BaseCamp is the starting point for digital self-determination.
It helps you understand where you are exposed, how your digital identity is built, which devices and accounts need protection, how to communicate with more control, and how to stay independent in a connected world.
This is not about paranoia.
It is about awareness, autonomy and better habits.
WELCOME TO SELF-DEFENSE BASECAMP
Own your digital Freedom!
Start here if you want to become less visible, less dependent and harder to exploit.
What you will learn
BaseCamp is organised around the core areas of modern digital self-defense:
- 1
Exposure – See what makes you visible.
- 2
Identity – Separate your digital roles.
- 3
Devices – Secure your everyday tools.
- 4
Accounts – Protect your points of access.
- 5
Communication – Use better channels with intent.
- 6
Mobility – Stay capable away from home.
- 7
Infrastructure – Reduce platform dependency.
- 8
Field Habits – Turn knowledge into routine.
Who is BaseCamp for?
Who is it not for?
Who is it not for?
EXPOSURE
Understand what makes you visible, searchable, trackable or easy to profile.
It covers your digital footprint, metadata, public information, social media traces, location signals, data brokers, search results and the small pieces of information that can be connected into a bigger picture.
Core idea: You cannot protect what you do not see.
Who is Violating Your Privacy? Big Tech, Governments, AI and Surveillance
Privacy is not only violated by hackers, apps or advertisers. Today, your private life is exposed through a wider ecosystem of platforms, governments, AI systems, cloud infrastructure, data brokers and legal pressure against encrypted communication. This article explains why privacy is no longer just a personal setting — and why digital freedom begins with understanding your own exposure.
Why Do You Need a Secure and Trustworthy Browser?
Top Browser Choices for Enhanced Privacy and Data Protection. Learn how these browsers protect your online activity from data collection and tracking.
Search Engines That Protect Your Privacy
In this article, I'll explain why you should avoid using search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Instead, I recommend three search engines that respect your privacy, don’t manipulate you, and help you search the web much more anonymously.
What Is Metadata – And Why Should You Care?
In the context of mass surveillance, metadata refers to the details of your digital activities - information like who you communicated with, when, where you were, and how long the interaction lasted.
What Is Wi-Fi Tracking (and How Does It Actually Work)?
Wi-Fi tracking sounds super techy, but the basic idea is simple: your phone is constantly talking to the world, even when you’re not actively using it. Some people — businesses, analytics firms, even governments — can “listen in” on those signals to figure out where you’ve been and when.
IDENTITY
Identity is about how you present, separate and protect yourself online.
It covers real names, aliases, email addresses, domains, profiles, public reputation, private identity, professional identity and the separation between different roles in your life.
Core idea: A strong digital identity is not one identity everywhere. It is controlled separation.
DEVICES
Devices are the tools you carry, trust and depend on every day.
This category covers smartphones, laptops, tablets, operating systems, updates, permissions, device hardening, encryption, backups, theft protection and practical setup decisions.
Core idea: Your phone and computer are not just tools. They are access points to your life.
Starting Fresh: A Simple Privacy-Friendly Android Setup for Students and Apprentices
Set up your Android phone or tablet for privacy — no Google needed. Mailbox.org, Obsidian, DAVx⁵ & other open-source tools for students and apprentices.
Throw Your Smartphone Overboard – And Install a Privacy Phone with GrapheneOS
Switching to a smartphone that prioritizes privacy, powered by GrapheneOS, built on the principles of digital freedom and security.
Security and Privacy for Your Computer
Learn in this Self-Defense article how to work with your Windows, macOs or Linux computer more safely and anonymously.
Mobile Security: Protect Yourself or Be Tracked
Your phone is a surveillance device in your pocket. Much like a driver's license, you'll learn the rules to keep your phone and apps under your control. It doesn't matter if you use an iPhone, Android or Linux phone.
Private and Secure with Your iPhone – 2024 Update
This article provides a comprehensive guide to boosting privacy and security on your iPhone, focusing on key features from iOS 16 to iOS 18.
ACCOUNTS
Accounts are one of the biggest attack surfaces in modern digital life.
