Welcome to Incognito Cat
In a world where data breaches, surveillance, and scams are everyday realities, you might think "I have nothing to hide." But the truth is, we all have everything to protect: our identities, finances, relationships, and freedoms. Incognito Cat is your independent, sponsor free guide to reclaiming digital autonomy. Drawing from over four decades of real-world experience, we share practical insights, tools, and techniques to shield your digital life.
Start your journey here: Explore our articles on privacy threats, beginner-friendly tips, and vetted alternatives to Big Tech. Small steps today lead to greater security tomorrow. Let's make privacy the norm, one choice at a time.
If you're interested, you can learn why we're doing this in our post Walking the Talk
Our Most Popular Posts
Want to know which posts our readers find most helpful for improving their privacy? We've collected our most popular and frequently shared articles here in a single list. These are the posts that get the best results and have been bookmarked by countless others looking to take control of their digital lives.
Our three most popular posts are:
See more on the Popular Posts Tab
All Posts
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What's In Our Privacy Toolbox?
Discover the privacy toolbox! Essential tools to keep your data private online.
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Walking the Talk: Our Commitment to Privacy
Discover Incognito Cat's commitment to privacy: unpaid content, self-funded subscriptions, and a mission to promote good privacy practices for collective safety.
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Home Assistant Voice Translation: The Performance Upgrade
Tired of slow voice AI? We traced our 5-second lag from Ollama back to Home Assistant, fixing quantization, and upgrading hardware for a sub-2-second response time.
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Privacy vs. Accuracy: Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Home LLM
Hosting an LLM at home with Ollama offers max privacy. Learn what LLMs really are, how they "hallucinate," and the accuracy trade-offs of local models.
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Answering Your Questions
Answering your questions about Incognito Cat. We clarify our official online presence, friends, guiding principles, and goals.
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Host Wikipedia Offline with Kiwix
Self-host the entire Wikipedia on a local server! Learn how Kiwix brings millions of articles offline for privacy and reliable access, even without the internet.
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Be Remarkably Unremarkable
Protect your privacy by learning physical OpSec. Discover how to stop leaking information through your car, clothes, and behavior to stay safe.
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Choose a Bank That Guards Your Data
Prioritize your financial privacy. Learn why a bank's data-sharing policy is as important as its interest rates, and what to look for in a modern, secure institution.
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Protecting the Real You: Essential Steps to Protect Your Personal Data
Learn essential steps to protect your personal data and stay secure online with our comprehensive guide. Safeguard your identity today!
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The Privacy Journey: Why We All Hit the Wall
Protecting your data can feel like a marathon. Learn why people "hit the wall" on their privacy journey and how to push through to the finish line.
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It's Time to Move Beyond Telephony for Security
Why are telephony protocols a risky bet for security? Explore the weaknesses of SS7, SIM swapping, and VoIP, and learn why it's time to move on.
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Keeping Your Data Safe on the Go
Keep your files safe on the go with an encrypted USB drive. Learn why hardware encryption beats software for portability, security, and ease of use.
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Another Way to Pay?
Exploring how crypto can be another way to pay by following a promotion. Learn how it works, the benefits for both consumers and businesses, and the risks in this article.
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4 Simple Steps to Keep Your Phone Secure
Four simple steps to secure your mobile device. Learn how to protect your phone from common threats by updating, reducing apps, and rebooting daily.
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From Google Keep to Notesnook: Our Note-Taking Journey
We went from Google Keep to Notesnook with a stopover at Standard Notes. Here's our journey to find the perfect privacy-focused note-taking app for us.
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Home Assistant: Pt 2 - Your First Devices
Learn to connect smart plugs and thermometers to Home Assistant. Build a private smart home with two popular integrations: TP-Link Kasa and SwitchBot.
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Time to Upgrade: Why Your Passwords Aren't Enough Anymore
Safeguard your accounts. Learn why Google is urging password changes and discover how Passkeys or YubiKeys offer a stronger, phishing-resistant security upgrade.
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Home Assistant: Pt 1 - Building a (tiny) Server
Create your own private smart home with Home Assistant. In part 1, we'll guide you through building a low-cost server and installing the open-source software.
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Ditch the Spies: Building a Private Smart Home with Home Assistant
Build a private, powerful smart home with Home Assistant. This series will show you how to set up a system that prioritizes privacy, control, and automation.
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Goodbye Passwords, Hello Passkeys
Say goodbye to passwords. Learn why passkeys are a safer, more secure, and easier way to log in to your favorite websites and services.
