020 - The State Of Privacy In 2025 The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security podcast

38:35

In this episode, I explore the privacy implications of using AI apps like ChatGPT and Claude on mobile devices. I discuss why ChatGPT’s requirement for Google Play Store login and audio recording storage led me to Claude on my GrapheneOS device. I also cover my daily app setup, Windows telemetry blocking with SimpleWall, macOS privacy with Little Snitch, and the potential of System76 Linux laptops. In this week’s episode: Privacy comparison between ChatGPT and Claude AI apps ChatGPT’s audio recording storage and data export concerns GrapheneOS setup without Google Play Store login Using FUTO Keyboard and FUTO Voice for local transcription Essential privacy tools: SimpleWall for Windows and Little Snitch for macOS Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for developers System76 Linux laptops as a privacy-focused alternative Show Links: Anthropic Claude.ai Encryption - https://privacy.anthropic.com/en/articles/10458704... Duck.ai - https://duck.ai Futo Keyboard & Voice - https://futo.org/ Aurora Store - https://auroraoss.com/aurora-store SimpleWall (Windows Firewall) - https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall Little Snitch (macOS) - https://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/ GeoSpy (OSINT Tool) - https://geospy.net System76 Linux Laptops - https://system76.com/ Mental Outlaw YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MentalOutlaw DaVinci Resolve - https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve OSINT Defense & Security Framework - https://psysecure.com/services/odsf/ “██████REDACTED███” - █████████ Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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024 - Minimize What Can Be Known with the OSINT Defense & Security Framework (OSDF) 42:19

17 days ago42:19

42:19

In this episode, I discuss what has been keeping me away from the mic, the Open Source Intelligence Defense and Security Framework (ODSF), and share updates on privacy topics including browser security, autonomous taxis, airport security cameras, and managing cryptocurrency. I also address listener questions about anonymous SIM cards and creating separate online identities. Official Website : https://psysecure.com In this week’s episode: Introducing the Open Source Intelligence Defense and Security Framework (ODSF) Browser privacy comparisons (Firefox, LibreWolf, Brave, Mulvad) Experiences with Waymo autonomous taxis and privacy considerations TSA security cameras and opting out of facial recognition Listener questions about anonymous SIMs in Australia and creating sock puppet accounts Using cryptocurrency Show Links: BIP39 Generator - https://github.com/iancoleman/bip39 Phoenix Wallet - https://phoenix.acinq.co Zeus Wallet - https://zeusln.com LibreWolf Browser - https://librewolf.net/ OSS Document Scanner (GrapheneOS) - https://github.com/Akylas/OSS-DocumentScanner Mullvad Browser (randomDataOnCanvasExtract) - https://github.com/mullvad/mullvad-browser/issues/358 Mullvad Browser (Letterboxing) - https://github.com/mullvad/mullvad-browser/issues/152 “Minimize what can be known.” - Me Podcast music: The R3cluse Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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023 - Apple Removes ADP in the UK, the Privacy Implications and Listener Q&A 30:35

14 weeks ago30:35

30:35

In this episode, we dive into Apple’s latest privacy retreat with the removal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for iCloud in the UK. We break down why Apple made this move, how ADP works, and what it means for users who care about encryption and data security. If you’re in the UK and using Apple’s ecosystem, this episode is a must-listen as I cover strategies to keep your data secure despite Apple’s decision. In this week’s episode: The UK’s Investigatory Powers Act A technical breakdown of how iCloud ADP was supposed to protect user data. Alternatives to iCloud, including Nextcloud, GrapheneOS, and secure backups. Threat Modeling & The Privacy Spectrum Listener Questions, addressing concerns about online privacy, social media exposure, and what to do when friends dismiss security risks. Show Links: Apple pulls data protection tool (BBC News) - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgj54eq4vejo Apple Intelligence - https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/11/apple-intelligence-re-enabled-in-latest-updates/ pfSense Guide - https://psysecure.com/complete-setup-guide-to-pfSense Nextcloud Guide - https://psysecure.com/self-hosting-nextlcoud Möbius Sync - https://mobiussync.com/ Obsidian - https://obsidian.md/ “The right to privacy is not merely a right to secrecy. It is a right to control information about oneself.” - Anonymous Podcast music: The R3cluse Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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022 - Deep Dive into Session Private Messenger with Co-Founder Kee Jefferys 1:10:13

