Communication security

How to protect yourself (and your phone) from surveillance

Cyber security and online privacy experts aren't surprised by revelations that Quebec and Montreal police have been spying on several journalists. In fact they say journalists — and the public at large — are far too careless.

When the news came out this week that police had been spying on LaPresse journalist Patrick Lagacé, it was no surprise to Geneviève Lajeunesse with Crypto Québec.

"I was shocked by their shock," she said.

​Here are five key tips to sum up Lajeunesse's advice on protection from online surveillance, whether you're a journalist, an anonymous source, or a citizen who wants to protect your privacy.

1. Leave your phone at home

It's better to be paranoid than sorry, says Lajeunesse. She recommends that journalists who want to ensure their sources are protected leave their smartphones at home before any meet-ups. 

"I wouldn't be bringing electronics out in the field at all."

2. Turn off geolocation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

"If you're a private citizen just going about, do you really, really need your geolocating services to be on? Most of the time you know the way to your house," Lajeunesse says. 

She also recommends turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you're not using them, to prevent your movements from being tracked....