Wendy's OpsSec: Keeping Your Ass Safe Online

Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat this - the internet's a goddamn mess when it comes to privacy and security. Whether you're worried about corporate surveillance, oppressive governments, or just some asshole trying to steal your identity, you need to get your shit together when it comes to OpSec (Operational Security). This guide will walk you through the essential steps to protect your messaging, identity, and data transport.

The Foundation: Your Mindset

First things first - you need to get your head straight about this stuff. The most secure system in the world won't mean jack shit if you're careless. Here's the deal:

1. Trust no one by default. Yeah, it sounds paranoid as hell, but in the digital world, verification beats trust every time.

2. Everything you do leaves traces. Every. Fucking. Thing. Your job is to minimize those traces where it matters.

3. Security is a practice, not a one-time thing. You can't just set it and forget it, because that's how you get burned.

Part 1: Secure Your Basic Identity

Use a Password Manager, For Fuck's Sake

Let's start with the basics - your passwords probably suck. Most people's do. You're probably reusing them across sites, making them too simple, or writing them down on sticky notes like it's 1995. Stop that shit.

Get yourself a reputable password manager like KeePassXC (offline), Bitwarden (online), 1Password (online, mobile). These tools will:

• Generate strong-ass passwords that look like a cat walked across your keyboard

• Store them securely so you don't have to remember them

• Keep them organized and accessible when you need them

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

If you're not using MFA everywhere you can, you're basically leaving your front door unlocked. Here's how to do it right:

• Use authenticator apps instead of SMS when possible (SMS is about as secure as a screen door on a submarine)

• Authy (mobile), 1Password (web,mobile), GoogleAuthenticator, Aegis

• Keep backup codes somewhere safe (preferably offline)

• Consider hardware security keys like YubiKey for critical accounts

Part 2: Secure Communications

Messaging Apps

Not all messaging apps are created equal. Here's the truth about your options:

Signal:

• End-to-end encryption by default

• Open source and independently audited

• Minimal metadata collection

• Can replace your default SMS app on Android

• Self-destructing messages option

Session:

• Decentralized architecture

• No phone number required

• Built on blockchain tech for extra anonymity

• Perfect for when you need serious privacy

Matrix:

• Decentralized protocol

• Can self-host if you're feeling fancy

• End-to-end encryption

• Bridges to other platforms

Avoid like the plague:

• Regular SMS (it's like shouting your conversation across a crowded room)

• Facebook Messenger (unless you enjoy having Zuck read your messages)

• Telegram's regular chats (secret chats are fine, but nobody uses them)

Email Security

Email is fundamentally fucked from a security standpoint, but sometimes you gotta use it. Here's how to make it suck less:

ProtonMail:

• End-to-end encryption between ProtonMail users

• Based in Switzerland (good privacy laws)

• Zero-access encryption for your inbox

PGP Email:

• The OG of email encryption

• Works with any email provider

• Steep learning curve but worth it for serious security

Tips for email hygiene:

• Use different email addresses for different purposes

• Never click links in emails unless you're 100% sure they're legit

• Use email aliases to protect your main address

Part 3: Anonymous Browsing

Demystifying Tor: Why it Can Suck

Tor (The Onion Router) routes traffic through multiple encrypted layers across volunteer nodes worldwide, concealing your IP address and location from websites. However, it's vulnerable to exit node monitoring, timing correlation attacks, and browser fingerprinting. Government agencies can run malicious Tor nodes, and using HTTP instead of HTTPS lets exit nodes see your traffic. They do it all the time actually , often infecting and entire section of the network. Browser vulnerabilities and user mistakes like logging into personal accounts can also compromise anonymity.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Here's how to use it right:

Tor Browser basics:

• Don't resize the window (seriously, it's a fingerprinting thing)

• Keep it updated religiously

• Don't use it for logging into your regular accounts

• Don't torrent over Tor (don't be that asshole)

VPN Reality Check: Use Over Tor

VPNs aren't a magic privacy bullet, but they're useful as part of your security stack:

Choosing a VPN:

• No-logs policy (verified through audits)

• Outside Five Eyes countries

• Accepts anonymous payment methods

• Kill switch feature

• WireGuard support

Using your VPN:

• Check for DNS leaks regularly

• Use different servers for different activities

• Never trust free VPNs (if you're not paying for the product, you are the product)

VPNs: Localization Shit

• Get your ass on non-US VPN endpoints because the NSA and FBI can legally compel American companies to hand over your data without telling you - that's some sneaky bullshit

• Five Eyes countries (US/UK/Canada/Australia/NZ) share intelligence like gossip queens, so their VPN endpoints are just as sketchy

• Countries like Switzerland and Panama don't give a damn about US warrants or data requests, and tell them to fuck off

• Some places have actual privacy laws with teeth instead of the weak-ass "privacy theater" in the US

• Having endpoints in multiple countries makes traffic correlation harder for nosy bastards​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Part 4: System Security

Operating System Choices

Your OS is your foundation. Choose wisely:

Tails:

• Amnesic system that forgets everything

• Routes everything through Tor

• Runs from USB stick

• Perfect for high-security needs

Qubes OS:

• Compartmentalization through virtualization

• Steep learning curve

• Best for paranoid bastards (in a good way)

Linux:

• Various security-focused distros available

• No telemetry bullshit

• Full control over your system

• Ask Wendy the Druid , she’s been in SecOps, doing Opssec for 30+ years

Disk Encryption

Encrypt your shit. All of it. Here's how:

Full disk encryption:

• Use LUKS on Linux

• FileVault on Mac

• BitLocker or VeraCrypt on Windows

• Use a strong passphrase (not just a password)

Encrypted containers:

• VeraCrypt for portable encrypted storage

• Hidden volumes for plausible deniability

• Regular backups (encrypted, obviously)

Part 5: Mobile Security

Your phone is probably the weakest link in your security chain. Here's how to fix that:

Phone Hardening

Basic steps:

• Use GrapheneOS if you're serious about security

• Disable unnecessary sensors and radios

• Use app sandboxing

• Regular security updates

Advanced steps:

• Separate phones for separate purposes

• Remove unnecessary apps

• Use USB data blockers when charging in public

• Consider a Faraday bag

App Security

Not all apps are created equal:

• Use F-Droid instead of Google Play when possible

• Check app permissions regularly

• Avoid apps that require excessive permissions

• Use app firewalls like NetGuard

Part 6: Physical Security

Don't forget about the meat-space aspects of security:

Device Security

• Keep your devices physically secure

• Use privacy screens in public

• Never leave devices unattended

• Have a remote wipe plan

Environment Security

• Watch for shoulder surfers

• Be aware of security cameras

• Use privacy filters on screens

• Keep sensitive discussions offline

Part 7: Operational Practices

Compartmentalization

Keep your identities separate:

• Different devices for different purposes

• Separate email addresses and accounts

• Never cross the streams between identities

• Use different pseudonyms for different contexts

Data Management

Treat your data like it's radioactive:

• Regular secure backups

• Secure deletion when necessary

• Data minimization practices

• Clear file naming conventions that don't leak info

Part 8: When Shit Hits the Fan

Incident Response

Have a plan for when (not if) something goes wrong:

• Keep emergency contact info offline

• Have a cleanup protocol ready

• Know your legal rights

• Have a social media lockdown procedure

Recovery Plans

• Backup authentication methods

• Secure password recovery

• Account recovery procedures

• Offline backup of critical info

Conclusion: Staying Paranoid (In a Healthy Way)

Security is a journey, not a destination. You need to:

• Stay updated on security news

• Regularly audit your security practices

• Test your procedures before you need them

• Train your threat assessment skills

Remember, perfect security doesn't exist. The goal is to make attacking you more trouble than it's worth. By following these practices, you'll be way ahead of the game and much better prepared to handle whatever digital shitstorm comes your way.

Stay safe, stay paranoid, and don't trust anyone who says their system is unhackable - they're either lying or stupid, and neither is good for security.

Additional Resources

• Privacy Guides (privacyguides.org)

• Electronic Frontier Foundation (eff.org)

• Security in-a-box (securityinabox.org)

• That Paranoid Android Guy on Matrix

• Various subreddits focused on privacy and security

• Wendy the Druid ( just ask her )

Now go forth and secure your shit. The internet's a dangerous place, but with these tools and practices, you've got a fighting chance of keeping your digital life private and secure.

Remember: OpSec is only as strong as your weakest practice. Don't let that weak link be you.