRIER PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# Carrier tracking
# - Call logs (who you call, when, duration)
# - SMS content (unencrypted)
# - Real-time location (cell tower triangulation)
# - Metadata (even if using Signal)
# Reduce carrier tracking
# Use VoIP for calls (Signal, Matrix)
# Use encrypted messengers (Signal) instead of SMS
# Use VPN to hide data traffic content
# Anonymous SIM card
# Prepaid SIM, bought with cash
# Register with fake info (where legal)
# Swap SIM regularly (burner SIMs)
# Silent Link (privacy-focused carrier, USA)
# https://silent.link/
# Crypto payments, no KYC
# ============================================================================
# SENSOR PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# Sensors on smartphones
# - Accelerometer, gyroscope (motion tracking)
# - Magnetometer (compass)
# - Barometer (altitude)
# - Proximity sensor
# - Ambient light sensor
# Sensor fingerprinting
# Apps can identify device by sensor data
# No permission required (Android)
# GrapheneOS sensor permission
# Blocks sensor access per-app
# Settings → Apps → [App] → Sensors → Deny
# Sensor access on other Android
# Requires custom ROM or root
# iOS sensor access
# Motion & Fitness permission (Settings → Privacy → Motion & Fitness)
# ============================================================================
# CAMERA & MICROPHONE PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# Camera/mic are surveillance risks
# Malware can secretly record
# Physical camera cover
# Slide cover, tape (low-tech but effective)
# Indicator light (iOS 14+, Android 12+)
# Orange dot: Microphone active
# Green dot: Camera active
# Revoke camera/mic permissions
# Settings → Privacy → Camera/Microphone
# Only allow for apps actively using them
# ============================================================================
# BIOMETRIC PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# Fingerprint sensor
# Convenient but vulnerable (forced unlock)
# Can be compelled by law enforcement (varies by jurisdiction)
# Face unlock
# Similar concerns as fingerprint
# 3D facial recognition more secure than 2D
# Recommendations
# Use biometric + strong PIN/password
# Or: Strong password only (more secure)
# Disable biometric under duress
# iOS: Press power button 5 times (requires password)
# Android: Varies by device (check settings)
# ============================================================================
# ENCRYPTION
# ============================================================================
# Enable full device encryption
# Modern phones: Encrypted by default
# Older Android: Settings → Security → Encrypt phone
# Strong lockscreen password
# Use password (not PIN, not pattern)
# 10+ characters, alphanumeric
# Encryption at rest
# All data encrypted when phone locked
# Decrypted when unlocked
# Secure enclave (iOS) / StrongBox (Android)
# Hardware-backed encryption
# Keys never leave secure element
# ============================================================================
# SECURE COMMUNICATION
# ============================================================================
# Signal (end-to-end encrypted messaging)
# https://signal.org/
# Encrypted: Messages, calls, video calls
# Signal hardening
# Settings → Privacy → Screen Lock (ON)
# Settings → Privacy → Screen Security (prevent screenshots)
# Settings → Privacy → Disappearing Messages (default 1 week)
# Matrix/Element (federated, E2EE)
# https://element.io/
# Similar to Signal, but federated (no single point of failure)
# Briar (peer-to-peer, offline)
# https://briarproject.org/
# No central servers, works over Bluetooth/WiFi
# ============================================================================
# CLOUD SYNC PRIVACY
# ============================================================================
# Disable cloud backups (or encrypt first)
# Google/Apple can access cloud backups
# Android backup
# Settings → Google → Backup → Turn OFF
# Or: Use Seedvault (local encrypted backups)
# iOS backup
# Settings → [Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Turn OFF
# Or: Encrypted local backups via iTunes
# Photo sync (disable or encrypt)
# Google Photos - Tracks, identifies faces
# iCloud Photos - Apple has access
# Alternative: Encrypted self-hosted (Nextcloud)
# ============================================================================
# BURNER PHONE / OPSEC
# ============================================================================
# Burner phone use case
# High-risk scenarios, anonymous communication
# Burner phone requirements
# - Cheap prepaid phone
# - Cash purchase (no name)
# - Prepaid SIM (no KYC)
# - Never linked to real identity
# Burner phone rules
# - Don't use near home/work
# - Don't connect to known WiFi
# - Don't login to personal accounts
# - Dispose after use (or long-term storage off-site)
# Virtual burner (app)
# Hushed - https://hushed.com/
# Burner - https://www.burnerapp.com/
# Gives temporary phone number
# Calls/SMS forwarded to real phone
# ============================================================================
# ANTI-THEFT & REMOTE WIPE
# ============================================================================
# Find My Device (Android)
# Settings → Security → Find My Device → Turn ON
# Allows remote locate, lock, wipe
# Find My (iOS)
# Settings → [Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone → Turn ON
# Remote wipe
# If phone stolen/seized, wipe remotely
# Android: android.com/find
# iOS: icloud.com/find
# Auto-wipe on failed attempts
# iOS: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Erase Data (after 10 failed attempts)
# Android: Requires custom ROM or third-party app
# ============================================================================
# MOBILE PRIVACY CHECKLIST
# ============================================================================
# Setup
# [ ] Use GrapheneOS (Pixel) or CalyxOS
# [ ] Strong passphrase (not PIN/pattern)
# [ ] Enable encryption (default on modern devices)
# [ ] Disable unnecessary permissions
# [ ] Install F-Droid for open source apps
# [ ] Disable cloud backups (or encrypt)
# [ ] Enable VPN for mobile data
# Daily use
# [ ] Location OFF when not needed
# [ ] Review app permissions monthly
# [ ] Use Signal for sensitive communication
# [ ] Airplane mode in high-risk situations
# [ ] Cover camera when not in use
# Advanced
# [ ] Use Orbot (Tor) for sensitive browsing
# [ ] Use encrypted DNS
# [ ] Faraday bag for maximum privacy
# [ ] Burner SIM for anonymous communication
# ============================================================================
# PRIVACY PHONES (HARDWARE)
# ============================================================================
# Purism Librem 5
# https://puri.sm/products/librem-5/
# Linux phone (PureOS)
# Hardware kill switches (camera, mic, WiFi, cell)
# Open hardware design
# PinePhone
# https://www.pine64.org/pinephone/
# Linux phone (multiple OS options)
# Privacy-focused, affordable
# Hardware switches
# Fairphone (with custom ROM)
# https://www.fairphone.com/
# Ethical smartphone
# Install CalyxOS or /e/OS for privacy
# ============================================================================
# DUMBPHONE (MAXIMUM PRIVACY)
# ============================================================================
# Dumbphone advantages
# - No apps (no tracking)
# - No GPS (approximate location only)
# - Long battery life
# - Cheap, disposable
# Dumbphone disadvantages
# - Basic features only (calls, SMS)
# - No encryption (SMS unencrypted)
# - No smartphone apps (Signal, etc.)
# Recommended dumbphones
# Nokia 8110 4G (KaiOS, somewhat privacy-hostile)
# Light Phone II (minimalist, privacy-focused)
# Sunbeam F1 (anti-smartphone)
# ============================================================================
# RESOURCES
# ============================================================================
# Privacy guides
# Privacy Guides: https://www.privacyguides.org/android/
# EFF Mobile Security: https://ssd.eff.org/en/module/keeping-your-data-safe
# Custom ROMs
# GrapheneOS: https://grapheneos.org/
# CalyxOS: https://calyxos.org/
# LineageOS: https://lineageos.org/
# Tools
# F-Droid: https://f-droid.org/
# Orbot: https://guardianproject.info/apps/org.torproject.android/
# Signal: https://signal.org/
# Communities
# r/GrapheneOS (Reddit)
# r/privacy (Reddit)
# XDA Developers forums