I’ve collected a lot of privacy tips over the years, ranging from somewhat common to very niche. After seeing this post, I wanted to share them, along with ways to mitigate each of them. I’ve tried to find sources for each of them, but some of them simply don’t have good sources. You can help by finding good sources (Wikipedia, research papers) covering the specific topic. As with all my posts, this is not AI-generated, just well-structured.

Good sources

Glove Prints

Problem: Thin gloves like surgical gloves can still leave fingerprints on surfaces.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glove_prints

Mitigation: Wear thick, textured gloves

Main Hum

Problem: The hum of the electrical grid can be used to determine when, and sometimes where, an audio recording took place.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_network_frequency_analysis

Mitigation: Only record audio in places far away from electrical appliances.

Stylometry

Problem: Your writing style can uniquely identify you.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stylometry

Mitigation: Use AI rewriting tools to obfuscate your writing style.

Infrared Glasses

Problem: Sunglasses don’t block infrared cameras.

Source: https://www.reflectacles.com/irlenses

Solution: Buy infrared blocking/reflecting sunglasses such as Reflectacles.

Tracking Dots

Problem: Printers add tracking dots that identify which printer was used to print a document and when it was printed.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots

Mitigation: Use a printer that may not come with this feature (such as the upcoming Open Printer or use public printers like those found in libraries.

WiFi Motion

Problem: Wi-Fi routers are able to track motion under specific conditions.

Source: https://www.cognitivesystems.com/wifi-motion/ (and others)

Mitigation: Radio jammers may provide some protection against this, since the technology is still fragile.

PrintListener

Problem: Your fingerprint can be uncovered using the sound of your finger gliding across your screen.

Source: https://www.ndss-symposium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-618-paper.pdf

Mitigation: Use a ballpoint pen with a stylus tip, which are somewhat common to find at most events.

Laser Microphone

Problem: You can record audio using the vibration of nearby objects, like windows.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_microphone

Mitigation: Have sensitive conversations in closed-off or soundproof rooms or outside in remote areas.

Keystroke Recording

Problem: Your keystrokes can be uncovered using audio recordings of typing.

Source: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.08740

Mitigation: Use virtual keyboards.

Typing Patterns

Problem: You can be identified based on your typing patterns.

Source: https://expertbeacon.com/your-typing-style-is-as-unique-as-your-fingerprint-heres-what-that-means/ (and others)

Mitigation: Type into a text editor and copy-paste into the form you want to submit.

Unshredder

Problem: Shredded documents can be reconstructed.

Source: https://www.unshredder.com/ (and others)

Mitigation: Burn sensitive documents or use piranha solution.

Microbial Cloud

Problem: You can be identified using your unique microbial cloud.

Source: https://peerj.com/articles/1258/

Mitigation: Shower obsessively, I’m not sure.

Gait Recognition

Problem: The way you walk can identify you.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gait_analysis

Mitigation: Place gravel in your shoes or intentionally walk funny.

Store Tracking

Problem: Stores track your location using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals from your device.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_positioning_system (and others)

Mitigation: Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.

Gyrophone

Problem: Gyroscopes can record audio

Source: https://crypto.stanford.edu/gyrophone/files/gyromic.pdf

Mitigation: Disable sensor permissions for apps that don’t need it on GrapheneOS.

Camera Styles

Problem: Cameras can be identified using picture styles.

Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/tracing-photos-back-to-the-camera-that-snapped-them/

Mitigation: Use Polaroid cameras or obfuscate pictures before sharing them.

Amazon Sidewalk

Problem: Offline Amazon devices can access the internet by communicating with nearby online Amazon devices.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Sidewalk

Mitigation: Don’t use Amazon devices.

Deep-TEMPEST

Problem: Data sent over a wired connection (like HDMI) can be received wirelessly.

Source: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2407.09717

Mitigation: Use shielded cables or encrypt wired connections in transit.

