Most "security tips" only scratch the surface. This site explains honestly what makes a smartphone secure, what your options are – and shows you, step by step, the path to GrapheneOS, currently the strongest solution for most people who care about data sovereignty.
Honestly? This site grew out of pure self-interest. 🙂 At some point I just got tired of piecing everything together by hand – guides over here, app tips over there, a forum post somewhere else, and next time the hunting started all over again.
So I gathered everything I find important for a smartphone that I personally consider appropriately secure and private, in one place: what "secure" even means, what the options are, the path to GrapheneOS, setting up profiles and the right software.
And because privacy matters to more and more people, I can now simply say: "Take a look at this one page – that's all you need for now." 😉 A private hobby project, no ads, no tracking, no ulterior motives.
Two terms that constantly get mixed up – even though they mean different things. A good smartphone needs both.
Protects your device from attackers: malware, theft, exploits, data being skimmed off the lock screen. It's about making sure no one gets to your data without permission.
Protects you from corporations and services collecting, profiling and selling your behavior. Even a technically "secure" iPhone constantly sends data to manufacturers and apps.
For exactly how I define and rate security, privacy and effort, see the concise breakdown in the options comparison.
"Secure" isn't a product; it depends on what you want to protect yourself from. Before you install anything, answer this question for yourself.
You want out of the data-collection machine and less tracking. → Even Google-free apps and conscious app use help a lot.
Journalist, activist, sensitive professions. You need real separation of identities and protection against targeted attacks. → GrapheneOS with profiles.
You want the technically best available platform, modern exploit protection and full control. → GrapheneOS, possibly entirely without Google.
The good news: the recommended path is the same for all three groups – only the consistency with which you follow it differs.
This is how the site is structured – and the best way to proceed.
iPhone, stock Android, /e/OS, CalyxOS, GrapheneOS – honestly compared.
02From buying the Pixel to a fully set-up device – step by step.
03Google-free main profile, second profile "Google in a Box" for on the go.
04F-Droid, Aurora or Obtainium? Plus the best apps for every purpose.