10 Privacy Tools I Can’t Live Without

Summary

This video discusses essential tools for enhancing privacy and security in your digital life. The creator shares their personal favorites, including Notesnook for encrypted note-taking, multi-factor authentication with YubiKey, password managers like ProtonPass, and privacy screen protectors. The video also covers using a NAS for data storage, VPN services like Tailscale and Mullvad, and privacy-focused browsers such as Brave. Other tools mentioned include DNS providers like NextDNS, ad-blockers, and aliasing services like Privacy.com. The overarching message is to safeguard your data through these highly recommended tools.

Takeaways

• 🔐 Data privacy and security are crucial, and using essential tools helps you take control of your data protection.
• 📝 Notesnook is a cross-platform, open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that's useful for organizing and storing thoughts.
• 🔑 Multi-factor authentication (MFA) with security keys (like YubiKey) and authentication apps (like Aegis Auth) are essential tools for securing accounts.
• 🗝️ Password managers such as KeyPass, Proton Pass, Bitwarden, and 1Password provide secure storage for unique passwords across different sites.
• 📱 Using a privacy screen protector on your phone adds an extra layer of protection, especially in public spaces.
• 💬 Signal is the preferred daily messaging app due to its balance of privacy, security, and usability, though other apps like Session and SimpleX offer higher privacy levels.
• 💾 A NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device is key for centralizing and accessing data from multiple devices, improving productivity and data management.
• 🖥️ TailScale combined with Mullvad VPN allows for secure remote access to home networks and syncing between devices, akin to Apple’s AirDrop.
• 🌐 Brave browser is recommended for privacy with built-in ad-blocking, while Mullvad browser is useful for disposable sessions and Chrome for specific use cases with Google services.
• 🛡️ Using DNS providers like NextDNS helps block unwanted traffic and tracking at the DNS level, improving online security and privacy.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share 10 essential privacy tools that the creator uses daily to ensure data security and privacy.

Why does the creator emphasize the importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

The creator emphasizes MFA because it provides an extra layer of security, even if a password or email account is compromised. MFA requires a second form of verification, making unauthorized access more difficult.

What is the difference between security keys and authenticator apps, according to the creator?

According to the creator, security keys, such as YubiKeys, are more secure than authenticator apps because they are phishing-resistant and require physical access to work, while authenticator apps are more universal and work with a wider range of services.

Why did the creator switch from KeyPass to Proton Pass?

The creator switched to Proton Pass due to its aliasing feature, which allows for better management of email addresses, and its ability to sync across multiple devices more smoothly than KeyPass.

What is the creator's favorite encrypted messenger app, and why?

The creator's favorite encrypted messenger app is Signal because it strikes the best balance between security, privacy, and usability compared to other apps like Simplex, Session, or Briar.

How has the NAS (Network Attached Storage) transformed the creator's workflow?

The NAS has transformed the creator's workflow by allowing centralized storage of large amounts of data, accessible from any device. It also enables seamless synchronization of files across multiple devices.

What is TailScale, and how does the creator use it?

TailScale is a VPN-like tool that allows the creator to securely access their home network from anywhere without needing to open ports on the network. It is used for file transfers and remote access to the NAS.

Why does the creator recommend using multiple browsers?

The creator recommends using multiple browsers for different purposes because no single browser is perfect for all tasks. For example, they use the Mullvad browser for privacy and Brave for day-to-day tasks with multiple profiles.

What role does DNS modification play in the creator's privacy strategy?

DNS modification allows the creator to block unwanted tracking and control access to certain websites. The creator uses services like NextDNS to block both first-party and third-party trackers and set limits on internet usage.

What are some tools the creator uses to protect personal data from being shared with multiple websites?

The creator uses aliasing services like Privacy.com for payment information, Proton Pass for email aliasing, and services like MySudo for phone number aliases, which help limit how much personal information is shared across different sites.