# Privacy 🔒 🐒
Here you'll find a list of resources related to privacy presented in alphabetical order. While I believe these links are to resources that will help you gain better privacy, I haven't personally used and verified all of them. Also, using these recommended resources doesn't guarantee that you'll achieve perfect privacy. Be sure to do your own research and always double check the links are bringing you to the correct sites. Don't trust, verify.
# Android Web Browsers
Brave (opens new window) - Open source Chromium based browser with good privacy and security defaults, and the cryptocurrency features within the browser can also be disabled if desired
Bromite (opens new window) - Open source Chromium based mobile browser with privacy and security focused enhancements including built-in ad blocking
Firefox (opens new window) - Open source browser that doesn't have the best privacy and security defaults, so it's recommended to harden the browser by adjusting the settings and installing additional browser add-ons which is limited on Android
Firefox Focus (opens new window) - Open source privacy-focused mobile browser based on Firefox that comes with automatic tracking protection and ad blocking
Tor (opens new window) - Open source browser that prioritizes privacy, anonymity, and censorship resistance and it comes pre-installed with all the privacy add-ons you should need, encryption, and an advanced proxy
# App Stores
F-Droid (opens new window) - App store that contains free and open source software (FOSS) applications for Android
# Card Aliasing
MySudo (opens new window) - A proprietary Voice over IP (VoIP) US, Canadian, and UK phone number, handle, email, browser, and credit/debit card aliasing solution
Privacy (opens new window) - A proprietary credit/debit card aliasing solution when making online purchases
# Cloud Storage
Nextcloud (opens new window) - Open source, self-hostable, and scalable suite for storing photos, documents, files, contacts, and more. It's similar in functionality to Dropbox, Office 365, and Google Drive
# Desktop Web Browsers
Brave (opens new window) - Open source Chromium based browser with good privacy and security defaults, and the cryptocurrency features within the browser can also be disabled if desired
Firefox (opens new window) - Open source browser that doesn't have the best privacy and security defaults, so it's recommended to harden the browser by adjusting the settings and installing additional browser add-ons. You can use Firefox Profilemaker (opens new window) to adjust the settings for your needs or use the Arkenfox user.js (opens new window) file instead of the default settings. It's also recommended to download the browser releases from the Mozilla FTP (opens new window) to avoid telemetry tracking on your download
LibreWolf (opens new window) - Open source Firefox based browser with a focus on improving privacy and security by handling the majority of Firefox hardening for you and does a good job of maintaining security updates
Tor (opens new window) - Open source browser that prioritizes privacy, anonymity, and censorship resistance and it comes pre-installed with all the privacy add-ons you should need, encryption, and an advanced proxy
UnGoogled Chromium (opens new window) - Open source Chromium based browser with a focus on removing the remaining Google privacy concerns from the open source Chromium browser. Be aware that security updated tend to be a bit slower
# Electronic SIM (eSIM)
Silent Link (opens new window) - A proprietary anonymous electronic SIM (eSIM) that supports global mobile 4G/5G internet as well as inbound texting and calling for US and UK phone numbers that can be used with any modern eSIM compatible smartphone
ProtonMail (opens new window) - Open source email based in Switzerland with an emphasis on privacy and security by providing users with end-to-end encryption (E2EE), zero-access encryption, anti-phishing, anti-spam, two-factor authentication (2FA), and accessibility via Tor
Tutanota (opens new window) - Open source email based in Germany with an emphasis on privacy and security by providing users with end-to-end encryption (E2EE), two-factor authentication (2FA), session handling, phishing protection, and more features
# Email Aliasing
SimpleLogin (opens new window) - Open source and self-hostable email aliasing solution built with privacy and security in mind
# Encryption
GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG) (opens new window) - Open source, complete, and free implementation of the OpenPGP standard. Allows you to encrypt and sign your data and communications
VeraCrypt (opens new window) - Open source encryption software that allows you to create virtual encrypted disks within files and to encrypt entire partitions or storage devices
# File Sharing
Keybase (opens new window) - Open source end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messaging and file sharing
OnionShare (opens new window) - Open source tool that lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat using the Tor network
Syncthing (opens new window) - Open source continuous file synchronization tool that encrypts all communication and allows users to sync files between authenticated devices
# Guides
A Cypherpunk's Manifesto (opens new window) - A summary of the importance of privacy in the digital age written by Eric Hughes