17 weeks ago1:10:13

1:10:13

In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into Session, a private messaging app, with its co-founder Kee Jefferys. We discuss the philosophy behind Session, its technical architecture, and the broader implications of privacy in a world increasingly hostile to anonymous communication. Kee shares insights on the importance of decentralized networks, the risks of phone number-based messaging, and the role of cryptocurrency in supporting private infrastructure. We also touch on operational security (OPSEC), the real-world challenges of getting people to adopt privacy tools, and how Session is working to improve usability while maintaining strong privacy protections. In this week’s episode: Session Private Messenger – Kee Jefferys explains the origins of Session, its core principles, and how it differs from mainstream messaging apps. The Future of Privacy – Discussion on surveillance, government censorship, and the increasing crackdown on privacy tools. Decentralized Messaging – How Session uses a global network of nodes to provide anonymous and resilient communication. Session Pro & Sustainability – Monetization strategies for Session and how the network sustains itself without compromising user privacy. Avoiding the Privacy Valley of Despair – How privacy-conscious users can avoid burnout and find a practical balance. Censorship & Government Interference – Addressing Russia’s blocking of Session nodes and strategies to bypass censorship. Show Links: Download Session - https://getsession.org Session Lite Paper - https://getsession.org/litepaper Support the Show on Patreon - https://patreon.com/TheLockdown Follow Kee on X - https://x.com/JefferysKee Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious. - George Orwell, 1984 Podcast music: The R3cluse Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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021 - Digital Minimalism and Why Your Messages Aren't Really Private 41:26

19 weeks ago41:26

41:26

In this week's episode we dive deep into both the psychological and privacy implications of social media apps. I reflect on my observations during recent travels, and explore how social media platforms are distorting human connections while simultaneously collecting vast amounts of personal data. The episode also tackles the technical aspects of email systems to the limitations of encrypted messaging apps, providing practical advice for maintaining privacy. In this week's episode: Listener Questions - Deep dive into pfSense vs OPNsense, mobile VPN usage, and dealing with license plate readers Social Media Privacy - Analysis of social media's psychological impact and privacy issues with data collection practices Proper Account Deletion - Step-by-step guide for securely deleting social media accounts Sock Puppet Accounts - Maintaining anonymous online identities Email Privacy - Historical perspective and current state of email security WhatsApp Security - A discussion on encryption and device security Show Links: Support the Show on Patreon - https://patreon.com/TheLockdown GrapheneOS - https://grapheneos.org The Neuroscience of Engagement - https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/the-neuroscience-of-engagement-b50531a9313b "The right information at the right time is deadlier than any weapon." - Dolores Abernathy (Westworld) Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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020 - The State of Privacy in 2025 57:50

