We categorically reject the sentiment of
“If you’re not doing anything wrong, what do you have to hide?”
Resisting state repression and surveillance is not evidence of illegal behavior. Secure digital security practices are recommended by digital security experts for all users in all cases. We affirm the vital importance of knowing and using proper security practices, online as well as off, for any successful social movement of the 21st century.
There is a never-ending amount of learning involved in digital security and the more you take into your own hands the safer you will be. We realize this is daunting and challenging to most people and are willing to help with any questions. Each person will have to decide for themselves what level of security they require although at a bare minimum we think you should be aware of these practices. Developing a pseudonym and not operating in public spaces under your real name is probably one of the simplest methods for avoiding far right wing attempts at doxxing. Here we provide some very basic digital security guidance from trusted organizations, as well as a much more in depth document for those interested in learning more. Please review these resources for a beginning look at what steps you can take to protect yourself and others. Our group takes security seriously and will expect you to have a cursory knowledge of these best practices.
Signal Messaging App
We use Signal for texting in real time and for more immediate responses (think day of an event). Requires linking to a phone number – we recommend a burner. LifeHacker has a good article regarding how to buy a burner phone. Keep in mind that you will need a smartphone to use signal as an messaging app.
Signal is a encrypted text messaging app that can replace, or work in addition to, your phones regular messaging app. It is super useful for real-time communications in the field as you would use texts. It is very easy to set up and use and requires no knowledge of or management of encryption keys since that all takes place behind the scenes. You simply send a text as you normally would, if the recipient also has signal then it will be end-to-end encrypted.
Digital Security Resources:
Linktr.ee/Sabot_Utilities from Sabot Media
Security Culture for Activists from The Ruckus Society
Keeping Each Other Safe When Virtually Organizing Mutual Aid from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
Surveillance Self-Defense – Tips, Tools and How-tos for Safer Online Communications from EFF
Techlore from Youtube
A Deeper Dive:
Digital Security Primer from The Eyes On The Ground Collective (EOTG)
Data by Philosophy Tube on YouTube: