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shreddy_scientist

@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml

“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.” - Rich Feynman

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Privacy services and non privacy payments options

Why most services that want to protect user privacy. Also those on privacyguides, don't have anonymous payment methods like cryptocurrencies? I pay for a few such services like email or cloud etc. but I don't know if it makes sense if my bank knows I'm using it anyway so they can sell that info to advertisers, gov, etc. In EU...

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Using cash to buy a prepaid card is always a decent option. Makes it very difficult to associate the payment with the buyer. As far as a MySudo alternative, keep an eye on JMP.chat! They do work in the EU now, but they only provide US numbers. However, they are actively working on being able to provide EU numbers at least.

shreddy_scientist OP , (edited )
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

So Meta, Twitter, Snapchat and all the others who've redefined what data collection looks like and keep folks self centered is fine? The only reason the US is throwing this fit is because they can't access the collected data like they can with US based data brokers, I mean social media. The key aspect of this ban revolves around freedom of speach more than anything else.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Running as much open-sourced privacy oriented software as possible. This includes on computers, routers, and phones. While this is 100% a marathon, not just a quick change, it's well worth the time. Utilizing an encrypted DNS would be another solid move. NextDNS is a fantastic choice as it has a free option which still provides granular control of what is filtered online. A trusted VPN mixing your internet traffic with others is great, but like you said, it's not a magic bullet whatsoever.

shreddy_scientist ,
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If you're talking OpenWRT, then I totally agree. But something like Asus Merlin is a relatively easy change and still provides additional protection. While part of the Asus code is closed-source, most is open-sourced and Asus has implemented improvements developed by the Merlin team. This shows Merlin knows what they're doing and are trustworthy too.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Qubes OS is Snowdens daily driver, Fedora SecureBlue is also designed with security and privacy in mind.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Fedora SecureBlue is hardened Fedora, and Fedora is also the base layer for Qubes as it's all in all quite secure and private with some setting changes. I don't know, but Qubes is top tier in my book. Tails OS could be another option if you're that big on privacy and security though.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Best bet will be to purchase Monero (XMR) anonymously, it's literally designed to be anonymous, then swap it into BTC. You'll then want a hard wallet to keep it secure until you have a reason to transfer it. Ledger is a decent option for a hard wallet, just be sure it's paid for in the XMR you bought anonymously or the BTC you swapped for XMR. NanoS is my recommendation for the specific wallet, but the tricky part will be getting it shipped to you anonymously as you CAN'T trust a used hard wallet.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Be sure to switch as soon as Fossify releases their fork of it, Simple Mobile sold out HARD! Thankfully the 2nd in command at Simple Mobile created Fossify and is releasing all the apps to keep everything open sourced.

Is osmand normally terrible?

I just tried osmand. It took forever to locate me and then the map would freeze for minutes, then the blue arrow would finally jump to my location. It seems useless for real time navigation, is that normal? Google maps works fine on the phone (Android) so it's not the hardware. Is there maybe some setting I haven't found?...

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Use latlong.net/convert-address-to-lat-long.html, life saver with osmand+!

Why is graphene os only available on google pixels?

I want to mainly use it for privacy over its "security". I don't know what makes everyone fine with running it on fucking google pixels. Is there some kind of "low security" version or something for other phones? I'm so tired of certain organizations infiltrating privacy communities and making people believe in improving...

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Security enables privacy, that's why they are commonly referenced together. From a hardware standpoint, Pixels are the most secure phones on the market and Google makes them with dev's in mind. This is why Graphene OS, which is based on AOSP, currently only runs on Pixels.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Overtime now, wild game really!

shreddy_scientist ,
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You could just use the version on F-Droid until Fossify releases their fork of it. But ya, wild how basically out of no where Simple Mobile sold out tough.

shreddy_scientist ,
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It's a fully open sourced app store for android. The code of all apps in the F-Droid repository are reviewed before being made available. So this is why the F-Droid version wont have these settings, as it'll be an older version.

How Do I Avoid Giving Home Address to Bank?

I've heard of things like iPostal and Traveling Mailbox. Do these services allow you to register with bank, DMV, IRS, Voting, etc? How do they work? Would a normal P.O box using its physical address from USPS work? I've tried researching it and haven't gotten clear answers....

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

I had to change my address to my physical address from a PO Box in the first week of the year to prevent my account getting closed. This was with a major bank, and it's all thanks to the patriot act. Then again, I do have a checking account with a much smaller bank and they haven't said a word about it. I use the street address with a "unit number" for my box. Seems like they either haven't dug into it and realized it's a PO Box or they're just small enough where they don't care much about it like the big banks. So basically, you need a physical address these days, if you don't you risk account closure.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

I use JabRef for both finding research papers and generating bibliographies. It's phenomenal and fully open source. Definitely worth checking out, I'm not even sure what I'd do without it these days!

shreddy_scientist ,
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In the top left there should be a search option. In settings preferences, be sure it's set up to search all sources. I get tons of articles when putting in pretty specific topics.

Edit: It's in the preferences under the file tab. Here's screenshots of my home screen, plus the preferences I use for it to search papers.

https://lemmy.ml/pictrs/image/96055a38-7246-4cae-bdea-b80af90625c9.jpeg

https://lemmy.ml/pictrs/image/16174222-a488-4f79-8578-b13049b1ff57.jpeg

shreddy_scientist ,
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Invidious has a related content option, it's in the settings where you should definitely already go to ensure the proxy option is turned on too.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Even without being a programmer, associating Free Software with a MASSIVE purchase is bonkers.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Classic example of judging a book by it's cover I guess. The fact big tech is embracing open source software more and more, you'd think this assessment should no longer be the case.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

When I say "don't think of a panda", what do you think of? Pretty much the same thing with saying "don't recommend me FOSS options" lol

shreddy_scientist ,
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I use a few of these and I have no issues with internet speed. I can stream HD video while uploading large files no problem. So I'd bet you'd be just fine, probably won't even notice unless it's faster. But I wasn't aware of hBlock, I'll have to look into it.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Start using an encrypted DNS server! I'm a big fan of NextDNS, quad9 is solid in my book too. Above this, the next step would be to start using a degoogled mobile OS along with FOSS apps. Its a marathon, so making changes slowly but consistently is the best way to approach it 100%.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

I moved away from Brave Search when they went 2+ months only offering Google or Bing for their image searches. I can strongly recommend digging into https://search.disroot.org though!

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

It could just be me, but I dig disroots outlook. They're a privacy-focused platform ran by volunteers in it for what seems to be all the right reasons. While on the other hand, I can't tell you much about the other public SearXNG instance options.

Is privacy possible with smart TV?

I'd like to start a discussion about TV privacy in 2023. I've never been interested in having a TV, but recently I was thinking of getting one. Looking into it, the privacy implications seem horrible. All the major brands seem to have cameras, microphones, and content recognition software. I can't believe how dystopian it is....

shreddy_scientist ,
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This for me is the biggest privacy issue. The FBI having contracts which allow them to turn on and collect whatever data certain device can acquire, its fully bonkers. These contracts focus on massively sold devices. iPhones, Androids, along with Samsung TV's have all been caught in the same mess. So I'd say keep searching for a TV until you find one which fits your threat model. They want you to give and buy a Samsung TV, so fuck em and keep on keepin on!

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

I just setup a new Windows 10 VM this morning and it was the first time I was not able to skip making a Microsoft account. So I just used an email alias and then instantly paused the email address after receiving the verification code. Regarding your uncertainty around what seems to be Microsoft having access to the email inbox somehow, I can't see how that'd be possible unless the email is maintained by them or you decided to use Outlook. Use a burner email and make sure it's only provided for the Teams account and you'll be in a much better place than most Teams users.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Oh, well it possibility could be available in your contact information in Teams, so just use benign words that still have a subtle connection to you I'd say.

18+ voxel , to Privacy
@voxel@infosec.exchange avatar

Ecosia, is it really so private?

A article about Ecosia if it's really a private search engine.
I did spend a lot a time to analyze and investigate Ecosia, I hope this article helps people to better understand how private Ecosia actually is and which downsides it has. It's the first article I ever written, so it isn't perfect. I'm open for feedback!

https://cryptpad.adminforge.de/pad/#/2/pad/view/Xgbel9pFN9AZZbIh5Z7DSaFSWLu+Bb-UvKTOE+FKyLQ/embed/

@privacy

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

The fact you linked Disroots Cryptpad tells me you should also be using search.disroot.org too, no? From my digging around, SearX is as private as it gets plus the Disroot team is more transparent and trustworthy than Ecosia in my book. But solid job with your first article!

shreddy_scientist OP ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Legit leaked info the NSA tells their employees...

shreddy_scientist OP ,
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I dig the latter part of the statement, but that first half bugs me. Shouldn't they have a warrant in order to monitor someone to an extent where this needs to be stated?

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Incorporating it into your DNS as bizarroland@kbin.social said is a great option. The Mull browser from F-Droid allows uBlock as an add-on but is just browser specific. Setting up both would be a fantastic approach for overall mobile privacy.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Both those fools took tax dollars when they didn't qualify!

School Spyware

Hi. My school just started issuing devices last year, and they have this Lightspeed spyware on them. Last year I was able to remove it by booting into Linux from a flash drive and moving the files to a separate drive and then back at the end of the year. This year I have heard from sources that they have ways of detecting...

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Disregard whatever you've heard about installing Linux on the device, find the agreement given with it and see what it says. If no reference is made to doing your thing then returning it with the same setup, I'd say you're in the clear. I'd bet the agreement covers damage, lost and stolen aspects plus returning it good condition, yet if you reinstall the software like it was provided they'd have to be very explicit about not loading Linux. If they do, you could use linux on a USB without installation. This could get you off the spyware while not breaking the rules if they are in writing.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

ATM's make pulling out cash an option without human interaction, plus there's exponentially less tracking possible. Seems like a win-win, especially when you take into account some banks are revoking the option to pull out cash.

shreddy_scientist ,
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Mull is basically LibreWolf on mobile, even has uBlock in the add-on's too!

shreddy_scientist ,
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Facts! They buy simply to show off the logo and demonstrate they can afford to hang in a walled garden.

Edit: iPhones are more "private and secure" out of the box, but it literally takes half a brain with 5 minutes in Android settings to surpass this LOW bar.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

Pixel is the new age Nexus phone, meaning Google designed it with dev's in mind. This is why you're able to unlock the bootloader, flash a new OS and then relock it. The hardware is for sure the most secure on the market too. Android also being based off the Linux kernel means Google's required to publish the code for it as well. These aspects are why it's a common choice for privacy respecting OS's. If Google wants to stand toe to toe with Apple, they have to incentivize it's use and this is a decent approach.

shreddy_scientist ,
@shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml avatar

They removed those words from their code of conduct in 2018. Literally showing evil has been incorporated into their moves.

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