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@ GHOST
2025-02-07 00:39:21
# Details on how to use a Burner Phone
Mobile phones are needed for communications when out in the world but they are a nightmare for privacy and security as detailed in <MISSIVE /07> especially when it comes to surveillance risks. This is more of a hands on guide for how to mitigate those risks.
Burner phones as the name describes is a use and "burn" device either for a single operation or for a longer period if proper precautions are taken. In case you are unaware what I mean by a burner phone; cell phones can be purchased from big box stores, gas stations, and kiosks in cash without a contract. They are usually not very expense and enable you to buy prepaid cards to use for phone and internet service.
Getting a Burner Phone:
1. Best to use a store out of town but not mandatory.
2. Do not take any electronics with you, especially another phone.
3. Park down the street in another parking lot near the store and walk over. Be mindful of security cameras.
4. Cover any tattoos or identifying marks. Wear a hat and a medical mask. (Thank you covid)
5. Use cash only to buy.
6. Leave, do not shop or buy anything else.
Setting up Burner Phone:
1. Go somewhere with free public WIFI (Starbucks, Library, whatever)
2. Do not take any electronics with you, especially another phone.
3. Open package and follow directions to activate using the public WIFI access.
4. Choose a random area code during setup.
5. Create a new random gmail account. (Do not reuse accounts or names)
6. Download and install a VPN, Signal or SimpleX, Firefox Focus Browser, Tor if needed. Delete any other unnecessary apps.
7. Change phone settings (see list)
8. Turn off and remove battery if able to (becoming harder to find) or put into a Faraday Bag.
9. Destroy packaging that came with the phone.
Phone Settings:
1. Turn off hotspot and tethering. Enable Always on VPN and Block Connections without VPN. Set DNS to automatic.
2. Turn off bluetooth and WIFI.
3. Disable all notifications, notification history, notifications on lock screen, and emergency alerts.
4. Turn off all sounds and vibrations.
5. Turn off Find my Device. Setup screen lock with password. (No bio)
6. Toggle everything in privacy: no permissions, turn off microphone, turn off usage and diagnostics, etc
7. Set Use Location to off.
8. Under Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard > Gboard > Advanced: disable usage statistics, personalizing, and improve voice and typing for everyone.
Using a Burner Phone:
1. Never sign into any account associated with your real identity.
2. Never use it to contact anyone associated with your real identity.
3. Time and distance between burner phone and any other cell phone you own.
i.e. A hour has passed and several miles from when you use and had on the other device.
4. When not in use the battery is removed or in a Faraday Bag.
5. Always use a VPN and always use private search and browser set to delete upon closing (Firefox Focus default).
6. Never actually call or text from the phone. You only want to use SimpleX or Signal for communications.
7. Do not save anything (files, pictures, history) on the phone, especially if incriminating.
8. Do not take it with you or use unless necessary.
9. When in doubt, burn it and get another one.
10. Never carry over names, accounts, whatever from old burner phone to new burner phone.
Burning a phone:
1. Factory reset the device.
2. Remove and destroy the SIM card.
3. Remove the battery because lithium batteries can explode. (may have to take it apart)
4. Smash internals.
5. Burn remains or drown in water. (Throw it in the river)
As long as you are careful to never identify yourself with the burner phone the only surveillance they can do is know that a phone was used or in a location but not who it belongs to. Be aware that if you are caught with it on your person any information or contacts on the phone may get compromised. Be mindful what you put on it.