Privacy routers, phones, and computers?

At the most basic level, this “privacy” stuff just means changing the operating system!  It’s the same hardware and many of the same programs/apps are used.  The only real difference is an open source operating system that isn’t spying on you.

So with a computer, we’re ditching Windows/Apple and using Linux.

With a phone, we’re ditching the “stock version” of Android (which is the version with Google’s telemetry), and using GrapheneOS (or other choices such as Calyx, Lineage, etc)

With a router, we’re ditching the ISP or manufacturers’ version, and putting on OPNSense, (or pfSense, DD-WRT, or Open-WRT)

That’s it.   It’s not that complicated.  You can use the same cell service.  The same home internet provider.  For phones, all the same Android apps.  And for PC, most of the same software.  It’s just that the OS has no telemetry.


What's that last one? The dumbphone.


OpenBSD works very well for a router too, but is probably too complicated to setup and maintain for "simplified" privacy.


Ah I see now. Thought somebody did a new phone and got excited.


OPNsense and pfSense are both based on /using openbsd. What's the advantage of using just raw openbsd?


This is the first I’m hearing about OPNSense would love to see a tutorial on this or any resources you would suggest


Oh. That's good then.


Linux mint, check!
grapheneOS, check!
Home modem/router ... I had not thought of this!

Recommendations for a good home modem/router with OPNSense?


I heard in a security podcast that #OPNsense is pinned to an EOL version of #OpenSSL...


Flint 2 from GL-inet


has open WRT. Replied after realising your said OPNsense


Its based onpfsensez, not openssl


Pf sense. Auto correct


- PC, Laptop: Windows*
- Phone: GrapheneOS on Pixel Fold!
- Router: OpenWrt on FriendlyElec NanoPi R6s running tor, i2p and ProtonVPN.

I have to use Windows, because Linux' accessibility is, frankly, ass. :/


anything without telemetry is the point of OP, therefore open WRT or OPNsense check those boxes I presume.  thanks, will check it out.


What are the merits of OPNsense vs pfsense? Which one is better for which hardware (e.g. OPNsense vs pfsense on 3rd party hardware like qotom, protectli, etc), which one is better overall (pfsense on a Netware vs OPNsense on a quotom/protectli), etc.?

Also, if you were to go with a Pixel to run GrapheneOS would it be better to bite the bullet ad get the 8 or would a 7 be good enough?


This would be a good article/video series. Stay tuned