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The Weaponization of Privacy
Government incursions into privacy are escalating. We explore the true motives behind surveillance and what governments are really afraid of us hiding.
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Scripted Privacy: Privacy.Sexy
Protect your desktop privacy with Privacy.Sexy. This open-source tool helps you manage data leaks from Windows, macOS, and Linux with easy-to-use scripts.
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Why One Password is Never Enough
Take a look at why using a unique password for every site is so important. Learn about common attacks and what you can do to protect your accounts.
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Chatting About Private Messengers
We're comparing the encrypted messengers in our toolbox: Signal, SimpleX, and BitChat, highlighting their privacy features and security.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Ente Auth
Strengthen your online security with TOTP 2FA. Learn what it is, how it works, and why Ente Auth is a top choice for protecting your accounts.
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Only You: A Call to Ownership
Take ownership of your digital privacy. This post reviews the importance of protecting your data from corporate and government overreach.
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Physical Privacy: Cash
We compared cash, crypto, and credit card payments. Find out which offers the best privacy, which is cheapest, and why it all matters.
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When Safety Costs Your Privacy
Protecting kids online shouldn't cost your privacy. This post explains why "simple" safety solutions are flawed and what we should do instead.
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New to Privacy? Don't Boil the Ocean.
Start your privacy journey with simple steps. Learn how small changes like switching browsers and search engines can make a big difference in protecting your data.
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The Joy of Privacy: Helping Others
It's been a joy in helping others start their privacy journey.
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Going Dark: Why You Need a Faraday Bag
A Faraday bag offers more than just signal blocking. Learn how this simple tool protects your privacy and provides security for phones, key fobs, and more.
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Whose (Digital) Life Is It Anyway?
Guard your digital freedom! Governments & tech eye control via digital IDs & CBDCs. Learn how "child protection" hides a scary shift in autonomy.
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The Digital Deception: Understanding and Defending Against Spoofing Attacks
Learn about digital deception, including spoofing attacks, common tactics like email, website, SMS, and deepfakes, and defense strategies for enhanced security.
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Charge Smart: The Risks of Unknown Cables and Public USB Ports
Charging safely matters. Discover how to avoid juice jacking, OMG cables, and data theft. Use your own gear or a USB data blocker.
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Don't Be a Digital Lighthouse: Why You Need a Privacy Screen
Your digital privacy matters! Learn why a privacy screen protector can safeguard your phone from prying eyes and offer extra benefits.
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Why Use Two Secure Email Services?
Enhance your digital privacy & security with two secure email services. Learn how redundancy protects against breaches, outages & improves account recovery.
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Why Incognito Cat? Taking Back Our Digital Privacy
Learn why Incognito Cat focuses on digital privacy, how it's unbiased, and why a simple blog is the best platform for actionable insights.
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Privacy Strategy: Alias Email Addresses
Using email aliases enhances privacy, stops spam, and boosts account security. Learn how to protect your inbox and digital identity.
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USPS, Tolls, and Beyond: Unpacking Common Smishing Scams
Stop smishing scams! Learn to spot fake USPS, toll, and other text frauds. Discover how "scam-for-rent" services fuel attacks & learn how protect your data.
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Universal Login: Collecting Data for Two
Sign up easily, but at what privacy cost? Universal logins offer convenience, but we reveal more data than we realize. Learn the trade-offs.
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The Hidden Cost of Convenience: Are Smart Technologies a Faustian Bargain?
Smart tech offers convenience, but at what cost? Discover the hidden dangers of data collection and how to reclaim your privacy in a digitized world.
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Essential Privacy: A Guide to Erasing Yourself from Data Brokers
Take control of your data! Learn how to remove personal info from data brokers, delete accounts, and opt-out to reclaim your digital privacy.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Yubikey
Learn how YubiKeys add an essential layer of physical security to your digital accounts, making them much harder for hackers to access.
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When Privacy Was The Default
Step back to a time of privacy! Explore growing up with loud cars, cassette tapes, and no digital tracking. Learn why protecting your data isn't about hiding, it's about control.
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"Security is always excessive until it's not enough."
Privacy is owning your story. Control your data to keep your life yours.
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Are Companies Negligent for Still Using SMS OTPs?
Your bank account is at risk! Learn why SMS OTPs are insecure, how SIM swaps threaten your finances, and steps to protect yourself. Demand better security.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Notesnook
Discover why we chose Notesnook for secure note-taking: end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge privacy, and user-friendly features. Protect your thoughts today!
