🔐 Secure Messaging with Signal

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Why Signal?

Signal is end-to-end encrypted, free, and open source.
Unlike SMS, email, or most chat apps, Signal can:

• Encrypt everything (messages, calls, attachments)
• Hide your identity by using a burner number or linked device
• Erase your tracks with disappearing messages and no cloud backups
• Work offline-first (messages queue and send later)

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Getting Started

1. Download Signal

   • Android
   • iOS
   • Desktop

2. Register with a Burner Number (Recommended)

   • Use a VoIP number (like Google Voice or MySudo) or a SIM card not tied to your real identity.
   • Keep this SIM in a separate device if possible.

3. Lock It Down

   • Turn on Registration Lock PIN (Settings → Privacy → Signal PIN).
   • Enable Screen Security to block screenshots.
   • Set Disappearing Messages to 1–6 hours for sensitive chats.

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Core Features

• 1:1 Chats – fully encrypted
• Groups – up to 1,000 people (avoid big groups unless needed)
• Voice/Video Calls – encrypted, can use a VPN for extra cover
• Note to Self – a private, encrypted scratchpad
• Disappearing Messages – time-based auto-delete

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Advanced Tricks for Pods & Dispatch

🔄 Linked Devices

You can link Signal to a laptop or tablet for easier typing and file sharing.
Pro tip: Link multiple devices with the same number (via desktop clients) for team-wide access if using a shared burner number.

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🗂️ Using Labels & Pinned Chats

Organize pods by region or role:

• Use emojis to group chats (e.g., 🌲 Olympia Pod, 🚑 Medic Support).
• Pin priority chats (up to 4) so urgent channels are always at the top.

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🕵️‍♀️ Disguised Notifications

• Change notification name in your phone (so "Signal" looks like "Notes" or "Calendar").
• On Android, disable preview pop-ups and use generic icons.

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📦 File & Media Handling

• Always strip metadata before sending photos (use built-in "blur" or export features).
• Signal auto-removes EXIF (location) data — but double-check.

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🔄 Broadcasting Without a Group

For alerts that don’t reveal all recipients:

• Use Signal Broadcast Lists (create a group, then remove everyone except admins, and forward messages manually).
• Or pair with ICE Tea Dispatch tools for mass, secure alerting.

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Security Habits

• Verify Safety Numbers with trusted contacts (long press contact → Verify).
• Avoid storing chat backups on Google Drive or iCloud (they’re not encrypted).
• Restart Signal often; it clears some cached keys.
• Rotate burner numbers for high-risk roles every 6–12 months.

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When Not to Use Signal

• If your phone is confiscated or searched. Use a burner device or keep your SIM separate.
• For permanent records (Signal is designed for ephemerality). Export securely if you need logs.

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Quick Checklist

• Download Signal on phone & linked device
• Use burner number or SIM
• Enable Registration Lock & Disappearing Messages
• Join your pod & dispatch groups
• Practice sending location and media securely
• Review advanced tricks (linked devices, broadcasts, metadata handling)

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Practice Assignment

1. Create a new Signal group for your pod with disappearing messages set to 1 hour.
2. Link a desktop client and test file sharing.
3. Verify safety numbers with 2 other members.
4. Send a “burner broadcast” to 5 people without making a group visible.