Physical Security

Public records are documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and relate to government activities. Examples of public records includes information pertaining to births, deaths, marriages, and documented transaction with government agencies. It means that even if you follow each and every advice in all sections of this checklist, your government will still have, and publish, and leak some information about your, your closest relatives or co-habitants. Then your data ends in numerous databases, and can be requested through software like CLEAR. In a modern world it's extremely hard to be untraced, so don't expect you are, keep low profile and stay prepared.

Assume your voice call is recorded, automatically analysed and transcribed, labeled and saved – unless you use open source verified communication software that keeps the talk encrypted, and you verified the encryption keys with your interlocutor.

Sometimes when you try to enter a foreign country which neglects digital privacy rights (e.g. USA, Australia, New Zealand) you may be required by a border officer to unlock your laptop/smartphone for inspection. This is a potentially difficult situation, which EFF describes as no-win in their Border Guide. During this process you may be separated from your devices for an undefined amount of time and will have zero control on what's happening with your data during the inspection and after it. A digital copy of all device contents may be taken without a warrant, your knowledge or explicit consent. If you refuse to disclose your PIN/password, most probably you will be detained and denied entry to the country and your device may still be "temporarily" confiscated to be processed by special digital forensics tools.

Shred sensitive documents before disposal to protect against identity theft and maintain confidentiality. Don't just put them in trash, burn if required. Your old flash drives and hard drives still store your data, unless you go through a proper timely wipe process, not a quick formatting. The smartphone which you deem unrepairable still has your data in memory on chip.

Ensure physical security of locations storing documents and devices, minimizing external access and using automated intrusion detection. This includes the installation of safes, exchanging contacts with neighbors, learning what alarm systems can and cannot do, and installing what makes sense in your case.

Social unrest, technogenic catastrophes, climatic extremes can return the society around you into 18th century and beyond very fast. Always have a supply of water, food and your medicines. 7 days reserve is enough, if situation becomes really bad you should consider evacuation, not preparation.

Acquire basic first aid training and learn how to respond to common injuries or emergencies. Consider taking certified CPR and first aid courses, and maintain a well-stocked first aid kit both at home and on the go.

Store important documents (IDs, passports, legal papers) in a durable, easy-to-carry bag. Prepare an additional bag with critical items or at least learn which essentials to include to purchase some of the items on occasion.

Develop a contingency plan (Plan B) in case conditions in your country deteriorate dramatically. Research potential safe havens, understand relocation logistics, and establish clear steps for an emergency evacuation or long-term relocation.

Verify that every family member’s passport or travel document is current and unexpired. Maintain digital copies of all important documents in a secure location that can be accessed remotely in case of an emergency.

Car may look like something private and safe, but locks and alarms in it won't guarantee security. Do not leave any valuable belongings or devices in the car. Always enable the central lock right after all passengers are inside. If you absolutely need to leave something in your car regularly: prepare a place for it, additional locks and metal boxes should be installed, or non-manufacturer compartments added.