EFF launches Surveillance Self-Defence site

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has launched an updated edition of its Surveillance Self-Defence website, aimed at giving users advice and tools to increase the security and privacy of their online communications.

Building on work previously completed by the privacy and digital rights group, the EFF's Surveillance Self-Defence site offers overviews, tutorials and customised 'playlists' aimed at everything from security newcomers to journalists, activists, human rights defenders and even those with existing experience of digital security. Topics featured include guides on circumventing online censorship, encrypting iPhone data, storing passwords securely, communicating using encrypted means and even using the Tor network to disguise internet communications.

As well as step-by-step tutorials for specific software packages, the site offers overviews on topics including creating and using strong passwords, understanding the concepts behind encryption and even an introduction to threat modelling - the use of assessments to figure out what solutions are required in a given situation. More open briefing documents include everything from introductions to public-key cryptography and the Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) package to guides to attending protests within and without the United States, choosing VPNs, verifying keys, ensuring social networks are used safely and even one detailing 'things to consider when crossing the US border.'

The EFF, however, warns that the information provided on the site is not exhaustive. 'This guide does not address operational security or "OPSEC" in the broader sense. OPSEC is the process of protecting information about one's activities that may be important to a potential adversary. This is a process that frequently goes beyond the digital realm,' the site warns in a section detailing its limitations. 'Please use SSD as a starting point for your own research, and check for more recent facts, cases and authorities. Please note that, even if a statement made about the law is accurate, it may only be accurate in one jurisdiction (place); as well, the law may have changed, been modified or overturned by subsequent development since the entry was made. The materials in SSD are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.'

The site is available now as a sub-domain of the EFF website, translated into several languages and loaded - naturally - over an encrypted connection.