Device Security

Your phone is your most vulnerable point. If seized, it contains messages, contacts, location history, and more. Secure it.

Phone Lock

Enable a Strong Lock

Your phone must have a lock screen. Options:

Method	Strength	Notes
6+ digit PIN	Good	Avoid obvious patterns (123456, birthdate)
Alphanumeric password	Better	Harder to shoulder-surf
Biometric + PIN	Best	Convenient but can be compelled

BIOMETRICS AND THE LAW

In some jurisdictions, you can be compelled to unlock your phone with fingerprint or face, but not with a PIN. Consider disabling biometrics in high-risk situations.

Auto-Lock

Set your phone to lock quickly:

• iPhone: Settings → Display → Auto-Lock → 30 seconds
• Android: Settings → Security → Screen Lock → Auto-lock → 15-30 seconds

Emergency Lock

Know how to quickly lock/disable your phone:

• iPhone: Press side button 5 times (requires PIN, disables Face ID)
• Android: Varies by device — learn yours

Encryption

Modern phones are encrypted by default, but verify:

• iPhone: Enabled automatically when you set a passcode
• Android: Settings → Security → Encryption (should say “Encrypted”)

Encryption means data is unreadable without your PIN — but only if your phone is locked.

Signal Configuration

Signal is our primary communication tool. Configure it for security:

Required Settings

Open Signal → Settings → Privacy:

• Screen Lock: Require PIN/biometric to open Signal
• Screen Security: Block screenshots
• Registration Lock: Prevent SIM-swap attacks
• Read Receipts: Consider OFF (reduces metadata)
• Typing Indicators: Consider OFF

Disappearing Messages

Set a default for all conversations:

• Signal Settings → Privacy → Default Disappearing Messages → 1 week (or less)

For sensitive conversations, use 1 day or 1 hour.

Safety Number Verification

Verify safety numbers with key contacts (in person or video call):

1. Open conversation
2. Tap contact name
3. Tap “View Safety Number”
4. Compare numbers

This confirms you’re talking to the real person, not an impersonator.

Other Apps

Remove Unnecessary Apps

Apps collect data. Only keep what you need.

Review App Permissions

Regularly check which apps have access to:

• Location
• Contacts
• Camera/Microphone
• Storage

Remove permissions that aren’t necessary.

Location Services

Be intentional about location:

• Disable location for apps that don’t need it
• Consider disabling entirely during sensitive activities
• Remember: phones can still be located via cell towers

Cloud Backups

The Risk

Cloud backups (iCloud, Google) can be accessed by law enforcement with proper legal process. This includes your message history.

Signal and Backups

• iOS: Signal messages are NOT included in iCloud backups (good)
• Android: Signal has its own encrypted backup system — don’t use Google’s

Consider Disabling Cloud Backup

For highest security, disable cloud backups entirely — but know you’ll lose data if you lose your phone.

Device for Cell Activities

Separate Device (Ideal)

If possible, use a separate phone for cell activities:

• Prepaid phone purchased with cash
• Registered to a Google Voice or similar number
• Contains only Signal and necessary apps
• Never connected to your identity

Shared Device (Reality)

Most people use their personal phone. That’s okay if you:

• Follow all security practices strictly
• Are comfortable with the risk
• Keep cell activities compartmentalized from personal life

If Your Phone is Lost or Seized

See If Compromised for detailed response.

Immediate steps:

1. Alert your segment lead via alternate means
2. Assume all content on the phone is accessible
3. Other members should be notified if necessary

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