Special Issues
Hacks for Phone and Cyber Security
Posted in Special Issues.
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.
Hacks for Reaching Affirmation & Accord
Featured in: Featured, De-Escalation In the Moment
One of the main goals of active listening with an agitated person is reaching affirmation and accord. You are looking to try and find ways to agree with the person who is agitated. Even if you don’t entirely agree with the person, try to find at least a small way in which they may be right, or in which you can be on the same page, or team, with them.
Hacks for Community Member Agreements
Featured in: Featured, Hacks for Preventing Escalation
Community member agreements are shared agreements regarding behavior expected of everyone who participates in a harm reduction site or service. The primary rule all harm reduction leaders talked about was the need to treat everyone with respect.