Securing your Current Phone

Todo

Insert introductory text.

Keyboard

If you’re using a custom operating system focused on privacy (see Starting with a Secure Operating System), the built-in system keyboard is a good choice.
If you desire more customizability, or don’t want to use a privacy-focused OS, use AnySoftKeyboard.

Download and install the F-Droid app store, which is a catalogue of free and open-source software (FOSS).
Generally prefer to get apps from this source.
Use F-Droid to install the Aurora app store, which is a different front end to the Google Play store without all the tracking.
For apps that are unavailabe via F-Droid, use Aurora.

Put your phone in airplane mode whenever you’re not using it.
Disable WiFi when you’re not using it.
Disable WiFi scanning.
Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it.
Disable Bluetooth scanning.
Either disable location services when not using them, or ensure the only apps that have access to location services are those that absolutely must have access, and even then, only while they’re in use.
You might consider getting a Faraday bag/pouch for your phone, but after researching a number of brands and models, it looks like the only sure-fire way to block all signals to and from your phone is to simply wrap it in aluminum foil.

In addition to the recommendations above:

Alternatively, keep WiFi off all the time and use a USB-C tether to a mobile hotspot for internet connectivity (see SIM Card below).

Try either OsmAnd or Organic Maps.
Consider a dedicated device (e.g., Garmin, TomTom, etc.) that’s not tied to you personally.

Use Signal.
Create a username instead of sharing your phone number, or consider setting up a Voice over IP (VoIP) number just for Signal (see below).
Consider using disappearing messages.

If you’re looking for a secure alternative to Slack, Teams, What’sApp, etc., there aren’t many options.
Mattermost is more secure than most.
A better option would be Element.
Both are only free for small teams. Once the number of users grows beyond a threshold, you’ll need to pay per user per month.

Don’t use a SIM card in your phone.
Instead use a mobile hotspot, such as those provided by the Calyx Institute.
Pay for it with a privacy-focused cryptocurrency.
Keep it switched off unless you need to use it.
Run your VPN of choice on the hotspot rather than on the phone.
Prefer to connect your phone to the hotspot via a USB-C tether, rather than WiFi.
Use a VoIP number for phone functionality (see below).

Work in Progress

Still working through the process here.

Todo

Need to jot down recommendations.