21 weeks ago57:50

57:50

This week on The Lockdown, The Practical Privacy & Security Podcast, we’re kicking off the new year with reflections, updates, and a deep dive into key privacy issues that are shaping 2025. From privacy settings on iOS and GrapheneOS, to AI assistants and their potential privacy pitfalls, this episode covers practical advice, insights, and solutions for everyday users. Additionally, I explore new state-level privacy laws across the U.S. and what they mean for both businesses and individuals. In this week’s episode: Reflecting on personal privacy practices and professional projects. A look at U.S. state privacy regulations taking effect in 2025. Privacy and security implications of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Detailed privacy settings for iOS and why GrapheneOS is the better alternative. AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude, and their risks. Privacy concerns with vehicles, focusing on data leaks and constant surveillance. The intersection of cybersecurity and OSINT in modern attacks. Show Links: Apple offers $95 million in Siri privacy violation settlement Amazon to pay $31 million in privacy violation penalties for Alexa voice assistant and Ring camera Nulide / FindMyDevice · GitLab British journalist could face years in prison for refusing to hand over his passwords to the police - Il Fatto Quotidiano Volkswagen EV data leak exposes personal information of 3.3 million people Tesla data helped police after Las Vegas truck explosion, but experts have wider privacy concerns Support this show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLockdown Official website : https://psysecure.com/podcast/ "If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself." -George Orwell Podcast music: The R3cluse Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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019 - A Conversation with Luke Mulks from Brave Software 1:01:43

24 weeks ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode I speak with Luke Mulks, who is the VP of Business Operations at Brave Software. We discuss the privacy concerns over traditional web-based ads, and why Brave is offering a privacy-first alternative. Show Links: Brave Software: https://brave.com/podcast/ The Brave Technologist Podcast: https://brave.com/podcast/ "Well who's gonna monitor the monitors of the monitors?" - Carla Dean (Enemy of the State) Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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018 - Back to the Basics and not Overthinking Privacy 49:11

26 weeks ago49:11

49:11

In this episode, we go back to the basics as I discuss what I would do today if I were starting from scratch. It begins with deleting social media accounts, especially Facebook. Additionally, we have an update from Optery in response to listener feedback. We discuss tools like LibreWolf, Brave, and GrapheneOS, and compare privacy approaches for mobile devices, including Pixel and iPhone. A segment is dedicated to starting a privacy-first journey, from deleting social media accounts to adopting secure communication and password management practices. The episode also touches on how AI, including large language models (LLMs), is reshaping privacy concerns by building highly accurate profiles of users. In this week’s episode: Don't overthink privacy, especially web browsers with Brave, Firefox, and LibreWolf Back to the basics starting with deleting social media Pixel vs iPhone (GrapheneOS) Show Links: Self-hosting Nextcloud: https://psysecure.com/self-hosting-nextlcoud LibreWolf: https://librewolf.net/ GrapheneOS: https://grapheneos.org/ Meta fined $1.3b: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/business/meta-facebook-eu-privacy-fine.html Surveillance Watch: https://www.surveillancewatch.io/ " The world outside, the world that you know, it’s gone. It doesn’t exist." – Christof Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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017 - Privacy During a Natural Disaster, Self-Hosting Nextcloud, Backblaze B2 & Restic, and Farewell Firefox 56:25

33 weeks ago56:25

56:25

In this episode, recorded on October 10, 2024, I dive into privacy and security during natural disasters, highlighting essential tools like iOS 18’s satellite messaging and Starlink for maintaining communication when traditional systems fail. Next I dive into self-hosting in depth, particularly focusing on Nextcloud for privacy-conscious file sync. The episode concludes with a detailed analysis of a critical vulnerability in Firefox and the merits of switching to LibreWolf for enhanced privacy and security. In this week’s episode: Privacy During Natural Disasters. Using of iOS 18’s satellite communication features for emergency contact, Starlink for off-grid internet access, and the importance of internet and Sudo phone numbers for safety without compromising privacy. Bug out bags for emergency preparedness, the utility of Starlink and satellite phones for privacy in disaster zones. Overview of the blog post on hosting Nextcloud, importance of cloud backups using Backblaze B2 and Restic, encrypting backups and maintaining data privacy within home networks. Other Privacy Tools and Practices, including Blue Iris for managing surveillance cameras without internet access, use of Proxmox for virtual machines and running DNS servers with PiHole. Analysis of the Firefox vulnerability (CVE 2024-9680), discussion on the benefits of LibreWolf as a more private alternative to Firefox. Show Links: Self-hosting Nextcloud - https://www.psysecure.com/self-hosting-nextlcoud Starlink - https://www.starlink.com/ Backblaze B2 - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-storage Restic FAQ - https://restic.readthedocs.io/en/latest/faq.html Nextcloud End-to-End Encryption - https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/admin_manual/configuration_files/encryption_configuration.html Firefox Users Fingerprinted via Cached Intermediate HTTPS Certificates - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/firefox-users-fingerprinted-via-cached-intermediate-https-certificates/ Certificate issue causing add-ons to be disabled or fail to install - https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/fixed-certificate-issue-causing-add-ons-to-be-disabled-or-fail-to-install/39047 Firefox CVE 2024-9680 - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/security/advisories/mfsa2024-51/ LibreWolf - https://librewolf.net/ All warfare is based on deception. - Sun Tzu Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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016 - Privacy Discussion with Tyler from EasyOptOuts 1:06:58

