The OPSEC of Protesting: Activist Privacy & Digital Security
Ochaun Marshall outlines operational security (OPSEC) for civil rights activists, analyzing mobile surveillance threats, burner devices, and encrypted communications.
Summary
The Surveillance Landscape Facing Modern Activists
Civil rights demonstrations and public protests face pervasive surveillance—ranging from automated license plate readers and facial recognition to cell-site simulators (IMSI catchers).
Threat Modeling for Public Demonstrations
Ochaun Marshall establishes practical threat models for organizers, participants, and support personnel before, during, and after public actions.
Practical OPSEC and Device Hardening
Marshall provides actionable digital hygiene practices—including disabling biometrics, utilizing Signal with disappearing messages, and managing location telemetry.
Incident Response and Legal Support Preparedness
The author details emergency device wipe protocols, legal contact preparations, and community support coordination.
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