Get a prepaid phone:

• Pay in cash​.

• Activate the phone on a public wi-fi. Do not let the store/service provider activate it, refuse any requests for personal info.

• Recommended: AT&T prepaid is cheap with good service. You can buy a good quality off-brand Android smartphone for <$50 at Target or Walmart. You pay for service via prepaid refill cards each month, make sure to buy one when you get your phone.

 Get a VPN:​

• Why a VPN is important for security​

• Use the VPN on any device you access your ProtonMail account or any website of dubious legality.

• ​Recommended: ​​NordVPN or Trust.Zone

 Install Signal on your new phone:

• Why encrypted texting is important for security​

• Download via the app store

​Get a protonmail.ch email address​:

• Unlike Gmail, ProtonMail ​is offshore and encrypted, and doesn't collect data from your emails

• Download the ProtonMail app via the app store

​Avoid cross-contamination​:​​

• Lock your phone with a unique PIN

• Don't install Facebook on your new phone​

• Don't install any apps that require your real-world info, such as banking apps, etc

​Avoid sexually explicit discussion or mention of exchange of money for services via email and text​!