# Personal Cyber Security | TLDR [![Awesome](https://awesome.re/badge-flat2.svg)](https://awesome.re) [![PRs Welcome](https://img.shields.io/badge/PRs-welcome-brightgreen.svg?style=flat-square)](http://makeapullrequest.com) [![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/LICENSE-CC_BY_4.0-00a2ff?&style=flat-square)](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)[![Contributors](https://img.shields.io/github/contributors/lissy93/personal-security-checklist?color=%23ffa900&style=flat-square)](/ATTRIBUTIONS.md#contributors-) #### Contents - [Personal Security Checklist](#personal-security-checklist) - [Privacy-focused Software](#open-source-privacy-focused-software) - [Security Hardware](#security-hardware) ## PERSONAL SECURITY CHECKLIST > This is the shortened version of [The Complete Personal Security Checklist](https://github.com/Lissy93/personal-security-checklist/blob/master/README.md). It lays out the 20 most essential security + privacy tips, that you should complete to protect your digital life. ### Authentication - Use a long, strong and unique password for each of your accounts (see [HowSecureIsMyPassword.net](https://howsecureismypassword.net)) - Use a secure [password manager](/5_Privacy_Respecting_Software.md#password-managers), to encrypt, store and fill credentials, such as [BitWarden](https://bitwarden.com) or KeePass (no cloud-sync) - Enable 2-Factor authentication where available, and use an [authenticator app](/5_Privacy_Respecting_Software.md#2-factor-authentication) or hardware token - Sign up for breach alerts (with [Firefox Monitor](https://monitor.firefox.com) or [HavIBeenPwned](https://haveibeenpwned.com)), and update passwords of compromised accounts ### Browsing - Use a Privacy-Respecting Browser, [Brave](https://brave.com) and [Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/exp/firefox/new) are gtrat options. Set your default search to a non-tracking search engine, such as [DuckDuckGo](https://duckduckgo.com) - Do not enter any information on a non-HTTPS website (look for the lock icon), consider using [HTTPS-Everywhere](https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere) to make this easier - Block invasive 3rd-party trackers and ads using an extension like [Privacy Badger](https://privacybadger.org) or [uBlock](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock) - Don't allow your browser to save your passwords or auto-fill personal details (instead use a [password manager](https://github.com/Lissy93/personal-security-checklist/blob/master/5_Privacy_Respecting_Software.md#password-managers), and [disable your browsers own auto-fill](https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001377.htm)) - Clear your cookies, session data and cache regularly. An extension such as [Cookie-Auto-Delete](https://github.com/Cookie-AutoDelete/Cookie-AutoDelete) to automate this - Don't sign into your browser, as it can link further data to your identity. If you need to, you can use an open source [bookmark sync](/5_Privacy_Respecting_Software.md#browser-sync) app - Consider using [Decentraleyes](https://decentraleyes.org) to decrease the number of trackable CDN requests your device makes - Consider using compartmentalization to separate different areas of your browsing (such as work, social, shopping etc), in order to reduce tracking. This can be done with [Firefox Containers](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/containers), or by using separate browsers or browser profiles - Test your browser using a tool like [Panopticlick](https://panopticlick.eff.org) to ensure there are no major issues. [BrowserLeaks](https://browserleaks.com) and [Am I Unique](https://amiunique.org/fp) are also useful for exploring what device info your exposing to websites - Keep your browser up-to-date, explore the privacy settings and remove unnecessary add-ons/ extensions (as they may make you more trackable) - For anonymous browsing use [The Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/), and avoid logging into any of your personal accounts ### Phone - Have a strong pin/password on your mobile device. - Turn off WiFi when your not using it, and delete saved networks that you no longer need (Settings --> WiFi --> Saved Networks). - Don't grant apps permissions that they don't need. For Android, you can use [Exodus](https://exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/) to quickly see the permissions and trackers for each of your installed apps. ### Email It's important to protect your email account, as if a hacker gains access to it they will