The Lockdown - Practical Privacy & Security
Welcome to The Lockdown. Privacy doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. The inability to attain extreme levels of privacy shouldn’t deter one from taking any protective measures at all. The show is hosted by Ray Heffer, an expert in the field of privacy and cybersecurity, with each episode touching on a range of topics such as data privacy, password management, and secure browsing habits. Tin-foil hats are optional!
Episodes
In this episode, I address listener feedback and corrections regarding use of public Wi-Fi, MAC addresses, and aliases. I dive deep into the nuances of MAC address randomization on GrapheneOS versus Apple’s private Wi-Fi addresses, explaining why GrapheneOS offers superior privacy protection. I discuss the real threats of public Wi-Fi in 2025 (hint: it’s not hackers with Wireshark), and share my approach with aliases.
I als...
In this episode, I explore the difference between the military mindset and the more stealth approach of minimization in cybersecurity. I share the results from the Ghost in the Source Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, revealing how the winners cracked the AES encryption using dictionary attacks, keyword harvesting and the cipher tool hidden in robots.txt. I discuss why the “assume breach” mentality just leaves the doors wi...
In this episode, I discuss three key strategies for maintaining privacy and security across your physical mailbox, email, and phone. I discuss the growing Matrix community, explore alternative mailing solutions using co-working spaces, detail a four-tier email strategy, and examine the concerning spread of Flock ALPR cameras. I also share insights on anonymous eSIM options and answer listener questions about dealing with K...
In this episode, I discuss breaking free from the Apple ecosystem, the dangers of social media oversharing, and introduce our new Matrix community. I also cover the upcoming capture the flag challenge, share thoughts on the OSINT Defense & Security Framework progress, and rant about security theater at airports and online services that block VPNs.
In this week’s episode:
- Apple’s $95 million lawsuit and the ecosystem ...
In this brief episode between travels, I announce the “Ghost in the Source” capture the flag challenge, a cryptographic hunt on my website starting June 21st, 2025. At the end of June I will pick 3 lucky winners which will receive a 6-month TryHackMe subscription voucher. I also provide an update on our new Matrix community.
In this week’s episode:
- Announcing the “Ghost in the Source” CTF challenge
- Challenge details and r...
In this episode, I explore the privacy implications of using AI apps like ChatGPT and Claude on mobile devices. I discuss why ChatGPT’s requirement for Google Play Store login and audio recording storage led me to Claude on my GrapheneOS device. I also cover my daily app setup, Windows telemetry blocking with SimpleWall, macOS privacy with Little Snitch, and the potential of System76 Linux laptops.
In this week’s episode:
In this episode, I discuss what has been keeping me away from the mic, the Open Source Intelligence Defense and Security Framework (ODSF), and share updates on privacy topics including browser security, autonomous taxis, airport security cameras, and managing cryptocurrency. I also address listener questions about anonymous SIM cards and creating separate online identities.
Official Website: https://psysecure.com
In this wee...
In this episode, we dive into Apple’s latest privacy retreat with the removal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for iCloud in the UK. We break down why Apple made this move, how ADP works, and what it means for users who care about encryption and data security. If you’re in the UK and using Apple’s ecosystem, this episode is a must-listen as I cover strategies to keep your data secure despite Apple’s decision.
In this week’...
In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into Session, a private messaging app, with its co-founder Kee Jefferys. We discuss the philosophy behind Session, its technical architecture, and the broader implications of privacy in a world increasingly hostile to anonymous communication. Kee shares insights on the importance of decentralized networks, the risks of phone number-based messaging, and the role of cryptocurrency ...
In this week's episode we dive deep into both the psychological and privacy implications of social media apps. I reflect on my observations during recent travels, and explore how social media platforms are distorting human connections while simultaneously collecting vast amounts of personal data.
The episode also tackles the technical aspects of email systems to the limitations of encrypted messaging apps, providing practic...
This week on The Lockdown, The Practical Privacy & Security Podcast, we’re kicking off the new year with reflections, updates, and a deep dive into key privacy issues that are shaping 2025. From privacy settings on iOS and GrapheneOS, to AI assistants and their potential privacy pitfalls, this episode covers practical advice, insights, and solutions for everyday users. Additionally, I explore new state-level privacy la...
In this episode I speak with Luke Mulks, who is the VP of Business Operations at Brave Software. We discuss the privacy concerns over traditional web-based ads, and why Brave is offering a privacy-first alternative.
Show Links:
- Brave Software: https://brave.com/podcast/
- The Brave Technologist Podcast: https://brave.com/podcast/
"Well who's gonna monitor the monitors of the monitors?" - Carla Dean (Enemy of the Stat...
In this episode, we go back to the basics as I discuss what I would do today if I were starting from scratch. It begins with deleting social media accounts, especially Facebook. Additionally, we have an update from Optery in response to listener feedback.
We discuss tools like LibreWolf, Brave, and GrapheneOS, and compare privacy approaches for mobile devices, including Pixel and iPhone. A segment is dedicated to starting a...
In this episode, recorded on October 10, 2024, I dive into privacy and security during natural disasters, highlighting essential tools like iOS 18’s satellite messaging and Starlink for maintaining communication when traditional systems fail. Next I dive into self-hosting in depth, particularly focusing on Nextcloud for privacy-conscious file sync. The episode concludes with a detailed analysis of a critical vulnerability ...
In this episode, we have a special guest, Tyler Murphy, co-founder of EasyOptOuts, a data removal service focused on helping people remove their personal information from publicly accessible people search sites. Tyler discusses the inspiration behind EasyOptOuts, the challenges of maintaining privacy in a world of constant data breaches, and offers insights into data removal from various brokers. This conversation is packe...
In today’s show, I discuss the National Public Data (NPD) breach, which contains 2.7 billion records, including the social security numbers of US residents. I cover how to check if your SSN is part of the breach and emphasize the importance of setting up a credit freeze for yourself and your kids. I also explore some useful tools for searching large datasets and share my thoughts on a Reddit post.
In this week's episode:
This week I respond to a few listener questions, primarily around the use of social media as a privacy enthusiast. Love it or hate it, you can guess which camp I'm in, social media like LinkedIn has almost become a requirement for job searches, employers, and connecting with other professionals. I also touch on OPSEC for OSINT, a new talk track I am planning to present in the future. It's important for all of us to maintai...
In this week’s show, I take a deeper dive into Apple’s iCloud Private Relay, discussing who should and who shouldn’t use it. I then discuss my latest article, “The Complete Setup Guide to pfSense for Privacy and Security,” and the benefits of an always-on VPN. Lastly, for those who are parents, I offer a discussion on privacy for kids and some non-invasive techniques for protecting them online.
In this week's episode:
- I...
This week we go back to the basics of privacy and security for the average Joe or Jane, and discuss the latest iPhone settings for privacy. I also discuss the Twilio Authy API abuse that resulted in 33 million phone numbers for Authy accounts being exposed. Huge thank you to the Patreon supporters!
In this week's episode:
- Back to the basics
- Advice for the 'average Joe'
- The Twilio Authy API breach
- iPhone privacy settings
- L...
After escaping to the mountains and living like a recluse for the past few months, I am back. In this week's show, I discuss my latest experiences in purchasing a home and titling in a living trust, along with the potential obstacles with title deeds and mortgage lenders, and avoiding data breaches with utility companies. I also revisit GrapheneOS after using it daily for the past year, and answer listener questions.
In thi...
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