Cartridge Memory

Problem: Offline printers exfiltrate data through ink cartridges.

Source: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_6681254-6681301-16

Mitigation: Use a printer that does not come with this feature (such as the upcoming Open Printer.

WhoFi

Problem: You can be identified based on how your body blocks Wi-Fi signals.

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/07/22/whofi_wifi_identifier/

Mitigation: Use a Radio jammer.

Stingray

Problem: Most phones are vulnerable to Stingray attacks.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingray_phone_tracker

Mitigation: Use Rayhunter to detect Stingray attacks.

EICAR

Problem: Surveillance cameras can scan QR codes.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/qr-code-car-hack-fun-impractical-w-garrett-myler

Mitigation: Some surveillance cameras will crash if they scan a QR code with an EICAR Anti-Virus Test File.

Pulse-Fi

Problem: Wi-Fi can measure your heartrate

Source: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11096342

Mitigation: Cover your skin to reduce effectiveness.

Mediocre sources

Security Envelopes

Problem: The contents of envelopes can be read without being opened by seeing through the paper.

Source: General knowledge.

Mitigation: Use security envelopes or thick packaging.

Branding

Problem: Even when fully covered, the clothing you wear can identify you.

Source: General knowledge.

Mitigation: Use plain unbranded clothing bought secondhand from yard sales or Goodwill.

Body Shape

Problem: Even when fully covered, your body shape can identify you.

Source: General knowledge.

Mitigation: Wear baggy black clothing like down jackets.

ID Address

Problem: State ID cards have your address listed on them.

Source: General knowledge.

Mitigation: Passports are valid photo IDs that do not have your address listed.

Bluetooth Contacts

Problem: Any Bluetooth device you pair your phone to can access your contacts.

Source: Various online discussions.

Mitigation: Use a phone that allows you to deny that permission when pairing Bluetooth devices.

Voice Changers

Problem: Voice changers can be reversed.

Source: Various online discussions.

Mitigation: Use voice changers that highly obfuscate your voice (beyond something like a pitch shift) or use a program that converts live speech-to-text into live text-to-speech.

Analog Speakers

Problem: Speakers can be used as microphones.

Source: Various online discussions. You can try this yourself by plugging a speaker into your microphone jack.

Mitigation: Use built-in speakers or remove all speakers entirely.

Spray Paint

Problem: Spray paint can’t blackout surveillance camera lenses.

Source: Various online videos of failed criminals.

Mitigation: Use duct tape or other adhesives that are not only cheaper but provide better protection.

Censorship

Problem: Pixelated or blurred images can be reversed.

Source: Various reversal tools.

Mitigation: Censor information using solid boxes.

Bad sources

Radio

Problem: Receiving antennas can be geolocated using signal interference.

Source: I couldn’t find a suitable source covering this specifically. This is a general source.

Mitigation: Receive media via offline methods.

Vehicle Telemetry

Problem: Cars will collect telemetry locally to be shared when you visit auto repair shops.

Source: I couldn’t find a suitable source.

Mitigation: Use dumb cars or commute using bicycles, buses, etc.

Detaining

Problem: Police can detain you without a valid reason if you carry an ID.

Source: I couldn’t find a suitable source.

Mitigation: Don’t carry your ID unless you need to.

Copper Strips

Problem: Buildings can be wiretapped using microphones as thin as paint.

Source: I couldn’t find a suitable source.

Mitigation: Have sensitive conversations in areas unlikely to be wiretapped, or buildings with plain concrete walls.

Biometric Unlock

Problem: Police don’t require a warrant to unlock your phone using biometrics.

Source: Various sources have conflicting information.

Mitigation: Lock your phone without biometrics or use two-factor fingerprint unlock on GrapheneOS.

Pedometers

Problem: Pedometers can reveal information such as your religion.

Source: A website I still can’t find.

Mitigation: Use dumb pedometers that don’t include timestamps.