38 weeks ago1:06:58

1:06:58

In this episode, we have a special guest, Tyler Murphy, co-founder of EasyOptOuts, a data removal service focused on helping people remove their personal information from publicly accessible people search sites. Tyler discusses the inspiration behind EasyOptOuts, the challenges of maintaining privacy in a world of constant data breaches, and offers insights into data removal from various brokers. This conversation is packed with advice for anyone looking to regain control over their online privacy. In this week’s episode: Tyler shares how EasyOptOuts was founded, the challenges faced, and their mission to make data removal accessible. Discussion on the widespread availability of personal data on people search sites and the complexities of removing it. Insights into how EasyOptOuts automates data removal, and comparisons with manual removal processes. The challenges posed by bot detection, CAPTCHAs, and deceptive removal processes that often require membership or payment. The potential implications of data breaches, evolving bot detection, and the future of digital identity verification. Tyler shares his own privacy techniques, including the use of VPNs, alias names, and minimizing data exposure online. EasyOptOuts approach to scaling their service, future plans for business and family tiers, and their commitment to remaining a two-person operation. Show Links : EasyOptOuts - https://www.easyoptouts.com/ Imagine, then, this situation where we have the huge electronic intercommunication so that everybody is in touch with everybody else in such a way that it reveals their inmost thoughts, and there is no longer any individuality. No privacy. Everything you are, everything you think is revealed to everyone. - Alan Watts Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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015 - NPD202401 (National Public Data Breach) and Windows 11 27:16

39 weeks ago27:16

27:16

In today’s show, I discuss the National Public Data (NPD) breach, which contains 2.7 billion records, including the social security numbers of US residents. I cover how to check if your SSN is part of the breach and emphasize the importance of setting up a credit freeze for yourself and your kids. I also explore some useful tools for searching large datasets and share my thoughts on a Reddit post. In this week's episode: On the brink of giving up! Using OnlyOffice as a Google Docs alternative National Public Data (NPD) breach Ripgrep (rg) and Silver Searcher (ag) tools for searching massive datasets Credit freezes Best efforts for Windows 11 privacy ElevenTray, a useful utility to always show Windows 11 tray icons Show Links: Simplewall - https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall ElevenTray - https://github.com/locksec/eleventray OnlyOffice - https://www.onlyoffice.com/ LibreOffice - https://www.libreoffice.org/ Credit Freeze Guide - https://inteltechniques.com/freeze.html Credit Freeze for Kids: Equifax - https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/identity-theft/articles/-/learn/freezing-your-childs-credit-report-faq/ (800)685-1111 Equifax Security Freeze, PO Box 105788, Atlanta, Georgia 30348 Experian - https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html (888)397-3742 Experian Security Freeze. PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion - https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze/credit-freeze-faq#freeze-other-minor-0 (888)909-8872 TransUnion, P.O. Box 380, Woodlyn, PA 19094 https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/child-identity-theft-inquiry-form > I know why you're here, Neo. I know what you've been doing... why you hardly sleep, why you live alone, and why night after night, you sit by your computer. - Trinity (The Matrix) Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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014 - Social Media, OPSEC for OSINT, and AI Security 21:27

