Anonymity and emergency data deletion for smartphones.
- ADVISOR B&M
- Oct 15, 2022
- 2 min read
Privacy Extensions for Android (Compilation #1).
1. NetGuard (https://netguard.me/)-allows you to see which applications are sending data and where, and to block unwanted data sending. The application does not require root access and allows to block connections for both user and system applications. Source code.
2. Orbot (https://guardianproject.info/apps/orbot/) - allows you to use the Tor anonymous network on Android and redirect traffic from other applications, including the browser, mail, maps, etc. A great extension to improve your privacy on the web. Source code.
3. XPrivacyLua (https://lua.xprivacy.eu/) - an easy to use "privacy manager" XPrivacyLua solves the problem of excessive application permissions in an interesting way: instead of directly denying access (which often leads to application stopping), it sends fake data instead of the real data, providing user privacy. Source code.
Emergency smartphone cleaning apps (Compilation #1).
For some, the smartphone is life. The plastic box holds so much sensitive information that a blackmailer can "overdose". There's no need to feel sorry for him, but it's advisable to feel sorry for yourself! What's the point? Password as the only means of protection - it doesn't work.
It should be so the phone is in the wrong hands - the files are deleted.
1. AutoWipe (https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=230102&st=0) - full wipe is done, if unlock password is entered incorrectly several times.
2. SecAddon (https://github.com/zalexdev/securityaddon/releases/download/7.0-BETA/SecAddon+7+BETA.apk) - deletes or encrypts files, which user selected beforehand in unforeseen circumstances.
3. Ripple (http://github.com/guardianproject/ripple) - "panic button" to trigger a "ripple effect" in all applications that are configured to respond to panic events.
This program on Android, allows you to change your device's MAC address to a random one, or one that you prescribe.
Usage (as an option):
1. Scan your network with any network sniffer program
2. Copy a couple of MAC addresses
3. Change MAC address to another one in the program
4. Log onto the network only when the original is logged out.
Or just hide your MAC address
Root is required to use the software!
Scrambled Exif (https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.jarsilio.android.scrambledeggsif/)-App for removing metadata from photos before submitting them. For Android users
Extirpater (https://f-droid.org/packages/us.spotco.extirpater/) is a cleaning app for your smartphone without the possibility of data recovery.
This is usually needed before selling your smartphone. A standard factory reset does not guarantee complete deletion of your data, in particular photos.
Extirpater cleans everything once and for all, as it uses an alternative way of deleting data: it fills the remaining space on your smartphone with random files and deletes everything at once without the possibility of recovery.
Curious about the technical details behind your favorite photos? You can View and analyze EXIF data instantly with online tools. EXIF data is like a photo's digital birth certificate, containing information about the camera, lens, exposure settings, date, time, and sometimes even GPS coordinates. Sites like EXIFData.org allow you to simply upload an image and see all this information clearly laid out. It’s incredibly useful for photographers wanting to study their own work or learn from the settings used in other images they admire.
If you're curious to Unlock detailed image data from your photographs, an online EXIF reader is the way to go. This metadata can reveal a wealth of information beyond just what you see visually. You can discover the exact date and time the photo was taken, the specific camera and lens used, exposure settings, whether the flash fired, and much more. It’s a valuable tool for photographers who want to meticulously track their settings or for anyone interested in the technical aspects behind a photograph. It's like a digital fingerprint for your images.