Take Back Your Privacy

Curious about surveillance? Wondering about the security of your computer?

These are just a couple of starting points. The author, with decades of experience in the field, takes us on a journey through the digital landscape. Exhaustively researched, with hundreds of links, it's nevertheless written in an informal and entertaining style.

Do you know the difference between "a web browser" and "the internet"? That's about all you'll need, to start. When you're done with this book, you'll know more than most IT (information technology) professionals. You'll be able to analyze the claims made by tech bloggers and those who flog their own products. You'll know much, much more about the risks to your privacy and anonymity--and why they're both so important--in today's fast-moving world.

Then, at the end, the author tells how he once went to jail for trying to help protect thousands of college students (including himself). It's a chilling reminder of just how easily "spin" can replace substance. And yet, it's a funny story.

Come on in and give this book a try. You'll be glad you did.

The Table of Contents:

DedicationWho needs this book?What's a Barefoot Anarchist?Chapter 1: Why Privacy? Why Encrypt?The Free Speech ArgumentDangers of Self-IncriminationChapter 2: Threat ModelingSounds Ominous You Can't Be Totally AnonymousYou Must Decide What You Can Live WithAttack SurfacesYour IT departmentSoftware: Open-Source vs. ClosedCompanies & PoliciesAdvertisingGovernment & PrivacyChapter 3: ConnectionsInternet Service Providers (ISPs)Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)The Onion Router (Tor)WifiChapter 4: Downloading FilesDownload SitesUse BitTorrent?How About Usenet?Chapter 5: Digital PurchasesCredit Card OptionsA Note on Card/Banking SecurityA Note on Credit ItselfPayPal & Similar ServicesBitcoin and FriendsChapter 6: General ComputingVirtual MachinesPhysical SecurityDisk EncryptionPasswords & LoginsSmart Cards & BiometricsSending Anonymous DataAutomatic Software UpdatesAnti-Virus SoftwareChapter 7: Operating SystemsWindows?Instead of Windows?Other Linux DistrosChapter 8: TelephonyLocation TrackingCellular EavesdroppingText MessagingBaseband Hacking...and Beyond?The Metadata is the MessagePhones and WifiNear-Field Communication (NFC)Android vs iOS vs OthersVoice over IP (VoIP)Texting AlternativesAll-in-one? Silent Circle vs. SignalChapter 9: Web BrowsingSearch EnginesWhich Browser?"Secure" ConnectionsFingerprintingAdvertisingOther PluginsChapter 10: "Cloud" BackupsDropbox and FriendsSpiderOak & Its PalsCurmudgeonly AdviceMake a DecisionChapter 11: EmailWho's giving it to you?How to encrypt it?Chapter 12: Putting It All TogetherWhat's Your Threat Model?How Do We Fix Privacy?Appendix A: Encryption PrimerJust the BasicsAppendix B: Jail Thanks for Reading Excerpt from Shiver on the Sky