Keep 'Big Brother' at bay

Internet, email, computer security

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Welcome to a bunch of data links re: securing your information/ internet life. I have built this simple ‘tutorial’ to help those concerned about computer safety, as we head into a "Brave New World" where our personal privacy is likely to come under increased political & governmental threat.

I am not about to claim the mantle of 'security guru', sorry. I am, however, a guy who has some 50+ years of software engineering experience. I am, also, a guy who believes very strongly in personal privacy and free-speech.

With those givens, I am happy to share a curated list of internet resources that should provide you with a basic understanding of personal computing security issues. With any luck, this document will provide you with ideas and materials from which to construct a 'more secure and private' computing environment.

I have grouped links, roughly by subject area. Be advised there is considerable over-lap 'everywhere' in this article. It is unavoidable. Also, know that the materials here are only intended to help get you started.

There are thousands of additional freely available articles and tutorials across the internet. Do not refrain from looking further. Explore as you need, or as the spirit moves you.

Here is the curated list of materials I promised.

Computer Security Basics

• Cybersecurity Made Simple: Computer Security Fundamentals

• An Ultimate Guide to Cyber Security for Beginners

• Basic Computer Security: How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves

• Computer Security Day

Online (Internet Browsing) Computer Security

• 12 Simple Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online

• 9 Tips to Safely Browse the Web

• 10 Essential Apps for Ironclad Online Privacy

• The best internet security suites in 2025

VPN Basics

• Best VPN for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Secure and Private Browsing

• VPN for Beginners Demystified: Discover the Best Picks for Your Online Security

Data Encryption

• What is Data Encryption?

• Data Encryption Explained: Benefits, Methods, Best Practices

Email Security

• Email Security Best Practices: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Communication

• 21 Email Security Best Practices Every Professional Must Know

• Securing Your Communication: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Encrypt Email

• How to encrypt your emails: An easy-to-follow guide on email encryption

Government Spying

• The WIRED Guide to Protecting Yourself From Government Surveillance

• Ways the government is watching you and what you can do to protect your privacy

• What to Do on iPhone to Stop Government Spying

I'm almost certain I have forgotten to provide needed clues and pointers. Please let me know what you would like to see added.

A reader requested the following addition. It is a for fee non-fiction text:

• Means of Control by Byron Tau