Digital Security Checklists for Activists

Plain language steps for digital security. Because protecting yourself helps keep your whole community safer.

Digital Security EssentialsHost a security party
New page: VPNs for activists. Info on when a VPN is useful and when it is not. What are the trade offs. And which VPN to use.

Digital Security & Physical Safety Checklists

Security essentials
Core security practices every activist should follow.
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Signal security
Secure your Signal messaging app for safer communications.
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Prepare for a protest
Digital security for anyone attending a protest.
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ICE watch digital security
Digital security for ICE watch and rapid response networks.
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Doxxing defense
Protect yourself from doxxing and online harassment.
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Travel & flight security
Digital security practices for activists traveling.
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Emergency planning
Establish an emergency support network in case you're detained or threatened.
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Secondary phone
Set up an extra phone for activism and protests.
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Simple guides to keep us more safe

We built this because digital security shouldn't be overwhelming. We take a harm reduction approach: start where you are and do what you can.

Built from experience
Our guides draw from real organizing work and direct feedback from activists. While every situation is unique, we aim to share practical insights that can help inform your decisions.
Regularly updated
Our content is regularly reviewed by organizers who understand security concerns. We work to keep information current as risks and technologies evolve.

Common Misconceptions

When we start talking about digital security, we often hear these concerns. We think there's more to the story.

"I have nothing to hide"

The more engaged you are in any social movement work, the more your data can be used to map networks of activists. The best time to start protecting yourself is before you're as deeply involved.

"They already know everything"

While data collection is widespread, you can significantly reduce your digital footprint and protect future activities.

"They don't care about what I'm doing"

Mass surveillance affects everyone. Your data can be used to profile communities, predict protests, or target those you care about. Protecting your communications helps protect all of us.

Latest Surveillance News

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Police Surveillance Technology: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)• YouTube

Aug 3•warrantless surveillancepoliceflockstingraysphones
Police Surveillance Technology: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Activist charged with felony after giving border agent "duress code" that wiped his phone• Ars Technica

Jul 27•courtslegalphones
Activist charged with felony after giving border agent "duress code" that wiped his phone

US government targets Cop City protester over phone operating system• the Guardian

Jul 23, 2026•state repressionbordertravel
US government targets Cop City protester over phone operating system

Recent Site Updates

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New page: VPNs for activists. Info on when a VPN is useful and when it is not. What are the trade offs. And which VPN to use.

Added a warrant canary to the site and updated our privacy policy with information about how we respond to legal demands.

New page: How to use Proton safely. A full guide to what's encrypted and what isn't on Proton Mail, Docs, and VPN, common misunderstandings, and when to use other tools instead.

New page: Security Update Checker. Easy way to see if your phone or laptop is still receiving security updates. This helps protect your data from cops, spyware, and hackers.

Want to help contribute to Activist Checklist? We now have a step-by-step guide for writing, editing, translating, and coding! It's even got its own dedicated site: Activist Checklist Contributor Guide.