I've collected a lot of privacy tips over the years, ranging from somewhat common to very niche. After seeing this post, I wanted to share them, along with ways to mitigate each of them. I've tried to find sources for each of them, but some of them simply don't have good sources. You can help by finding good sources (Wikipedia, research papers) covering the specific topic. As with all my posts, this is not AI-generated, just well-structured.
Good sources
Glove Prints
Problem: Thin gloves like surgical gloves can still leave fingerprints on surfaces.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glove_pr…
Mitigation: Wear thick, textured gloves
Main Hum
Problem: The hum of the electrical grid can be used to determine when, and sometimes where, an audio recording took place.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric…
Mitigation: Only record audio in places far away from electrical appliances.
Stylometry
Problem: Your writing style can uniquely identify you.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stylomet…
Mitigation: Use AI rewriting tools to obfuscate your writing style.
Infrared Glasses
Problem: Sunglasses don't block infrared cameras.
Source: reflectacles.com/irlenses
Solution: Buy infrared blocking/reflecting sunglasses such as Reflectacles.
Tracking Dots
Problem: Printers add tracking dots that identify which printer was used to print a document and when it was printed.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_…
Mitigation: Use a printer that may not come with this feature (such as the upcoming Open Printer or use public printers like those found in libraries.
WiFi Motion
Problem: Wi-Fi routers are able to track motion under specific conditions.
Source: cognitivesystems.com/wifi-moti… (and others)
Mitigation: Radio jammers may provide some protection against this, since the technology is still fragile.
PrintListener
Problem: Your fingerprint can be uncovered using the sound of your finger gliding across your screen.
Source: ndss-symposium.org/wp-content/…
Mitigation: Use a ballpoint pen with a stylus tip, which are somewhat common to find at most events.
Laser Microphone
Problem: You can record audio using the vibration of nearby objects, like windows.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_mi…
Mitigation: Have sensitive conversations in closed-off or soundproof rooms or outside in remote areas.
Keystroke Recording
Problem: Your keystrokes can be uncovered using audio recordings of typing.
Source: arxiv.org/pdf/2403.08740
Mitigation: Use virtual keyboards.
Typing Patterns
Problem: You can be identified based on your typing patterns.
Source: expertbeacon.com/your-typing-s… (and others)
Mitigation: Type into a text editor and copy-paste into the form you want to submit.
Unshredder
Problem: Shredded documents can be reconstructed.
Source: unshredder.com/ (and others)
Mitigation: Burn sensitive documents or use piranha solution.
Microbial Cloud
Problem: You can be identified using your unique microbial cloud.
Source: peerj.com/articles/1258/
Mitigation: Shower obsessively, I'm not sure.
Gait Recognition
Problem: The way you walk can identify you.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gait_ana…
Mitigation: Place gravel in your shoes or intentionally walk funny.
Store Tracking
Problem: Stores track your location using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals from your device.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_p… (and others)
Mitigation: Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
Gyrophone
Problem: Gyroscopes can record audio
Source: crypto.stanford.edu/gyrophone/…
Mitigation: Disable sensor permissions for apps that don't need it on GrapheneOS.
Camera Styles
Problem: Cameras can be identified using picture styles.
Source: scientificamerican.com/article…
Mitigation: Use Polaroid cameras or obfuscate pictures before sharing them.
Amazon Sidewalk
Problem: Offline Amazon devices can access the internet by communicating with nearby online Amazon devices.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_S…
Mitigation: Don't use Amazon devices.
Deep-TEMPEST
Problem: Data sent over a wired connection (like HDMI) can be received wirelessly.
Source: arxiv.org/pdf/2407.09717
Mitigation: Use shielded cables or encrypt wired connections in transit.
Cartridge Memory
Problem: Offline printers exfiltrate data through ink cartridges.
Source: support.hp.com/us-en/document/…
Mitigation: Use a printer that does not come with this feature (such as the upcoming Open Printer.
WhoFi
Problem: You can be identified based on how your body blocks Wi-Fi signals.
Source: theregister.com/2025/07/22/who…
Mitigation: Use a Radio jammer.
Stingray
Problem: Most phones are vulnerable to Stingray attacks.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingray…
Mitigation: Use Rayhunter to detect Stingray attacks.
EICAR
Problem: Surveillance cameras can scan QR codes.
Source: linkedin.com/pulse/qr-code-car…
Mitigation: Some surveillance cameras will crash if they scan a QR code with an EICAR Anti-Virus Test File.
Pulse-Fi
Problem: Wi-Fi can measure your heartrate
Source: ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/d…
Mitigation: Cover your skin to reduce effectiveness.
Mediocre sources
Security Envelopes
Problem: The contents of envelopes can be read without being opened by seeing through the paper.
Source: General knowledge.
Mitigation: Use security envelopes or thick packaging.
Branding
Problem: Even when fully covered, the clothing you wear can identify you.
Source: General knowledge.
Mitigation: Use plain unbranded clothing bought secondhand from yard sales or Goodwill.
Body Shape
Problem: Even when fully covered, your body shape can identify you.
Source: General knowledge.
Mitigation: Wear baggy black clothing like down jackets.
ID Address
Problem: State ID cards have your address listed on them.
