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Privacy August 27, 2026

Counter-Surveillance: Where to Start

Counter-surveillance sounds intimidating. It isn’t. It’s simply the practice of understanding what surveillance exists around you and making informed decisions based on that knowledge. Here’s how to start.

Step 1: Understand your environment

Open Sentinel and look at your area:

  • What types of cameras are near your home?
  • What’s on your daily commute?
  • Where are the ALPR readers on your routes?
  • Are there any facial recognition deployments nearby?

Most people are surprised by how much surveillance infrastructure exists in their area.

Step 2: Audit your digital exposure

  • Browser: Install Shield to see how many trackers are blocked on your regular websites
  • Phone: Review app permissions (Settings > Privacy). How many apps have location access?
  • Accounts: Check haveibeenpwned.com for your email addresses
  • Data brokers: Search yourself on Spokeo, WhitePages, and BeenVerified

Step 3: Make easy improvements

Digital (10 minutes each):

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your email and password manager
  • Install a password manager and start using unique passwords
  • Switch to a private search engine
  • Review and tighten social media privacy settings

Physical (awareness, no tools needed):

  • Notice cameras in places you frequent
  • Be aware of ALPR cameras on your routes
  • Check your vehicle for unfamiliar Bluetooth devices
  • Understand that public WiFi is monitored

Step 4: Build a layered approach

Based on your threat model (who are you concerned about?), add layers:

  • Basic: Password manager + Shield + 2FA
  • Moderate: Add VPN + Signal + Sentinel awareness + phone permission audit
  • Advanced: Add Faraday bag + route planning + TSCM awareness + separate devices

Common mistakes

  • Going too far too fast: Don’t try to change everything at once
  • Security theater: Don’t use a VPN while logged into Google (it doesn’t help)
  • Ignoring physical surveillance: Digital privacy without physical awareness is incomplete
  • Paranoia vs. awareness: Counter-surveillance is about informed decisions, not fear

The right mindset

Counter-surveillance isn’t about hiding. It’s about choosing when and how you’re visible. You don’t need to evade every camera. You need to understand the system well enough to make conscious choices.

Start simple. Build over time. Every step increases your awareness.

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