this post was submitted on 26 Aug 2023
-80 points (8.3% liked)

Privacy

31949 readers
694 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

Chat rooms

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

You may have heard of the "Countering Violent Extremism" program under DHS.

They've deployed the tactics used to fight terrorists against domestic citizens. For example, incels. When I posted on the web forum incels dot is, I didn't know it was Department of Homeland Security operation against men who say they are romantically deprived. I didn't know I was interacting with larping feds who encourage extremist rhetoric. Consequently I was put on a watchlist and am subject to intrusive monitoring.

I share a lot of my experience here.

https://twitter.com/WrongedIncel

My question is, my computer is hacked by them and they are privy to my computer activity -- as in, right now, they're seeing me type this post. How can I get these rats out of my computer? I just run Windows 11.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Melody@lemmy.one 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Assuming you're right and you have this level of compromise; assume that all of your current computing devices are compromised. This means your computer, smartphone, smartwatch, other Smart IoT devices all need to be shut down and shoved into a bin or drawer.

Your best solution is to scrap all your current computers and start from scratch...build your own PC and install your favorite flavor of Linux on it. Kill your postpaid wireless service; and buy prepaid service line(s) instead; after buying a new unlocked phone that you have flashed something like LineageOS on to.

Furthermore you need to completely kill your internet identity and come back on with an entirely new identity online. New username, new interests, new emails, new everything. Ideally you'd set everything up using Tor...and pay for everything you'd need; such as a VPN; with bitcoin or cash. Never pay with a card; as that can be traced.

In the meantime; While you are scrapping your current tech for more secure and privacy respecting tech and slowly cycling your identity online out for a new one...Please seek a counselor or therapist. I'm not going to say that you are mentally unwell; but I think you need to seek some guidance on your state of mind to ensure you're not going to end up jumping at your own shadows. Anxiety can be a bitch; especially social anxieties. Work with your medical care providers to rule out any instability you could be facing.

Once you've replaced all your tech with tech that respects your privacy; I would hope that would remove a load off of your mind and give you less reason to be afraid or paranoid when online...which will help you to seek more healthy communities which can also help you aim to improve your life in general, share your struggles safely with, and aren't filled with dangerous individuals who get you placed under unwanted scrutiny.

Really all you need to do is quit visiting the communities that are filled with the extremist rhetoric. I get that you may not be an extremist yourself; and that you may be trying to subconsciously escape a very toxic community and get out from under unwanted legal scrutiny so you can start fresh.

As long as you can avoid becoming a regular of these problematic communities; you can typically avoid being in the crosshairs of overzealous Law Enforcement Agencies.

If you are not OP read before replying...Don't reply. I only want to hear from the OP as a reply.

To the OP: Before you replyIf you disagree about your mental state; don't reply. Downvote and move on. I only seek to provide advice and be empathetic to both you; and the ones who are concerned for your well being, but are communicating it poorly.