Source: General knowledge.
Mitigation: Passports are valid photo IDs that do not have your address listed.
Bluetooth Contacts
Problem: Any Bluetooth device you pair your phone to can access your contacts.
Source: Various online discussions.
Mitigation: Use a phone that allows you to deny that permission when pairing Bluetooth devices.
Voice Changers
Problem: Voice changers can be reversed.
Source: Various online discussions.
Mitigation: Use voice changers that highly obfuscate your voice (beyond something like a pitch shift) or use a program that converts live speech-to-text into live text-to-speech.
Analog Speakers
Problem: Speakers can be used as microphones.
Source: Various online discussions. You can try this yourself by plugging a speaker into your microphone jack.
Mitigation: Use built-in speakers or remove all speakers entirely.
Spray Paint
Problem: Spray paint can't blackout surveillance camera lenses.
Source: Various online videos of failed criminals.
Mitigation: Use duct tape or other adhesives that are not only cheaper but provide better protection.
Censorship
Problem: Pixelated or blurred images can be reversed.
Source: Various reversal tools.
Mitigation: Censor information using solid boxes.
Bad sources
Radio
Problem: Receiving antennas can be geolocated using signal interference.
Source: I couldn't find a suitable source covering this specifically. This is a general source.
Mitigation: Receive media via offline methods.
Vehicle Telemetry
Problem: Cars will collect telemetry locally to be shared when you visit auto repair shops.
Source: I couldn't find a suitable source.
Mitigation: Use dumb cars or commute using bicycles, buses, etc.
Detaining
Problem: Police can detain you without a valid reason if you carry an ID.
Source: I couldn't find a suitable source.
Mitigation: Don't carry your ID unless you need to.
Copper Strips
Problem: Buildings can be wiretapped using microphones as thin as paint.
Source: I couldn't find a suitable source.
Mitigation: Have sensitive conversations in areas unlikely to be wiretapped, or buildings with plain concrete walls.
Biometric Unlock
Problem: Police don't require a warrant to unlock your phone using biometrics.
Source: Various sources have conflicting information.
Mitigation: Lock your phone without biometrics or use two-factor fingerprint unlock on GrapheneOS.
Pedometers
Problem: Pedometers can reveal information such as your religion.
Source: A website I still can't find.
Mitigation: Use dumb pedometers that don't include timestamps.
Overview of GrapheneOS features differentiating it from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
GrapheneOS
Looking for a forgotten privacy website
A couple years ago when I was first interested in privacy I stumbled across a privacy website that I found very cool. I regret not saving it, but I'm certain it's not lost. I only remember this about the website:
- It had this song as its background music
- The website was for educating about privacy, and you would "unlock" new knowledge as you went
- Some of that knowledge was in a "cave" where some dark stories and articles surfaced
- One of the interactive segments was about "What do you think step counter data could reveal about you?" and the answer was things like religion (if your step count increased on certain days such as Sunday or Tuesday which correlates with some religions), rough location (based on which times you walked), etc.
That's all I remember. Thank you so much to anyone who can help me find it!
Provided to YouTube by Ditto MusicAmbient Echo · Edward AbelaAmbient Echo℗ Edward AbelaReleased on: 2018-09-10Auto-generated by YouTube.
YouTube
Michael 🇺🇦
in reply to Anomaly • • •Thanks for the report. The reported errors will not slow down your system, so the speed issues are caused by something else. Mostly the database is to blame in such cases. Please enable the slow query log in your SQL server and have a look there. Also check if your database setup uses enough memory. Tools like mysqltuner.pl can help here, but you shouldn't blindly follow their suggestions.
Concerning the reported errors: The first one is solved in the current release candidate. The second one shouldn't occur anymore, but I will create a pull request for this anyway. Is it possible for you to switch to the release candidate?
Anomaly
in reply to Michael 🇺🇦 • •Hi @Michael 🇺🇦
Thanks for your help and clarifications , I appreciate it very much .
I have had friedica installed on my server for over a year and a half (single user) the database has increased a lot , 3 days ago it was much much more , I disabled some things in the admin panel and now it's
I have already done some database tuning in the past,but I'll take a look at it , I think there is something wrong with some tuning
... Show more...
Hi @Michael 🇺🇦
Thanks for your help and clarifications , I appreciate it very much .
I have had friedica installed on my server for over a year and a half (single user) the database has increased a lot , 3 days ago it was much much more , I disabled some things in the admin panel and now it's
I have already done some database tuning in the past,but I'll take a look at it , I think there is something wrong with some tuning
Sure ,please can you post the link of the release candidate? I tried to search for it but I didn't find it
Friendica Support reshared this.
Michael 🇺🇦
in reply to Anomaly • • •gitto keep your installation synchronized. See here: github.com/friendica/friendicaAnomaly likes this.
Anomaly
in reply to Michael 🇺🇦 • •👍 , Okay thanks
Friendica Support reshared this.
Tealk
in reply to Anomaly • • •codeberg.org/Tealk/ansible_fri…
Anomaly likes this.
Anomaly
in reply to Tealk • •I don't use Ansible, I've always used the official guide to update friendica
Friendica Support reshared this.
Raroun
in reply to Anomaly • • •