Ghost Mode: Systemic Digital Hardening for Intermediate Users

6:48 PM

privacy , cybersecurity , digital-sovereignty , encryption , zero-trust , vpn , linux , open-source-tools , anonymity , systems-thinking


For the past month, I have been working steadily towards securing all of my data from surveillance and becoming an online ghost. It’s a lot of work, but definitely worth the learning process. I have never attempted to fully lock down every aspect of my digital life and digital privacy before, so it’s been a great mental exercise to consider every possible element that goes into identifying someone online and gaining access to data about them.

This guide documents the system that came out of that process.

1. Core principles

Security scales when it is designed as a system. For deeper context on several of these terms, see NIST Zero Trust, CISA MFA Basics, and EFF on Encryption.

  • Zero trust. Verify every component and path.

  • Entropy. Long, unique passphrases outperform tool stacking.

  • Compartmentalization. Treat devices, accounts, and datasets as separate.

  • Zero knowledge encryption. Providers cannot view content.

  • Jurisdictional distance. Prefer privacy friendly legal regions.

  • Isolation. Keep personal, professional, and anonymous layers distinct.

  • Sync chains. Prefer device to device sync instead of identity bound accounts.

2. Functional stack

Encrypted cloud storage

Private DNS

Encrypted email

Email aliases

Secure messaging

Password management

Two factor authenticators

Passkeys and hardware security keys

Passkeys are platform or hardware backed FIDO credentials. Hardware keys are a passkey form factor.

VPN services

WireGuard is a protocol. Choose a service you trust.

Office suites

Browsers

Operating systems

Location spoofing

3. Step by step implementation

Step 1: Platform hardening

  1. Set firmware and BIOS passwords.

  2. Enable full disk encryption. On Linux, also encrypt swap.

  3. Turn on Secure Boot.

  4. Keep background services lean. Disable hardware interfaces you do not need and keep USB ports locked when idle.

  5. Create separate OS user profiles for personal, work, and anonymous roles.

Step 2: Network layer

  1. Configure private DNS such as Quad9 or NextDNS.

  2. Subscribe to a trusted VPN service such as Proton VPN, MEGA VPN, or Mullvad and route all traffic through it.

  3. Randomize MAC address on each Wi Fi connection.

  4. Review DNS logs to spot anomalies. NextDNS and many routers provide simple views.

  5. Keep jurisdiction in mind when selecting exit regions.

Step 3: Identity separation

  1. Create isolated accounts for each role.

  2. Use SimpleLogin or Firefox Relay for email aliases and forwarding.

  3. Use strong, unique passphrases for each account and store them in Bitwarden, Proton Pass, or MEGA Pass.

  4. Enroll passkeys on platforms and keep at least one hardware key as a backup.

  5. Use separate phone numbers for verification with VOIP or prepaid lines when appropriate.

Step 4: Storage and backup

  1. Store active data in Proton Drive or MEGA with client side encryption in mind.

  2. Keep offline backups on encrypted external drives and test restoration on a schedule.

  3. Rotate keys or passwords on a cadence that matches your threat model.

Step 5: Permissions and sensors

  1. Grant permissions only when a function needs them.

  2. Keep camera, microphone, and GPS inactive until required.

  3. Use mock location for apps that request location without an operational reason.

Step 6: Browsers and sessions

  1. In Brave, Firefox, or Chromium, block third party cookies and disable prefetch.

  2. Set strict fingerprinting resistance where available.

  3. Use separate browser profiles per role.

  4. Clear session data on exit for anonymous profiles.
    Reference: Mozilla anti tracking

Step 7: Messaging and email

  1. Use Signal or Session for end to end chat, and MEGA Chat when you want storage tie in.

  2. Use Proton Mail for encrypted email.

  3. Place public facing forms and newsletters behind aliases with SimpleLogin or Relay.

Step 8: Two factor and passkeys

  1. Use Aegis, andOTP, FreeOTP, or Raivo for offline TOTP codes.

  2. Prefer passkeys for supported services.

  3. Keep at least two hardware keys registered and stored in separate locations.

Step 9: Maintenance rhythm

  1. Monthly review of accounts, device profiles, VPN and DNS provider policies, and backup status.

  2. Quarterly review of browser extensions, startup services, and permissions.

  3. Regular alias rotation for high exposure workflows.

4. Structural advantage

A system built on entropy, isolation, and verification resists correlation. Each component reinforces the rest. As services evolve, this structure adapts without losing clarity or control.

5. System checklist

✅ Firmware and BIOS passwords set
✅ Full disk encryption and Secure Boot enabled
✅ VPN and private DNS configured
✅ Passkeys and hardware keys enrolled
✅ Password manager in place and unique passphrases used
✅ Email aliases active for exposure points
✅ Secure messaging apps adopted
✅ Encrypted cloud plus offline encrypted backups
✅ Browser profiles separated by role
✅ Monthly and quarterly reviews scheduled

This is a living system. Keep it simple, keep it disciplined, keep it consistent. When the structure holds, your signal stays yours.









Share This Story

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

I'm crunchy on the outside with a soft, chewy center. A mega nerd with a passion for learning, life, and knowing (plus improving!) one's inner self.

You Might Also Like

0 comments