I want you to do these four things right now

Some simple steps to keep yourself safe.

Okay, friends. Here’s what we’re going to do. It’s not going to take long.

Let’s install Signal.

Signal is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted instant messaging app. When you message someone with Signal, nobody can intercept your conversation to learn what you’re saying. It’s very easy to use and completely free.

Unlike WhatsApp (which is owned by Meta) and Telegram (which doesn’t encrypt messages by default), Signal is fully open-source, doesn’t store metadata, and is designed for privacy first.

Navigate to the Get Signal page on the Signal website.

Signal needs to be installed on your phone first. Choose the version that makes sense for you: iPhone or Android.

The cool part is that, once you’re logged in, Signal will tell you which of the people in your contacts are already using it, and as more sign up, they’ll just show up in your Signal contacts list over time.

I recommend also setting up a Signal username. Navigate to your Signal app’s settings pane, click on your profile, and then create a username. Then you don’t need to reveal your phone number to new contacts you want to chat with: you can just tell…