be able to pose as you, and reset the passwords for your other online accounts. Use a long, strong and unique password, enable 2FA and avoid publicly sharing your email address. One of the biggest threats to digital security is still phishing, and it can sometimes be incredibly convincing, so remain vigilant, and understand [how to spot malicious emails](https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/abcs-detecting-preventing-phishing) - Consider switching to a secure and encrypted mail provider using, such as [ProtonMail](https://protonmail.com) or [Tutanota](https://tutanota.com) - Use email aliasing to protect your real mail address, with a provider such as [Anonaddy](https://anonaddy.com) or [SimpleLogin](https://simplelogin.io/?slref=bridsqrgvrnavso). This allows you to keep your real address private, yet still have all messages land in your primary inbox - Disable automatic loading of remote content, as it is often used for detailed tracking but can also be malicious - Using a custom domain, will mean you will not loose access to your email address if your current provider disappears. You can also back up messages easily with a secure client, such as [Thuderbird](https://www.thunderbird.net) via IMAP ### Networking - Use a reputable VPN to keep your IP protected and reduce the amount of browsing data your ISP can log, but understand their limitations. Good options include [ProtonVPN](https://protonvpn.com) and [Mullvad](https://mullvad.net), see [thatoneprivacysite.net](https://thatoneprivacysite.net/) for detailed comparisons - Change your routers default password. Anyone connected to your WiFi is able to listen to network traffic, so in order to prevent people you don't know from connecting, use WPA2 and set a strong password. - Update your router settings to use a secure DNS, such as [Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1](https://1.1.1.1/dns/), this should also speed up your internet. If you cannot modify your roters settings, you can set the DNS on your phone (with the [1.1.1.1. app](https://1.1.1.1/)), or [Windows](https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setting-up-1.1.1.1/windows/), [Mac](https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setting-up-1.1.1.1/mac/) or [Linux](https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setting-up-1.1.1.1/linux/). DNS is the system used to resolve URL's to their server addresses, many DNS providers collect data on your browsing habbits and use it to target you with ads or sell it on. ### Devices - Keep software up-to-date. Security fixes and patches are released as updates, so it is important to install updates when prompted, for your phone, PC, router, IoT devices and all software/apps. **📜 See More**: [The Complete Personal Security Checklist](https://github.com/Lissy93/personal-security-checklist/blob/master/README.md) ---- ## OPEN-SOURCE, PRIVACY-FOCUSED SOFTWARE Switch to alternative open-source, privacy-respecting apps and services, which won't collect your data, track you or show targetted ads. #### Security - Password Managers: [BitWarden] | [1Password] *(proprietary)* | [KeePassXC] *(offline)* | [LessPass] *(stateless)* - 2-Factor Authentication: [Aegis] *(Android)* | [Authenticator] *(iOS)* | [AndOTP] *(Android)* - File Encryption: [VeraCrypt] | [Cryptomator] *(for cloud)* - Encrypted Messaging: [Signal] | [KeyBase] *(for groups/ communities)* - Encrypted Email: [ProtonMail] | [MailFence] | [Tutanota] | (+ also [33Mail] | [anonaddy] for aliasing) - Private Browsers: [Brave Browser] | [Firefox] *with [some tweaks](https://restoreprivacy.com/firefox-privacy/)* | [Tor] - Non-Tracking Search Engines: [DuckDuckGo] | [StartPage] | [SearX] *(self-hosted)* | [Quant] - VPN: [Mullvad] | [ProtonVPN] | [Windscribe] | [IVPN] *(better still, use [Tor])* - App Firewall: [NetGuard] (Android) | [Lockdown] (iOS) | [OpenSnitch] (Linux) | [LuLu] (MacOS) #### Browser Extensions [Privacy Badger] - Blocks trackers. [HTTPS Everywhere] - Upgrates requests to HTTPS. [uBlock Origin] - Blocks ads, trackers and malwares. [ScriptSafe] - Block execution of certain scripts. [WebRTC Leak Prevent] - Prevents IP leaks. [Vanilla Cookie Manager] - Auto-removes unwanted cookies. [Privacy Essentials] - Shows which sites are insecure #### Mobile Apps [Exodus] - Shows which trackers are on your device. [Orbot]- System-wide Tor Proxy. [Island] - Sand-box environment for apps. [NetGuard] - Controll which apps have network access. [Bouncer] - Grant temporary permissions. [Greenify] - Controll which apps can run in the background. [1.1.1.1] - Use