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Hacks for Phone and Cyber Security

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In an era of increased surveillance and risk for criminalized populations, it is increasingly essential for harm reduction organizations to think about electronic security and hygiene. Here are some tips from harm reduction leaders that are also supported by cyber civil liberties groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Access Now,  and others:

  • Use unique, strong passwords for every account (6+ digits or alphanumeric)
  • Enable full disk encryption (FileVault, BitLocker, VeraCrypt)
  • Keep devices and apps updated
  • Install only trusted apps
  • Use end-to-end encrypted apps (Signal, Element/Matrix)
  • Avoid SMS, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram DMs
  • Turn on disappearing messages in Signal
  • Use a password manager (Bitwarden, KeePassXC, 1Password)
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app
  • Turn off location service and/or use Airplane Mode or disable GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth while in the field
  • Disable Google/Apple location history
  • Use privacy-focused apps like OsmAnd or offline maps
  • Think about using a burner phone with minimal apps and contacts
  • Remove or log out of personal accounts before actions
  • Back up your data in advance
  • Think before posting or sharing pictures, pages and/ or videos and always remove metadata before doing so
  • Do not rely on anonymity unless using anonymizing tools
  • Compartmentalize work and personal digital life

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Trauma-Informed

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The term “trauma-informed” emerges from a growing understanding of the far reaching ways that trauma impacts health and well-being. Trauma is defined here, in keeping with the scientific literature, as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience(s) that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, and significantly impacts their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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Hacks for Empathetic Active Listening

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Once you have grounded yourself during an escalated situation, next engage in active listening with the person who is agitated. This can seem counterintuitive or difficult when you are dealing with somebody who is, for example, screaming at you, and it may feel like you’re rewarding them for being completely irrational. But it is key to getting them more centered and grounded so they’re less agitated and less likely to become a danger to themselves or others.
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