Prism Break (opens new window) - Website dedicated to providing information about privacy services, tools, and protocols
Privacy Tests (opens new window) - Open source tests of web browser privacy
Privacy Guides (opens new window) - Website that provides information for protecting your data security and privacy, and their mission is to inform the public about the value of digital privacy and global government initiatives which aim to monitor your online activity
Privacy Tools (opens new window) - Website dedicated to providing privacy services, tools, and guides. A lot of the services and tools listed here were initially found through this website, so it's a great site to learn more about them as well as privacy in general
Seth for Privacy (opens new window) - An individual interested in educating and learning more about privacy and technology. Check out the Opt Out (opens new window) podcast where he sits down with passionate people within the privacy community to discuss why privacy matters, the tools and techniques they've found and use, and to encourage others towards achieving personal privacy and data sovereignty
Techlore (opens new window) - A team dedicated to spreading privacy and security to the masses by producing projects, communities, and content to help individuals achieve personal privacy. A lot of the services and tools listed here were initially found through their website and content, so it's a great site to learn more about them as well as privacy in general
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Online Anonymity (opens new window) - Open source and non-profit guide dedicated to providing an introduction to various online tracking techniques, online ID verification techniques, and detailed guidance to creating and maintaining anonymous online identities
The New Oil (opens new window) - Aimed at people who are new to privacy and/or do not consider themselves “tech savvy”, and goes over the basics of various ideas, subjects, and concepts to help you feel educated and capable of making decisions that are right for you without going too in depth to the point that you feel overwhelmed
# iOS Web Browsers
Brave (opens new window) - Open source Chromium based browser with good privacy and security defaults, and the cryptocurrency features within the browser can also be disabled if desired
Firefox (opens new window) - Open source browser that doesn't have the best privacy and security defaults, so it's recommended to harden the browser by adjusting the settings and installing additional browser add-ons which is significantly limited on iOS
Firefox Focus (opens new window) - Open source privacy-focused mobile browser based on Firefox that comes with automatic tracking protection and ad blocking
Onion Browser (opens new window) - Open source unofficial Tor browser that prioritizes privacy, anonymity, and censorship resistance, but be aware that iOS limitations means it should not be considered as safe as Tor
# Messengers
Briar (opens new window) - Open source, Tor routed, peer-to-peer (P2P), end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging. The messages are stored securely on your device not in the cloud, and it can be used without internet access by connecting directly with nearby contacts using bluetooth or WiFi
Keybase (opens new window) - Open source end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messaging and file sharing
Matrix (opens new window) - Open standard for interoperable, secure, decentralized, and real-time communication over IP with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) enabled by default for direct messaging and invite-only rooms. You have the option to self host your own server or to use a public server. One of the more popular clients to use when connecting to the Matrix protocol is Element (opens new window)
Session (opens new window) - Open source messenger that uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE), doesn't collect user data, accounts are completely anonymous, i.e., no phone number is required, messages can be sent through an onion routing network, and is more censorship resistant than other messengers
Signal (opens new window) - Open source messenger that uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) with a simple interface that requires a phone number to create an account
Threema (opens new window) - Open source messenger that uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and can be used without disclosing your phone number or email. Payment is required to use the application which can be paid with Bitcoin
# Mobile Phone
Calyx (opens new window) - Open source Android mobile operating system that focuses on improving privacy and security
GrapheneOS (opens new window) - Non-profit open source mobile operating system project with Android app compatibility that focuses on improving privacy and security
Librem 5 (opens new window) - Uses PureOS which is a Linux distribution with a focus on privacy and security and it incorporates open hardware specifications when possible
PinePhone Pro (opens new window) - Uses an open source Linux based mobile operating system that incorporates open hardware specifications when possible
# Notes
Standard Notes (opens new window) - Open source self-hostable note-taking application that uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE)