CloudFlares DNS over HTTPS. [Fing App] - Monitor your home WiFi network for intruders #### Online Tools [εxodus] - Shows which trackers an app has. [';--have i been pwned?] - Check if your details have been exposed in a breach. [EXIF Remover] - Removes meta data from image or file. [Redirect Detective] - Shows where link redirects to. [Virus Total] - Scans file or URL for malware. [Panopticlick], [Browser Leak Test] and [IP Leak Test] - Check for system and browser leaks #### Productivity Tools File Storage: [NextCloud]. File Sync: [Syncthing]. File Drop: [Firefox Send]. Notes: [Standard Notes], [Cryptee], [Joplin]. Blogging: [Write Freely]. Calendar/ Contacts Sync: [ETE Sync] 📜 **See More**: [Complete List of Privacy-Respecing Sofware](/5_Privacy_Respecting_Software.md) ---- ## SECURITY HARDWARE There are also some gadgets that can help improve your physical and digital security. - **Blockers & Shields**: [PortaPow] - USB Data Blocker | [Mic Block] - Physically disables microphone | [Silent-Pocket] - Signal-blocking faraday pouches | [Lindy] - Physical port blockers | [RFID Shields] | [Webcam Covers] | [Privacy Screen] - **Crypto Wallets**: [Trezor] - Hardware wallet | [CryptoSteel] - Indestructible steel crypto wallet - **FIDO U2F Keys**: [Solo Key] | [Nitro Key] | [Librem Key] - **Data Blockers**: [PortaPow] - Blocks data to protect against malware upload attacks, enables FastCharge. - **Hardware-encrypted storage**: [iStorage]- PIN-authenticated 256-bit hardware encrypted storage | [Encrypted Drive Enclosure] - **Networking**: [Anonabox] - Plug-and-play Tor router | [FingBox] - Easy home network automated security monitoring - **Paranoid Gadgets!** [Orwl]- Self-destroying PC | [Hunter-Cat]- Card-skim detector | [Adversarial Fashion]- Anti-facial-recognition clothing | [DSTIKE Deauth Detector] - Detect deauth attacks, from [Spacehuhn] | [Reflectacles]- Anti-surveillance glasses | [Armourcard]- Active RFID jamming | [Bug-Detector]- Check for RF-enabled eavesdropping equipment | [Ultrasonic Microphone Jammer] - Emits signals thats silent to humans, but interfere with recording equipment. There's no need to spend money- Most of these products can be made at home with open source software. Here's a list of [DIY Security Gadgets](/6_Privacy_and-Security_Gadgets.md#diy-security-products). 📜 **See More**: [Privacy and Security Gadgets](/6_Privacy_and-Security_Gadgets.md) ---- *Thanks for visiting, hope you found something useful here :) Contributions are welcome, and much appreciated - to propose an edit [raise an issue](https://github.com/Lissy93/personal-security-checklist/issues/new/choose), or [open a PR](https://github.com/Lissy93/personal-security-checklist/pull/new/master). See: [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md).* ---- Found this helpful? 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(SECURITY SOFTWARE LINKS) [BitWarden]: https://bitwarden.com [1Password]: https://1password.com [KeePassXC]: https://keepassxc.org [LessPass]: https://lesspass.com [Aegis]: https://getaegis.app [AndOTP]: https://github.com/andOTP/andOTP [Authenticator]: https://mattrubin.me/authenticator [VeraCrypt]: https://www.veracrypt.fr [Cryptomator]: https://cryptomator.org [Tor]: https://www.torproject.org [Pi-Hole]: https://pi-hole.net [Mullvad]: https://mullvad.net [ProtonVPN]: https://protonvpn.com [Windscribe]: https://windscribe.com/?affid=6nh59z1r [IVPN]: https://www.ivpn.net [NetGuard]: https://www.netguard.me [Lockdown]: https://lockdownhq.com [OpenSnitch]: https://github.com/evilsocket/opensnitch [LuLu]: https://objective-see.com/products/lulu.html [SimpleWall]: https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall [33Mail]: http://33mail.com/Dg0gkEA [anonaddy]: https://anonaddy.com [Signal]: https://signal.org [KeyBase]: https://keybase.io [ProtonMail]: https://protonmail.com [MailFence]: https://mailfence.com [Tutanota]: https://tutanota.com [Brave Browser]: https://brave.com/?ref=ali721 [Firefox]: https://www.mozilla.org/ [DuckDuckGo]: https://duckduckgo.com [StartPage]: https://www.startpage.com [Quant]: https://www.qwant.com [SearX]: https://asciimoo.github.io/searx [//]: # (PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE LINKS) [NextCloud]: https://nextcloud.com [Standard Notes]: https://standardnotes.org/?s=chelvq36 [Cryptee]: https://crypt.ee [Joplin]: https://joplinapp.org [ETE Sync]: https://www.etesync.com/accounts/signup/?referrer=QK6g [Firefox Send]: https://send.firefox.com [Syncthing]: https://syncthing.net [Write Freely]: https://writefreely.org [//]: # (BROWSER