Devices and communications
GrapheneOS: what it is and who really needs it
An operating system for Pixel without Google services by default. Not for everyone, but for some the only option.
4 min read
GrapheneOS is an open-source Android-based operating system for Google Pixel phones. It keeps the familiar Android look but removes the constant connection to Google, strengthens app isolation and closes several classes of attacks at the system level.
What changes for you
- Google services run sandboxed as ordinary apps, not as part of the system. Banking apps mostly work, some need configuration.
- Each app can individually have network, sensors, contacts and file access turned off.
- Profiles: a separate space for work, one for personal life, a separate "clean" one for travel.
- Protection against PIN brute-forcing, against USB exploits, automatic reboot.
Who needs it
Lawyers, journalists, executives, people whose phone may become the target of a targeted attack or seizure. If your threat is ordinary scammers, a correctly configured regular phone is enough.
What we do
We pick a Pixel model for the budget, install and configure the system, migrate data, show how to use it and stay in touch for the first month.
Articles
Secure communications: messengers, email, hardware keys
Three things that close most real risks for a person, not for a server.
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What a pentest is and how it differs from a vulnerability scanner
A scanner finds known holes from a list. A pentester thinks like an attacker and chains small things into a real breach.
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