As mentioned in RFR Episode 16-18, this is the list of computer and internet programs and devices I recommended, including a priority list (bottom) to help you on your way. Remember, Youtube is your friend! -JJS
SECURITY
The down and dirty guidance for internet and computer security/anonymity
EMAIL
UNSEEN.IS – Encrypted email, chat, etc. Server based in Iceland (A+ Privacy laws)
Save 10% using John Jacob’s affiliate link.
(Recommended over startmail is .com and protonmail because they don’t have pop settings.)
Thunderbird – Download – For importing all your POP3 emails, and encrypting using enigmail
Internet Security:
NordVP – Virtual Private Network
TAILS/TOR – The Amnesic Incognito Live System/The Onion Routing network
FREE SOFTWARE PROGRAMS:
KeePass – Create and maintain multiple complex passwords and store encrypted.
Veracrypt – Create encrypted volumes, hidden volumes and encrypt whole disks
pgp4usb – Create encryption keys to keep portable on a thumb drive
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PRIORITY:
- NordVPN
- Encrypted email (GPG Encryption)
For off shore email, I recommend UNSEEN.IS (they offer free accounts too, or you can upgrade)
KANGURU TRUST (flash drive) – I use this for TAILS/TOR operating system
UNSEEN SETUP TIPS
NOTICE: The default settings in Thunderbird when setting up an email never seem to work. 'AUTO DETECT' won't cut it. SETTINGS SHOULD BE: 1. Recommend POP3 instead of IMAP (Optional) 2. you need to add 'mail.' to incoming and outgoing server settings: mail.unseen.is 3. 'Auto' never works for me. - Ports should be 995 Incoming and 465 on Outgoing - Connection Security should be SSL/TLS instead of 'Auto Detect' - Authentication Method should be 'Normal Password' (and then create a good password) This does not address GPG encryption setup. Just getting your unseen mail to work in your Thunderbird.
Got #1 up and running. Should be able to get more done as the week progresses.
I am not computer savvy, but am muddling my way through. 🙂
God bless you, brother.
Just found you all and would like to become a part of you, I am a ham….
kb2muq
Join at: https://amrron.com/join-amrron/
I am trying to recall whether you stated somewhere what size Kanguru flash drive you thought necessary, but can’t seem to access those particular brain cells, so, what size do you recommend? 🙂
I personally use the 8GB Kanguru Trust drive and use it exclusively for running TAILS (with persistence). Would like to eventually get another one for transferring files between computers.
As a heads-up, the Unseen.is free account does NOT include e-mail, but instead offers encrypted messaging (chat) and calling as listed in the FAQ. For e-mail you will need to pay for a Premium account.
73
I was able to get free email with Unseen.is I did not pay for Chat or calling.
JJS,
Thanks for posting this. It’s taken a little while to get things setup but things appear to be running smoothly. A few quick comments.
1. NordVPN has an Android app (and I assume iOS) called OpenVPN that uses the same account. As much as people use their smartphone for things, using VPN on it is a necessity.
2. Practice makes perfect. Setting up Thunderbird, Unseen and pgp does no good if you don’t practice setting up a key and sending/receiving encrypted emails.
John Jacob, where can we get your public key?
Hello, JJS’s Public Key is available toward the bottom of the contact page- https://amrron.com/contact/
[…] SECURITY – The Down and Dirty List (Encryption and Internet/Computer Privacy) […]
Thanks JJS and others at Amrron for all the helpful and much needed info.
FYI: An Unseen.is account can be created for free, but a free account will not work with email clients like Thunderbird.
I have a free account and it wouldn’t authenticate using TBird and I verified my settings numerous times. I knew my account was active as I was able to log in and use my Unseen account using their webmail server just fine..After setting up another email account using a different domain in TBird without issue, I contacted Unseen.is support..After 4 emails I finally got an answer..Unseen.is support said, “Free email accounts will not work with any POP3 or IMAP email client. Your free account will work only with their webmail server.” It’s on purpose. Premium/paid accounts will work with TBird.
Hello, are these recommendations still in effect since the initial posting of the article?
Thanks.
Jim, affirmative. Of course, for those interested in very high degree of security, encryption, and tradecraft skills and tools we recommend the Groundrod 1 & 2 Courses through [code name] ‘K’ at Combat Studies Group.
http://www.combatstudiesgroup.blogspot.com
-JJS