EXTENSION LINKS) [Privacy Badger]: https://www.eff.org/privacybadger [HTTPS Everywhere]: https://eff.org/https-everywhere [uBlock]: https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock [ScriptSafe]: https://github.com/andryou/scriptsafe [WebRTC Leak Prevent]: https://github.com/aghorler/WebRTC-Leak-Prevent [Vanilla Cookie Manager]: https://github.com/laktak/vanilla-chrome [Privacy Essentials]: https://duckduckgo.com/app [//]: # (ONLINE SECURITY TOOLS) [';--have i been pwned?]: https://haveibeenpwned.com [εxodus]: https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org [Panopticlick]: https://panopticlick.eff.org [Browser Leak Test]: https://browserleaks.com [IP Leak Test]: https://ipleak.net [EXIF Remover]: https://www.exifremove.com [Redirect Detective]: https://redirectdetective.com [Virus Total]: https://www.virustotal.com [//]: # (ANDROID APP LINKS) [Island]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oasisfeng.island [Orbot]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.android [Orbot]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.android [Bouncer]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samruston.permission [Crypto]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kokoschka.michael.crypto [Cryptomator]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.cryptomator [Daedalus]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.itxtech.daedalus [Brevent]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.piebridge.brevent [Greenify]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oasisfeng.greenify [Secure Task]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.balda.securetask [Tor Browser]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.torbrowser [PortDroid]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stealthcopter.portdroid [Packet Capture]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.greyshirts.sslcapture [SysLog]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tortel.syslog [Dexplorer]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dexplorer [Check and Test]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inpocketsoftware.andTest [Tasker]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm [Haven]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.havenapp.main [NetGaurd]: https://www.netguard.me/ [Exodus]: https://exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/page/what/#android-app [XUMI Security]: https://xumi.ca/xumi-security/ [Fing App]: https://www.fing.com/products/fing-app [FlutterHole]: https://github.com/sterrenburg/flutterhole [1.1.1.1]: https://1.1.1.1/ [The Guardian Project]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=6502754515281796553 [The Tor Project]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=The+Tor+Project [Oasis Feng]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=7664242523989527886 [Marcel Bokhorst]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=8420080860664580239 [//]: # (SECURITY HARDWARE LINKS) [Encrypted Drive Enclosure]: https://www.startech.com/HDD/Enclosures/encrypted-sata-enclosure-2-5in-hdd-ssd-usb-3~S2510BU33PW [iStorage]: https://istorage-uk.com [PortaPow]: https://portablepowersupplies.co.uk/product/usb-data-blocker [Lindy]: https://lindy.com/en/technology/port-blockers [Mic Block]: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000542324471.html [RFID Shields]: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32976382478.html [Webcam Covers]: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000393683866.html [Privacy Screen]: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32906889317.html [Trezor]: https://trezor.io [CryptoSteel]: https://cryptosteel.com/product/cryptosteel/?v=79cba1185463 [Solo Key]: https://solokeys.com [Nitro Key]: https://www.nitrokey.com [Librem Key]: https://puri.sm/products/librem-key [Anonabox]: https://www.anonabox.com [FingBox]: https://www.fing.com/products/fingbox [Orwl]: https://orwl.org [Hunter-Cat]: https://lab401.com/products/hunter-cat-card-skimmer-detector [DSTIKE Deauth Detector]: https://www.tindie.com/products/lspoplove/dstike-deauth-detector-pre-flashed-with-detector [Bug-Detector]: https://www.brickhousesecurity.com/counter-surveillance/multi-bug [Ultrasonic Microphone Jammer]: https://uspystore.com/silent-ultrasonic-microphone-defeater [Silent-Pocket]: https://silent-pocket.com [Armourcard]: https://armourcard.com [Adversarial Fashion]: https://adversarialfashion.com [Reflectacles]: https://www.reflectacles.com [Spacehuhn]: https://github.com/spacehuhn/DeauthDetector