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Digital Security Resources
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Digital Security
General tips:
- Do not use your institutional accounts for anything sensitive, such as organizing work.
- If you use Zoom, Google, etc., ensure they are not tied to your institutional accounts or devices.
- Keep your software up to date.
- Use a password manager, strong randomized passwords, and two-factor identification.
- Consider switching to encrypted platforms (see below).
An overview:
The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project offers guidance on securing devices and communication. The Electronic Frontier Foundation provides specific information about iPhone Privacy and Security Settings and Android Privacy and Security Settings. Access Now offers an approachable “A First Look at Digital Security” zine, and Digital Defense has a wealth of guidance and resources for anyone starting on the road to greater digital security.
Access Now has a Digital Security Helpline with 24/7 services and support in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Arabic, and Italian. It works with individuals and organizations to support online safety and respond rapidly to those who are the targets of harassment. It assists civil society members on digital security issues, including independent journalists, bloggers, activists, and human rights defenders. You can contact [email protected]; someone will respond in under two hours. Access Now also offers resources on staying safe online in the context of conflict in Gaza.
Privacy Guides is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run project that hosts online communities and publishes news and recommendations about privacy and security tools, services, and knowledge. They offer an extensive list of tools, including information about browsers, email, VPNs, cloud storage, and much more. The site also provides a series of helpful videos, a forum, and a section on privacy best practices.
Data security while traveling:
There are specific guidelines on digital security while traveling, especially at US Borders:
The Electronic Frontier Foundation publishes this handy printable Border Search Pocket Guide and a Guide to Digital Privacy at the US Border. Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CUNY) has created Know Your Rights While Traveling with guidance on travel documents, securing your devices, and what to expect from questioning and searches by border agents. EFF also offers a more comprehensive guide to Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border: Protecting the Data On Your Devices.
A few recommended platforms:
(Privacy Guides has a more thorough list.)
Digital security is enhanced when users switch to platforms with greater levels of encryption. Some suggestions include the following:
Signal offers end-to-end encryption for messaging, calls, and video. Additional information can be found in this article from Wired and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Most privacy experts suggest a default of four weeks for disappearing messages on all channels. This setting can be easily adjusted for more sensitive conversations.
Proton Mail is a secure email service that offers a free plan with basic features and paid subscriptions that provide additional storage and functionality. It prioritizes user privacy by not selling data or engaging in surveillance practices.
Jitsi is an open-source platform for secure video conferencing. Other community projects enable audio, dial-in, recording, and simulcasting features.
CryptPad is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted collaboration suite with rich text, spreadsheets, code/markdown, Kanban, slides, whiteboard, and forms. All data on CryptPad is encrypted in the browser, meaning no readable data leaves the user's device.
Three secure browsers to use are Mullvad, Firefox, and Brave. Mullvad also has a VPN service for 5 euros a month.
AAUP Resources:
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP)’s “Academic Freedom and Electronic Communications” provides guidance on digital communications, academic freedom, and shared governance for academic workers.
The AAUP’s Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom published a report explaining how to limit the risk that one’s digital communications become subject to Freedom of Information requests.
