# COVERT Protocol Action #7: Harden your Devices

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-opsec-podcast-7427985/covert-protocol-action-7-harden-your-devices
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-opsec-podcast-7427985/covert-protocol-action-7-harden-your-devices.md
Podcast: [The OPSEC Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-opsec-podcast-7427985)
Published: 2026-04-20T16:00:25+00:00
Episode link: https://opsecpodcast.com/
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68871c0a2a38d6f5cb5925b7/e/69e62fc00b4baf3bf22bda62/media.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-opsec-podcast-7427985/episodes/covert-protocol-action-7-harden-your-devices
Duration seconds: 859

## Resource

Harden your Devices: strengthen the security and privacy of your phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers by reducing their attack surface, protecting stored data, and blocking common threats. This includes encrypting data at rest, securing network traffic, tightening web browsing, and using malware protection. Hardened devices are much safer if lost, stolen, or actively targeted. Steps to Harden Your Devices: 1. Enable full disk encryption (FDE): Turn on encryption for your device’s storage so that data is unreadable without your passcode, even if the device is lost or stolen. Most modern OSes allow this (e.g., BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on macOS). 2. Use a VPN connection: Install and configure a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) on each device. This encrypts your network traffic when you are on untrusted Wi-Fi or public networks, making it harder for attackers to intercept your communications. 3. Harden your browser: Choose a browser that respects privacy, or harden Firefox yourself. Enforce HTTPS for secure connections.Install privacy/security extensions (e.g., script blockers, ad blockers) to reduce tracking and malicious content. Regularly clear cookies and site data. This reduces exposure to trackers and exploitation. 4. Harden you device: Keep software updated. Install antivirus/anti-malware software. Remove unnecessary software. Use least-privilege accounts. Review privacy/security settings. Back up your data Recommended tools: Privacy Browsers: Brave, LibreWolf, DuckDuckGo Private Browser Browser Extensions: NoScript, uBlock Origin, Firefox Multi Account Containers VPN Service: Proton, Mulvad, NordVPN Antivirus Software: Bitdefender, Avira, Malwarebytes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

## Actions

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## Transcript

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