August 16th, 2024

Show HN: A ninja's Handbook: A book on privacy, security, and anonymity online

"A Ninja's Handbook" emphasizes privacy as a fundamental human right under threat, linking it to security and anonymity, while promoting free access and donations to support human rights efforts.

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Show HN: A ninja's Handbook: A book on privacy, security, and anonymity online

This book, "A Ninja's Handbook," focuses on the importance of privacy and anonymity in the digital age, emphasizing that privacy is a fundamental human right that is increasingly under threat from various entities, including corporations and governments. The author argues that while some may dismiss the need for privacy as paranoia, it is essential for protecting oneself and loved ones from potential future harm. The text highlights the interconnectedness of privacy, security, and anonymity, asserting that effective data protection requires robust security measures, particularly encryption. The book is freely available under a Creative Commons license, allowing for sharing and modification, but prohibits commercial use. It is intended for individuals who value human rights and seek to protect their privacy, rather than for those with malicious intent. The author expresses a commitment to creating free content and software, inviting donations to support this work.

- The book emphasizes privacy as a fundamental human right under threat from various entities.

- It connects privacy, security, and anonymity, stressing the importance of encryption for data protection.

- "A Ninja's Handbook" is available for free under a Creative Commons license, promoting sharing and modification.

- The author aims to support human rights activists and those fighting for freedom, not individuals with malicious intent.

- Donations are welcomed to help sustain the author's efforts in creating free content and software.

Link Icon 6 comments
By @tnicks - 4 months
"In the early 2000s, a whistleblower known only as "Deep Throat" played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon." - Chapter 7

Watergate took place in the early seventies (72-74). Mark Felt was identified as Deep Throat in 2005 but was the informant in the 70s. The point on anonymity stands however.

By @unlisted7347 - 4 months
Feels like people don't care about privacy that much. Last time I told my exgf about CCTV cameras in public places and how they shouldn't be connected to a network but rather have internal storage to fit a reasonable length of recordings. Since, live CCTVs never prevent any criminal activity and they possess great threat of surveillance by state or bad actors who may get access to them.

So, she called me paranoid.

By @itohihiyt - 4 months
How does this compare to Michael Bazell's Extreme Privacy book? Apart from this being a free resource.