by We tell you what you need to download to PC and smartphones, how to stay connected even without the Internet and protect your privacy.
Install a VPN
The first thing to do is to install a VPN on all the devices you use: smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop. There are many free services that provide a secure encrypted connection to the Web. For example, Windscribe.
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We have covered many of these VPN tools in a separate article. Some of them offer favorable connection conditions for one device, but if your work is heavily dependent on the Internet, you should consider buying paid plans and subscriptions for a stable connection on several gadgets.
Use services to bypass blocking
In addition to a VPN, it is worth installing tools to bypass blocking based on proxy servers – they will help you regain access to closed sites while maintaining privacy.One of these tools is Lantern. It automatically detects the blocked resource you are visiting and opens it through its own servers or other users' hotspots.
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The second useful service is Censor Tracker from Roskomsvoboda. It not only allows you to bypass blocking, but also informs you if the visited site is included in the register of prohibited resources in Russia.
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The third tool is Psiphon. It uses a combination of secure communication and obfuscation technologies, that is, masking and obfuscating your traces on the Web.
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Install a reliable messenger
If there is at least some kind of Internet, certain instant messengers can be selectively blocked, which will become a problem for communication with relatives and colleagues. To bypass the ban on access to the Network via Telegram, our old article will come in handy.
Signal can also use a proxy server to make traffic opaque. For this, a simple instruction is available on the website of the service itself.
For iOS, there is a free ChatSecure secure messenger, which implements strong OTR encryption via XMPP, usually recommended for protection against eavesdropping.
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Android has Briar, which doesn't rely on a central server in the cloud, but syncs all messages directly between users' devices. If the Internet is available, it works through the Tor network, keeping users anonymous.
Application not found
In the complete absence of the Internet, instant messengers that can work via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi points can help out. These tools include the previously mentioned Briar, as well as Fireside Messenger, also available only for Android.
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Bridgefy is available for both mobile platforms, working via Bluetooth with a range of about 100 meters from the user. This is an option for the most extreme case.
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Do not forget to tell relatives, friends and colleagues which messenger they need to install in order to contact you in an emergency.
Download the anonymous Tor browser
Tor browser based on a system of proxy servers, provides an anonymous exchange of information when all data is repeatedly encrypted and then sent through several network nodes. It also guarantees protection against traffic analysis mechanisms.
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In Russia, even the Tor browser site is now blocked, but you can download the program on a PC via VPN. After installation, you will need to get bridges and navigate them through the browser settings in the Tor section.
Use a light search engine
In case of interruptions with the Internet or a drop in the speed of access to the Network, it is worth looking for information with the easiest possible search engine. It's even better if it's anonymous, like DuckDuckGo Lite is. Its blank page is only 5 KB, so it will run as fast as possible.
Install offline maps
Navigating offline can be a real problem if you first maps have not been downloaded to the smartphone's memory.
In Google Maps, this can be done by clicking on your profile and going to the “Offline maps” menu item. Next, you can select the zone that you want to save for offline access.
In “Yandex.Maps” you also need to click the profile icon and select “Download maps”. Search by name to find the desired region and activate the download.
Maps.me, OsmAnd and Organic Maps services can be a convenient alternative. All of them have convenient mobile applications and detailed maps that were created with an emphasis on offline.
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Upload your data from the web
If you are afraid that due to a complete shutdown of the Internet you may lose important personal data, it is better to download everything you need right now.
Users of Google services who want to upload all files from Drive, letters from mail, and, to For example, photos can use the official tool called “Google Archiver”. There it is enough to select the data and the method of obtaining them.
iPhone and iPad owners can also request copies of all data associated with their Apple ID account. To copy information from a cloud service to a computer, there is a special instruction on the company's website.
Yandex users can also get an archive of personal information by requesting it through the personal data page.
Similarly, download message history and other information can be found in instant messengers and social networks:
- in Telegram via a PC client: “Settings” → “Advanced settings” → “Export data from Telegram”;
- in WhatsApp on a smartphone: “Settings” → “Request account information” → “Download report” after receiving (more);
- in Facebook: in the settings, open the item “Your information on Facebook” → “Download information ”;
- in Instagram, this is done through a special page of the service (choose HTML format);
- in VKontakte, click on the “Request archive” button on this page;
- On Twitter: Go to Settings & Privacy → Your Account → Download Your Data Archive
Alternatively, you can completely remove all information about yourself from the Internet, if this is an urgent need.
