There are plenty of tools out there. Hundreds. Thousands. Just pick the right ones.
Hint: They're all open source and have names that you probably don't recognize as a common household term. In fact I don't think there is a single thing a tool from a big corporation that sells your data and your identity does that you can't find for free from open source that does the same thing without all the mess.
Dark Web Talk
Advice for a complete cybersecurity illiterate
Started by deleted-dd5f43ed · Jul 7, 2026
Highly doubt this guy is a "Fed"
He's legitimately looking for help in the community.
He's more than likely oblivious to the opsec mistake his question is referring to.
Anyone with half a brain isn't going to reveal their exact OS, browser and password managers we use.
He's legitimately looking for help in the community.
He's more than likely oblivious to the opsec mistake his question is referring to.
Anyone with half a brain isn't going to reveal their exact OS, browser and password managers we use.
Stop posting retarded comments.
He is obviously too stupid to pull this off.
We already know you use Windows bro.
He is obviously too stupid to pull this off.
We already know you use Windows bro.
What?! Omfg how did you know what the fuck? Did you put a zero day on my pc?!
ok, just a heads up, it depends on your threat model,if you're just trying to keep a little more private from big tech, it's pretty easy and not too inconvenient.
For a little more private, any linux distro is a good start, if you're coming from windows, take a look at linux mint, it's not a big stretch from windows and so much better for privacy. For email, proton is great coming from gmail, though you'll probably be asked for a phone number to start the account. Get a cheap new phone bought at a brick and mortar store with cash, throw a burner sim in there and use that for the verification codes. For an easy to use password manager, look at either proton or bitwarden. Don't forget a "no logs" always on VPN like Mullvad on both your phone and PC.
Speaking of your phone, there is really only one decent privacy friendly option at the moment. That's a pixel running GrapheneOS, no google play, a data only anonymous sim and a voip service for calls.
Happy to help, everyone has to start somewhere.
For a little more private, any linux distro is a good start, if you're coming from windows, take a look at linux mint, it's not a big stretch from windows and so much better for privacy. For email, proton is great coming from gmail, though you'll probably be asked for a phone number to start the account. Get a cheap new phone bought at a brick and mortar store with cash, throw a burner sim in there and use that for the verification codes. For an easy to use password manager, look at either proton or bitwarden. Don't forget a "no logs" always on VPN like Mullvad on both your phone and PC.
Speaking of your phone, there is really only one decent privacy friendly option at the moment. That's a pixel running GrapheneOS, no google play, a data only anonymous sim and a voip service for calls.
Happy to help, everyone has to start somewhere.
"Read the "Permanent Record (autobiography)" by Edward Snowden from 2019 about his leak in 2013.
Watch Citizenfour from 2014, documentary by Laura Poitras at least, there is more if you look, this could be your start.
- purchase the book with cash
- download the documentary from library/public WiFi
(don't let them build a profile)!
Watch Citizenfour from 2014, documentary by Laura Poitras at least, there is more if you look, this could be your start.
- purchase the book with cash
- download the documentary from library/public WiFi
(don't let them build a profile)!
unnecessary
It's necessary to somebody somewhere or else it wouldn't be happening. More accurate descriptions include corrupt, sadistic, and immoral.
so I’d love setups that feel realistic for everyday use
You seem to be underestimating the scope of the problem. If I understand correctly what you mean by 'realistic for everyday use' then there is not much you can do to thwart mass surveillance to any meaningful extent. The biggest issue is going to be the web browser. Clearnet sites have gotten too good at fingerprinting your entire system based on just your web browser (even with JavaScript disabled). Needless to say, no proxy chain or VPN can help with this. To my knowledge there are no workable solutions to this other than minimizing your use of web-based services. Certain services such as tforum and YouTube have open-source frontends that you can set up locally, so definitely search for such options for whatever you use.
Unfortunately if you want tangible privacy, you are going to need to learn to compartmentalize your activities. Do not bother hiding anything that doesn't need to be hidden. For that which does need to be hidden, get yourself a separate collection of dedicated secure devices and learn to use them properly. If you care to invest the time in getting serious, I can give you further pointers.
What OS do you use, and what email and messaging providers work well for you? What browser do you use, and which password manager do you recommend for keeping things secure?
Any OS that is open source, actively maintained, and not managed by a corporation is a valid choice. Good luck finding an email provider that ticks all your boxes. I couldn't so I set up my own email cluster. For messaging, SimpleX is the creme of the crop at the moment. KeePassXC for password manager, preferably airgapped. I already stated my feelings towards web browsers, but if you must use one, use either Tor Browser or Mullvad Browser if you cannot stand to use Lynx. Stay away from anything Chromium based for sure.
Oh and for the love of all puppies and kittens stay away from smartphones.
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