42 weeks ago21:27

21:27

This week I respond to a few listener questions, primarily around the use of social media as a privacy enthusiast. Love it or hate it, you can guess which camp I'm in, social media like LinkedIn has almost become a requirement for job searches, employers, and connecting with other professionals. I also touch on OPSEC for OSINT, a new talk track I am planning to present in the future. It's important for all of us to maintain better Operational Security (OPSEC). Finally, I share my latest blog post: Venturing into AI Security with Locally Hosted LLMs, and why locally hosted AI is essential for privacy. In this week's episode: Redacting ███ in your social media profiles Minimizing the use of profile photos Always assume private profiles are NEVER private Addiction to social media and down regulation of the dopamine receptors More on custom domains Operational Security for OSINT professionals Locally hosted LLMs for private AI Data (PII) leakage with ChatGPT Show Links: ChatGPT Privacy Issue - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/22/technology/openai-chatgpt-privacy-exploit.html Brain anatomy alterations associated with Social Networking addiction - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362930/ AI Security with Locally Hosted LLMs - https://lockdown.media/ai-security-with-llms Expired Domains - https://www.expireddomains.net/ SimpleLogin - https://simplelogin.io/ Because you made a phone call. - Brill (Enemy of the State) Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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013: iCloud Private Relay, Complete pfSense Guide, and Privacy for Kids 50:34

44 weeks ago50:34

50:34

In this week’s show, I take a deeper dive into Apple’s iCloud Private Relay, discussing who should and who shouldn’t use it. I then discuss my latest article, “The Complete Setup Guide to pfSense for Privacy and Security,” and the benefits of an always-on VPN. Lastly, for those who are parents, I offer a discussion on privacy for kids and some non-invasive techniques for protecting them online. In this week's episode: Intro iCloud Private Relay Complete Guide to pfSense Privacy for Kids Listener questions Show Links: The Complete Setup Guide to pfSense for Privacy and Security: https://lockdown.media/complete-setup-guide-to-pfsense NextDNS: https://nextdns.io/ Cron package for pfSense: https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/packages/list.html Private Relay Outage: https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/having-browsing-trouble-on-apple-devices-youre-not-alone-apples-private-relay-system-is-having-problems iCloud Private Relay Overview: https://www.apple.com/privacy/docs/iCloud_Private_Relay_Overview_Dec2021.PDF “You never had a camera in my head.” - Truman Burbank Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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012: Back to the Basics, Back to the iPhone, Authy API Abuse 32:34

45 weeks ago32:34

32:34

This week we go back to the basics of privacy and security for the average Joe or Jane, and discuss the latest iPhone settings for privacy. I also discuss the Twilio Authy API abuse that resulted in 33 million phone numbers for Authy accounts being exposed. Huge thank you to the Patreon supporters! In this week's episode: Back to the basics Advice for the 'average Joe' The Twilio Authy API breach iPhone privacy settings Listener question on doorbell cameras Show Links: 1Password Security Audits: https://support.1password.com/security-assessments/ Bitwarden Security Audits: https://bitwarden.com/help/is-bitwarden-audited/ Twilio Breach: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-abused-api-to-verify-millions-of-authy-mfa-phone-numbers/ MySudo: https://mysudo.com/ ProtonMail: https://protonmail.com/ StrongBox: https://strongboxsafe.com/ KeepassDX: https://www.keepassdx.com/ Amcrest Cameras: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJS3L5Y "I don't want to live in a world where there's no privacy, and therefore no room for intellectual exploration and creativity." - Edward Snowden Podcast music: Recluse by Ray Heffer Official Website : https://psysecure.com Podcast music: The R3cluse…

The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security

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011 - Living Like a Recluse, Living Trusts, GrapheneOS, and Listener Questions 53:13

1 year ago53:13