Module 7: Taking Action: Skills for Antifascists
In today's digital age, much of our communication, organizing, and activism takes place online. This makes digital security absolutely essential, especially for those engaged in challenging power structures. Activists, journalists, and marginalized communities are often targets of surveillance, online harassment, and doxing (the malicious publication of private information). Taking steps to protect your digital security is not about paranoia; it's about being proactive and minimizing your risk.
Introduction: Why Digital Security Matters
Your digital footprint – the trail of data you leave online – can reveal a lot about you: your location, your contacts, your interests, your beliefs, and your activities. This information can be used by governments, corporations, or malicious individuals to track you, target you with propaganda, harass you, or even put you in physical danger.
Key Practices:
Here are some fundamental practices to enhance your digital security:
A. Strong Passwords and Password Managers:
Strong Passwords: A strong password is:
Long: At least 12 characters, ideally longer.
Complex: Includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Unique: Not used for any other accounts.
Random: Not a dictionary word or a easily guessable phrase.
Password Managers: A password manager is a software application that securely stores and manages your passwords. It can also generate strong, random passwords for you. This is highly recommended as it's almost impossible to remember unique, strong passwords for every online account.
Examples of Password Managers: 1Password, Bitwarden, KeePassXC, LastPass.
B. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
What it is: 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. In addition to your password, you'll need a second factor – usually a code generated by an app on your phone, a text message, or a physical security key – to log in.
Why it's important: Even if someone steals your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second factor.
Enable 2FA on all important accounts: Email, social media, banking, etc.
C. Encrypted Messaging Apps:
What they are: Encrypted messaging apps protect your communications from prying eyes. They use end-to-end encryption, which means that only you and the person you're communicating with can read your messages.
Recommendation: Signal: Signal is a widely recommended encrypted messaging app that is free and open-source. It provides end-to-end encryption for both text messages and voice/video calls.
Avoid: SMS text messages and unencrypted messaging apps (like Facebook Messenger's default settings) for sensitive communications.
D. Phishing Awareness:
What it is: Phishing is a type of online scam where attackers try to trick you into giving them your personal information (e.g., passwords, credit card numbers) by impersonating a legitimate organization or individual.
Be Suspicious: Be wary of emails, text messages, or social media messages that:
Ask for your personal information.
Contain spelling or grammatical errors.
Create a sense of urgency or threat.
Have suspicious links or attachments.
Verify: If you're unsure about a message, contact the organization directly through their official website or phone number to verify its authenticity. Never click on links in suspicious messages.
E. Protecting Your Personal Information Online:
Social Media Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings on all social media platforms. Limit who can see your posts and personal information.
Avoid Oversharing: Be mindful of what you share online. Don't post information that could be used to identify you, locate you, or compromise your security.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it more difficult for others to track your online activity. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi.
Regularly Review Privacy Policies
Regularly Review Security Settings
Taking these steps won't make you completely invulnerable, but they will significantly reduce your risk and make it much harder for others to compromise your digital security. It's an ongoing process, and it's important to stay informed about the latest threats and best practices.