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Quick DFP Guide

A fast reference for essential privacy and security tools. For the full guide, see the Digital Force Protection Guide.



Verify your configuration before sensitive activities:

  1. DNS / IP Leak Test - Confirm your location is masked
  2. Cover Your Tracks (EFF) - Check browser fingerprinting
  3. Browser Cookie Tester
  4. InAppBrowser - Test in-app browser privacy
  5. AdBlock Test - Verify ad blocking

Recommended:

ManagerPlatformsNotes
BitwardeniOS | Android | DesktopCloud sync, open source
KeePassXCAll PlatformsLocal storage, open source

Avoid:

  • LastPass (multiple security breaches)

Best (Hardware):

Good (App-based):

Avoid:

AuthenticatorWhy
SMSVulnerable to SIM-jacking attacks
AuthyRequires phone number, not open-source
Google AuthenticatorCloud sync is not end-to-end encrypted

Top VPNs for privacy:

VPNKey Features
MullvadVPNNo email needed, accepts cash/crypto, proven privacy record
iVPNNo logging, transparent policy
ProtonVPNFree tier available, proven privacy record

VPNs to Avoid:

  • ExpressVPN
  • PIA VPN
  • CyberGhost
  • Zenmate

These are all owned by KAPE Technologies, which has questionable privacy practices.


AppBest ForPhone # Required?
SimpleXMost private — PREFERRED for protestsNo
SignalGeneral secure messagingYes
ElementDecentralized, Matrix protocolNo

Why SimpleX for protests:

  • No phone number = no identity link
  • Works on wifi-only devices (kids’ tablets, old phones)
  • Multiple profiles for different contexts
  • Decentralized — harder to shut down or surveil

Browsers:

Essential Extensions:

  • uBlock Origin (ad blocking)
  • Privacy Badger (tracker blocking)
  • HTTPS Everywhere (force encryption)


  • PIN/password lock (not biometrics)
  • Notifications hidden on lock screen
  • Location services disabled when not needed
  • 2G disabled (critical for anti-surveillance)
  • SimpleX or Signal installed and configured
  • Unique password for each account
  • Password manager in use
  • MFA enabled on important accounts
  • Recovery codes stored securely
  • VPN active
  • Private/incognito mode for sensitive searches
  • Ad blocker enabled
  • Cookies cleared regularly
  • SimpleX for protest coordination (no phone number required)
  • Signal for general secure conversations
  • No sensitive info over SMS/regular calls
  • Aware of who can see your messages
  • SimpleX set up on family members’ devices (works on wifi-only)

If You Feel Unsafe or Are Being Surveilled

Section titled “If You Feel Unsafe or Are Being Surveilled”
  1. Power off your phone immediately — This is your best defense
  2. Powering off forces passcode on restart (no biometric bypass)
  3. A powered-off phone cannot be tracked or remotely accessed
  4. Leave the area if safe to do so
  1. Power off immediately — Do not try to investigate while it’s on
  2. Remove SIM if possible
  3. Do not unlock or use until assessed
  4. Change passwords from a different device
  1. Power off NOW — This is critical
  2. Do NOT unlock it for anyone
  3. Say “I do not consent to a search”
  4. A powered-off phone is much harder to extract data from
  1. Change password immediately
  2. Revoke all active sessions
  3. Check for unauthorized access
  4. Enable/reset MFA

For more detailed guidance, see the full DFP Guide.