Table of Contents

Protect Against Surveillance

Disable AirDrop

One of the most innocuous features enabled on millions of iPhones is also one of the most dangerous for those seeking to protect their privacy in public. Apple's AirDrop protocol uses trivially bypassed security measures that authorities like the Chinese government have openly bragged about cracking to identify users since at least 2022.

You should assume that any device with AirDrop enabled is constantly broadcasting your name, email address, and phone number to everyone around you, even if you have it set to “Contacts Only.” Apple has known about this flaw since 2019 and has not issued any fix.

1. Open the Settings app

2. Navigate to General

3. Navigate to AirDrop

4. Select Receiving Off

Lock Down Your Network

Your phone signals can be used to track you even if you don't make a call or send a text. Some la enforcement agencies use “stingrays,” devices which can impersonate a cell tower to track visitors to an area. It is speculated that more advanced ones can intercept unencrypted text messages and phone calls as well, making the use of an encrypted messenger during the event even more critical.

While the capabilities of the most modern ones isn't fully known, you should definitely protect yourself from the subset of stingrays which abuse the lower security standards of older, 2G networks.

On Android:

1. Open Settings

2. Navigate to Network & internet

3. Navigate to SIMs

4. Select your carrier or SIM card

5. Switch Allow 2G to off

You might also consider installing Privacy Cell, an app that tells you whether you are connected to a cell network using the most modern security. Even the “5G” indicator on your phone alone doesn't guarantee you are using the latest-generation protocol.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings

2. Navigate to Privacy & Security

3. Navigate to Lockdown Mode

4. Select Turn On Lockdown Mode

Note that enabling Lockdown Mode on an iPhone will change a variety of settings to harden its security. Many of them are smart improvements, but certain apps and features won't work normally.

SOURCES

5 “New Privacy and Security Features in macOS 13 Ventura”

www.privacyguides.org/articles/2022/10/27/macos-ventura-privacy-security- updates 6 “About Lockdown Mode” https://support.apple.com/HT212650

3 "The Best Android Operating Systems"

4 "Apple AirDrop leaks user data like a sieve. Chinese authorities say they're scooping it up. "