This category covers passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, passkeys, security keys, recovery codes, account recovery, account cleanup and reducing unnecessary logins.
Core idea: If someone controls your accounts, they can often control your identity, money, communication and data.
Lock Down Your Digital Life: 10 Essential Steps
Most people do not lose control of their digital life because they are high-value targets. They lose control because their accounts, devices and habits are easy to exploit. Weak passwords, reused logins, exposed profiles, careless cloud storage and an unprotected phone are enough to create real risk.
Passkeys, Authentication & Security Keys are the new Passwords
Passwords alone aren’t enough anymore. New methods—like passkeys and physical security keys—add extra layers of protection.
Trusted Password Managers
The article introduces beginners to the importance of using password managers to securely store and manage unique passwords for every online account.
Creating Secure Passwords
Learn how to protect your social media and online accounts using an individual secure password per account and store it in a password manager.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is about choosing the right channels and using them with intent.
It covers email, messengers, video calls, encrypted communication, contact separation, public vs. private conversations and the habits that keep sensitive communication from leaking into the wrong places.
Core idea: Not every message belongs in every channel.
Secure and Private Video Conferencing Solutions
In today’s digital world, maintaining privacy during video calls is crucial. Here are three secure alternatives to Zoom, Teams and Google Meet.
Secure Email: Privacy-Focused Providers for Your Communication
Simplified Heroes: service provider like ProtonMail and Mailbox.org keeping your email, appointments and contacts privat.
Secure Messengers – Encrypted Communication Without Tracking
Digital communication is an essential part of daily life. Here, I introduce you to three messengers that offer secure, encrypted communication.
MOBILITY
Mobility is about staying digitally capable and independent while travelling, working remotely or moving between places.
It covers mobile setups, roaming, Wi-Fi risks, VPN use, offline access, travel devices, border situations, backup plans and the practical reality of working from hotels, boats, airports or cafés.
Core idea: Freedom means your digital life still works when you leave your usual environment.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure is about the systems you depend on.
It covers cloud services, email hosting, domains, DNS, calendars, contacts, file storage, backups, open standards, self-hosting, provider risk and exit strategies.
Core idea: Convenience is useful, but dependency is a risk.
Your Cloud Is Not Private – Unless You Make It So
We store our lives in the cloud — photos, documents, ideas, even memories. But most cloud services still have one major flaw: they can access your data. End-to-end encryption changes that. It puts you in control of your digital life.
LibreOffice: A Free and Open Alternative to Microsoft Office
Want to write, calculate, or create presentations without Microsoft watching over your shoulder? Just install Libre Office.
Benefits of Using a VPN Service
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are sand in the gears of the internet corporations and can help to protect your privacy.
Search Engines That Protect Your Privacy
In this article, I'll explain why you should avoid using search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Instead, I recommend three search engines that respect your privacy, don’t manipulate you, and help you search the web much more anonymously.
FIELD HABITS
Field Habits are the routines that turn knowledge into action.
This category covers practical behavior: checking assumptions, not blindly trusting apps or AI, reviewing settings, separating roles, questioning convenience, staying calm under pressure and building small routines that make you harder to exploit.
Core idea: Tools matter, but habits decide what happens in the real world.
Lock Down Your Digital Life: 10 Essential Steps
Most people do not lose control of their digital life because they are high-value targets. They lose control because their accounts, devices and habits are easy to exploit. Weak passwords, reused logins, exposed profiles, careless cloud storage and an unprotected phone are enough to create real risk.
Learn Digital Self-Defense
Digital Self-Defense is the art of enhancing your privacy, anonymity, and security online.
Choose Your Apps Wisely – How to Identify Trustworthy Technologies and Service Providers
This article helps non-experts identify trustworthy technologies by focusing on data minimization, strong encryption, transparency, and ethical practices.
10 Essential Rules For Your Online Life
What are the shoals and cliffs out there? And what are the 10 things you should remember to protect your privacy?
Congratulation!
You have reached the end of the Self-Defence BaseCamp and you have learned a lot. No one can fool you that easily anymore!
