On Privacy
I try to keep things light, but one thing I take seriously is privacy.
My emphasis on privacy is for my benefit as much as yours. If you don’t think much about the privacy of your communications, the best time to consider it is now. Especially you high profile folks.
WhatsApp Is Not Private
I know WhatsApp is popular, but it is not private.
Signal is the gold standard for private messaging. This is your secret life, so use Signal.
Unlike WhatsApp/Meta, Signal does not collect all the metadata related to your communications to compile your data profile.
Check your settings, and make sure names & messages don't show in your device's push notifications.
I highly recommend you set the timed lock on your Signal. You can also set timed deletions within a conversation.
I know I'm emphasizing the secrecy of Signal, but please know there is nothing unusual or suspicious about downloading a messaging app. You probably already have friends and associates on Signal. Use it in your normal everyday life too.
Gmail Is Not Private
Gmail/Yahoo/Hotmail etc. are not private. They are popular, but not private.
Proton is accessible and easy to use.
Your Proton account and all the content within are stored encrypted on servers in Switzerland. Communication between Protonmail users is encrypted in transit. Proton does not scan your communication or your documents looking to compile your data profile.
Your Native Browser Is Not Private
Want to browse secretly? Download the DuckDuckGo browser and do your covert searching and browsing there. DDG makes it incredibly easy to evaporate your browsing data: you literally just press a button. And it has other features, like blocking hidden trackers.
If you don't want to download the Proton mail app, you can log in on the browser.
Don't forget your VPN!
Proton has one, and there are many others.
Three Easy Services
So there you have it, three easy, accessible services that exist for your privacy: Proton, Signal, and the DDG browser. Use them properly with a VPN, and you can keep your secret life a secret.
You keep your phone locked, right? No? Then you have more steps: delete your covert Signal conversations and Proton emails. It's better opsec anyway.
Does your spouse spy on your phone? Can't help you with that, mate.