As a prepper, there are several scenarios that we prepare for, with one of the most critical being a disaster, natural or man-made. In case of an emergency, having reliable communication methods is vital, especially when it comes to sensitive information. In this post, we’ll discuss ways to keep your communication private and out of the hands of unintended recipients, hence the title – This Is For Your Eyes Only.
Encryption
Encryption has been around for centuries, but it has never been more crucial than it is today. Encryption is a method of scrambling messages or data to exclude unwanted access. Without the proper decryption key, any intercepted message or data appears scrambled and unreadable. Encryption can be applied to various communication methods like email, messaging apps, and voice calls.
Several encryption software applications are available, but the trick is to choose software that applies open-source encryption algorithms like AES and RSA as they’re widely regarded as some of the safest options. Examples of encryption software include Signal app, WhatsApp, and GPG encryption for email.
If you want to keep your smartphone communication private, use the Signal app. Signal is an open-source app that provides the highest level of security for voice and video calls, messages, and file transfers. It’s also available for free on all major mobile platforms, and the best part, it’s easy to use.
Code Phrases
Code phrases are simple but effective ways of communicating sensitive information. They are messages that are encrypted as regular sentences, but only the intended recipient understands the actual message. Code phrases can be verbal or written and only become tangible when pre-arranged between the sender and the receiver. A popular example is the use of “Code Red” in emergency situations.
When choosing a code phrase, ensure it’s easy to remember for both parties and preferably ambiguous to outsiders. It’s essential to test the code phrase several times with the intended recipient before using it in actual situations.
Steganography
If you want to keep your message hidden in plain sight, try steganography. Steganography is a method of hiding messages or data within other data like images, audio, or videos. In other words, the message is within the image, but it’s not visible to the naked eye.
A classic example of steganography is the use of invisible ink during World War II. Similarly, you can use steganography software or apps to hide your data. Examples of steganography software include OpenStego and SilentEye.
One of the most common applications of steganography today is the use of image steganography. For instance, you can hide a message within an image by using an app that changes the least significant bits of the image’s color components. To the naked eye, the image remains the same, but the hidden information is only accessible through a steganography app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your communication private and secure is essential not only for preppers but for everyone. Methods like encryption, code phrases, and steganography can help you keep your sensitive information secure and out of reach of unintended recipients. With the advancement of technology, encrypting your data has never been easier, but the choice of encryption protocol is crucial. When choosing algorithm software, always go open-source as it’s assessed to be highly secure. Code phrases and steganography are also effective means of communication, but they require some preparation beforehand. Finally, always remember to test your secure communication channels several times before using them in real emergencies.
