Digital Security Basics
Learn the foundations of secure communication and digital safety in the ICE Tea Network.
🔐 Digital Security Basics
Digital security isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the frontline of community safety. From the moment a report is made to the time a responder takes action, our data can be targeted.
This module gives you the tools and habits needed to protect yourself, your team, and the people we show up for.
Warning
If we aren’t thinking about security, we’re making someone else vulnerable.
Core Practices
At a minimum, everyone participating in ICE Tea field or digital roles should be using:
- 📱 Signal for all messaging
- 📧 Proton Mail for secure email
- 📷 Metadata removal from all shared photos or videos
- 🛜 VPNs or local-only tools like Tailscale for coordination
If any of these are new to you — don’t stress. Start where you are. Level up together.
Why Signal?
Signal is:
- End-to-end encrypted (even Signal can’t read your messages)
- Open-source and vetted by privacy orgs
- Used by everyone from journalists to dissidents to ICE Tea teams
Use Signal for:
- Dispatch alerts
- Role assignment
- Internal check-ins
- Sharing sensitive observations
Rabbit Hole
💬 Want to learn how Signal works? → Search: “Signal protocol explained EFF”
Why Proton?
Proton Mail is a secure email service based in Switzerland (outside U.S. jurisdiction) that offers:
- End-to-end encrypted inboxes
- No ads, tracking, or metadata harvesting
- Calendar + Drive options for future collaboration
Only use Proton accounts for any ICE Tea–related messages, photos, or docs. Keep Gmail out of it.
Stripping Metadata from Media
Every photo you take includes hidden data like:
- Location (GPS)
- Timestamp
- Device info
That data can expose people — or places they’re protecting.
Easy Ways to Remove Metadata:
- Use built-in “Export As” or “Save for Web” on mobile
- Use apps like ScrambledExif (Android) or Metapho (iOS)
- If needed: send via Signal, which strips metadata automatically
Hint
Before sharing a photo or video, ask:
“Could this expose someone’s location, face, or phone info?”
What Not to Do
- ❌ Don’t share screenshots of chat logs
- ❌ Don’t upload videos to public Google Drives or YouTube
- ❌ Don’t use unencrypted texting for field logistics
Even “private” groups can be subpoenaed or leaked. Assume nothing is safe unless it’s encrypted.
Security Habits for the Field
- ✅ Lock your device with a passcode (not fingerprint or face unlock)
- ✅ Turn off auto cloud backups for Signal and Proton
- ✅ Use encrypted storage for notes or observations (Standard Notes, Proton Drive)
- ✅ Practice offline mode in case of no signal
Rabbit Hole
🧠 Want to go deeper? → Check out the full “Encryption 101” or “Secure Ops” certification track (coming soon)
Success
You don’t need to be a hacker to protect your team. Just start with Signal, Proton, and awareness.
📘 Knowledge Check
Which app should you use for all dispatch-related messaging in ICE Tea?
Photos taken on your phone include GPS and device info by default.
Which of the following are good digital security habits?
What is the best way to send a photo that removes metadata automatically?
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