Below are a handful of service providers and applications that I use almost daily.
- Services:
- Proton – Secure and encrypted e-mail, VPN, file storage, password manager, multifactor authentication, etc. all focused on privacy. Both free and paid options.
- Proton Authenticator – Great for mutlifactor authentication (MFA). I previously recommended Authy but they do not support extraction of the TOTP secrets once stored. While this may be favorable for security arguments, it does make portability, recovery, etc. a challenge without resetting your MFA if you ever want to change solutions or have a problem with Authy.
- SimpleLogin – Now powered by Proton, this is an anonymous e-mail service. Good for setting up “aliases” to establish isolation and privacy. Paid accounts can even reply-to and use custom domains, catchalls, etc.
- Signal – Encrypted messaging. Open source, peer-reviewed, and free.
- MySudo – Privacy focused app with a lot to offer. Encrypted messaging to other Sudo users, allows for creation of e-mail forwarders, and has voice/text functions with a paid subscription.
- File.io – Free ephemeral file sharing, anonymous (no login).
- Apps:
- Veracrypt – Free offline disk and container-based encryption software, open source, & cross platform. A “must-have” for flash drives and removable media.
- Keepass XC – Free offline password manager, encrypted databases, open source. For even better protection, put this database in a Veracrypt container too!
- Virtualbox – Free virtualization solution from Oracle. I run this exclusively for my home lab, research, and testing.
- Veeam Community – Backup solution with encryption, deduplication, compression, & more for Windows & Linux.
- Physical tools: EDC – “Every day carry”
- Yubikey – Yubikeys are solid and I strongly recommend them for multi factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Mine has been through many careless situations and still operates well. I recommend a “5 series” or at least a “Security Key” for NFC.
- Leatherman Skeletool – 7-in-1 multitool. Knife is on the outside for quick use, good pliers, and 2 screwdriver bits. I’ve had the same one for 10+ years.
- Portable storage devices – I carry a high-speed USB 3.2 flash drive with me, loaded with Ventoy and several operating systems live/installers, tools, and forensics. I typically keep a portable SSD/NVMe with me to compliment. Sandisk’s Extreme series has served me well, but any name brand will do. Don’t forget to encrypt and back these up!
- USB-C to USB adapter – I keep one my key ring, it’s a life saver… especially for the above Yubikey! I also keep a USB to USB-C in my bag for just-in-case charging, older PCs, etc.
- RovyVon A3 Flashlight – This keychain / mini flashlight is about the size of an AA battery, its charge lasts for over a month with minimal use, survived a few drops, and it’s like a mini spotlight on “high” mode (650lm).
- Covert Instruments Lockpicks – This is NOT an EDC but I do keep these handy with my work tools. I have found 80% of what I’ve ever needed to do (practically speaking anyway) is covered with the Genesis pick set. The Echelon set is a great add for narrow keyways.
Beyond only EDC, having a variety of the “tools-of-the-trade”, ready to use, and tested is great. However, you also need to know how to use those tools! The worst time to find out something doesn’t work or that you don’t know to use it… is exactly when you need it.