What is OpSec? Operations security (OPSEC) or operational security is a process that identifies critical information to determine whether friendly actions can be observed by enemy intelligence, determines if information obtained by adversaries could be interpreted to be useful to them, and then executes selected measures that eliminate or reduce adversary exploitation of friendly critical information.
The term "operations security" was coined by the United States military during the Vietnam War.
OpSec lessons #1 How you type matters
If you type right now using your phone provided keyboard chances are you are sending all the information inclusive of login and password details to the cloud for the Gods to look after them.
This is independent of the software you use. You may have the world's most private app but your keyboard betrays you.
If you do not fix your keyboard you have no privacy at all (unless you use audio but we can discuss this elsewhere)
Choose a keyboard that does not send information to the Gods in the cloud. Search the F-Droid shop
OpSec lessons #2 Where you play from matters
Now that you sorted out your keyboard make sure you install apps from an IP address that is not your own.
Either use a credible VPN (like Mullvad) or go outside and use a public WiFi to install an app.
Whenever you install an app the IP address will betray you. No matter how private or secure it is it will always tie back to your IP address (and therefore your identity) Please do not do this at home without a VPN
OpSec lessons #3 You do not need the app !
Now that you have sorted your keyboard and you have installed that app without using your IP address ask yourself why do I actually need an app?
What is the push about apps non stop?
The apps will log and retain all your information (and so much more that I cannot understand) without your having any say.
Take back control.
What is an app? You can simulate an app experience by placing a shortcut of the respective webpage to your desktop. Now the information is given to the browser (more on that later) and not to the app controllers themselves. Hopefully, you will use the browser's capacity to control the information received and sent via the Internet.
For example you can use Telegram on the web not via an app. Try it
Please stop using apps. Use your web browser instead !
Surviving in a digital world is important. Here is a list of alternative software that you can use to escape the hellhole of tracking
I do not recommend any software in particular however any non mainstream software is probably better than the mainstream ones !
Now read this…