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OSINT: The Privacy and Security Blind Spot
Learn how OSINT exposes privacy risks and security blind spots. Stay informed and protect yourself!
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Privacy: What's Your Level?
Discover your privacy level! From default settings to high-stakes protection, learn the levels of privacy and take control of your data. Find your fit today!
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Moving Another Pixel to GrapheneOS
Swapped my Pixel 9 to GrapheneOS for better privacy & security. Less data collection, fewer apps, more control. Join the deGoogle movement!
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: 1Password
Discover why 1Password is our choice for secure password management in 2025, with robust features, passkey support, and top-notch privacy.
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Privacy Strategy: Ditch the Apps
Ditch smartphone apps for websites to boost privacy.
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Physical Privacy: Private Mailbox (PMB)
Your mail could be at risk: discover a smarter way to protect it.
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Privacy Strategy: Synthetic Data
Learn how synthetic data protects privacy by using alias info to isolate accounts, reducing risks from data breaches. Secure your identity today!
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Data Brokers, Your Data, and Accuracy
Ever wondered what big data companies know about you? I did, and what I found was shocking.
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Physical Privacy: Skip Loyalty Programs
Skip the loyalty cards! Loyalty programs track & sell your data. Learn how Kroger and others profit from your info and get tips to protect your privacy.
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The Hawthorne Effect and Digital Privacy
Explore the Hawthorne Effect's impact on digital privacy, from Soviet surveillance to modern tracking. Learn how to fight back with privacy tools like Brave browser and ProtonMail.
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Et tu, DMV? Is Your State Selling Your Data?
DMVs sell your data despite privacy laws! Learn how your ID's info reaches insurers, investigators, and marketers, and how to opt out in some states.
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Physical Privacy: Paper Shredders
Protect your privacy with a crosscut paper shredder. Destroy sensitive documents to prevent identity theft and keep personal info safe.
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Your Search History Tells a Story. Keep It Private.
Your search history reveals your story. Keep it private with our tips! Learn how to protect your online privacy.
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Clearance Protocol
Discover the Clearance Protocol: Unlock secrets to optimize your life with this transformative guide. Start your journey now!
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Don't Answer That Phone!
Learn why you shouldn't answer unknown calls and how to protect yourself from phone scams with these simple tips.
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The Philosophical Foundations of Privacy
Explore how John Locke’s natural rights shape modern privacy, connecting liberty and happiness to the Declaration of Independence amid digital surveillance.
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Privacy: Threats on Three Fronts
Explore privacy threats from government surveillance, corporate data collection, and cybercriminals in this insightful post. Stay informed, stay secure.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Proton VPN
Discover Proton VPN's privacy features in our spotlight review. Learn how it protects your data with top encryption and a no-logs policy.
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Secure Online Authentication: Why US Financial Institutions Must Do Better
Learn why US financial institutions must improve secure online authentication to protect users. Explore solutions and insights.
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Why Passkeys Are the Future of Online Security
Discover why passkeys are the future of online security: phishing-resistant, user-friendly, and scalable. Learn how they replace passwords for a safer digital world.
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ATM Fraud Prevention Tips
Learn essential ATM fraud prevention tips to protect your money.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: GrapheneOS
Discover GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused mobile OS. Learn its features, benefits, and why it’s a top choice for secure smartphones in our spotlight review.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Ente Photos
Discover Ente Photos: a privacy-first, end-to-end encrypted photo storage app. Secure, open-source, and cross-platform.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Privacy.com
Discover Privacy.com: Create virtual cards to protect your online payments. Read our spotlight on this privacy tool.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Ollama
Discover Ollama, a powerful privacy-focused AI tool for local language model deployment, in our latest spotlight. Learn its features and benefits!
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Proton Mail
Discover Proton Mail's privacy-focused email service with end-to-end encryption in our spotlight. Learn why it's a top choice for secure communication!
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Optery
Discover Optery, a top privacy tool for removing personal data from the web, in our spotlight review. Learn how it protects your online privacy!
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Signal Messenger
Discover why Signal Messenger is a top privacy tool in our spotlight, exploring its encryption, features, and commitment to secure communication.
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The Questionable Data Broker Industry: A Call for Action
Uncover the shady world of data brokers and their impact on privacy. Learn why action is needed to regulate this industry.
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Privacy Tool Spotlight: Brave Browser
Discover Brave Browser's privacy features in our spotlight. Learn how it protects your data and enhances browsing.