# Operating Systems
Arch (opens new window) - Independently developed open source GNU/Linux distribution that provides the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system configured by the user to only add what they require and offers the flexibility to harden the OS as the user sees fit
Debian (opens new window) - Open source GNU/Linux distribution that offers users security, stability, and reliability
Fedora (opens new window) - Open source GNU/Linux distribution that that focuses on providing users with strong privacy and security by default
Pop!_OS (opens new window) - Open source GNU/Linux distribution developed and maintained by System76 with a focus on providing users with privacy, security, and reliability while maintaining ease of use
Qubes OS (opens new window) - Open source security focused operating system for single user desktop computing that leverages Xen based virtualization to allow for the creation and management of isolated compartments called qubes which are implemented as virtual machines (VMs). Basically it allows you to separate operating systems and the installed programs on those operating systems into multiple and secure environments
# Operating Systems (Live)
Tails (opens new window) - Open source live operating system that routes all traffic through Tor for privacy and anonymity when online and deletes all of your data when you shutdown your computer
Whonix (opens new window) - Open source live and virtual operating system that runs inside your current operating system. All traffic is routed through Tor for privacy and anonymity when online
# Password Managers
Bitwarden (opens new window) - Open source, self-hostable, and cloud-based option password manager that uses zero knowledge end-to-end encryption (E2EE)
KeePass (opens new window) - Open source password manager that uses industry standard encryption and stores all password databases locally on your device
# Phone Number Aliasing
Hushed (opens new window) - A proprietary Voice over IP (VoIP) temporary and secondary US and Canadian phone number aliasing app for data calling and texting that can be used over WiFi
JMP.chat (opens new window) - An open source XMPP based solution that turns your XMPP account into a fully functional US or Canadian phone number that can make and receive calls, texts, and picture messages to standard phone numbers
MySudo (opens new window) - A proprietary Voice over IP (VoIP) US, Canadian, and UK phone number, handle, email, browser, and credit/debit card aliasing solution
Textverified (opens new window) - A proprietary fully functional US phone number aliasing solution that you can use for phone and SMS verification
Viber (opens new window) - A proprietary Voice over IP (VoIP) phone number aliasing solution that supports worldwide numbers
# Prebuilt Computers
Purism (opens new window) - Engineer and manufacture personal computing devices with a focus on privacy and security by producing devices that rely on open hardware and open firmware when possible and open source software
System76 (opens new window) - Engineer and manufacture premium Linux computers and keyboards that use open hardware and open firmware when possible and open source software with a focus on allowing users to freely upgrade and repair their computers, the freedom to use and alter the software on their computer, and to provide the ability for users to learn how their system works
# Search Engines
Brave Search (opens new window) - Proprietary privacy-focused search engine that uses its own independent search index for search results
Searx (opens new window) - Open source configurable and self-hostable metasearch engine which aggregates results from numerous search engines and can be used over Tor for online anonymity
Startpage (opens new window) - Proprietary privacy-focused search engine that consists of privately proxied Google search results without the unwanted tracking, third-party cookies, and targeted ads
# Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
# Software
Aegis (opens new window) - Open source time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) service for Android that gives you the ability to encrypt your tokens at rest as well as to export your tokens
Tofu (opens new window) - Open source counter-based and time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) service for iOS that requires no network or cellular connection and account details are stored in the iOS keychain
# Hardware
Yubico (opens new window) - Proprietary phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA)
SoloKeys (opens new window) - First open source fast identity online 2 (FIDO2) security key
Nitrokey (opens new window) - Open source device that enables secure login, email encryption, encrypted mobile storage, disk and file encryption, key and certificate management, and server administration using secure shell (SSH). The company also provides other devices including phones, personal computers, laptops, and more
# VPNs
IVPN (opens new window) - Open source, transparent, and secure VPN provider based in Gibraltar
Mullvad (opens new window) - Open source, transparent, and secure VPN provider based in Sweden
ProtonVPN (opens new window) - Open source, transparent, and secure VPN provider based in Switzerland