Signal (and Wickr) are secure-messaging apps you can download to your smartphone.
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. Sounds fancy, but at it's core is another app you can download to your smartphone that helps prevent your online activity from being tracked and/or exploited.
Steps:
Download a VPN app (lots of free ones, I like ProtonVPN) and a secure-messaging app like Signal. These are available on the Google Play Store. Not sure about Apple.
You'll have to create your new usernames/passwords for your new accounts. Some messaging apps require a phone number. If you are uncomfortable with this, go with Wickr or download a "text message app" to get a random phone number.
Run the VPN app first, so your actions will be "masked."
Run your messaging apps/chats/etc..
Disclaimer: I am not an IT person or any flavor of hacker or computer expert. And I know there are tons of better options out there. I'm just explaining what works for me and what might actually be doable by most non-tech-savvy Pedes.
Signal (and Wickr) are secure-messaging apps you can download to your smartphone.
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. Sounds fancy, but at it's core is another app you can download to your smartphone that helps prevent your online activity from being tracked and/or exploited.
Steps:
Download a VPN app (lots of free ones, I like ProtonVPN) and a secure-messaging app like Signal. These are available on the Google Play Store. Not sure about Apple.
You'll have to create your new usernames/passwords for your new accounts. Some messaging apps require a phone number. If you are uncomfortable with this, go with Wickr or download a "text message app" to get a random phone number.
Run the VPN app first, so your actions will be "masked."
Run your messaging apps/chats/etc..
Disclaimer: I am not an IT person or any flavor of hacker or computer expert. And I know there are tons of better options out there. I'm just explaining what works for me and what might actually be doable by most non-tech-savvy Pedes.
No worries. Share with your friends and family!