Smartphone, don't spy!

Checklist: Journalism, criticism of the regime and exile

In some countries, it is particularly important for journalists and regime critics to pay attention to the security of their smartphones. They are often the enemy, as they use the power of information to exert pressure on ruling systems. They must protect not only themselves but also their sources. Authoritarian regimes use targeted surveillance measures to spy on journalists, intercept their communications or track their contacts. Smartphones are an easy target as they offer many opportunities for surveillance. A lack of protection can lead to confidential research being compromised or those affected themselves being exposed to arrest, intimidation or even physical danger. It is therefore essential to use encryption, anonymization tools and secure communication methods in this context.

• Switch off your phone before sensitive meetings
• You use anonymous SIM cards
• You often use other SIM cards and a proxy phone
• You suppress your phone number when you make calls
• Deactivate your voicemail
• You are using GrapheneOS on a compatible device
• Are your apps and system up to date?
• You use secure messengers
• You do without voice messages
• You know all participants in sensitive chat groups
• Do not share your Apple ID and deactivate iMessage
• You have activated lockdown mode on your iPhone
• You restart your phone often
• Your second factor is on a separate device
• You are using an ad blocker
• You use Tor or the Tor browser
• You do not publish images with shadows and time
• You encrypt your emails or do without them