Incognito Cat

Cloud Optional. Local Mandatory.

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We're often asked why so many of our recommended tools are cloud-based. Even as we swap out mainstream options for privacy-respecting alternatives built on end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, many still rely on remote servers. The reality is that self-hosting isn't for everyone, whether due to technical complexity, convenience, or resource limits.

But the question stands: do we host anything locally? Absolutely, and for a variety of reasons that might not always be obvious. Sometimes local is simply the right tool for the job; other times, it's about resiliency. Drawing from our corporate IT background, we stick to the classic 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies of your data, on two different media types, with one stored off-site.

Having lived through a few natural disasters, this approach has proven its worth. Nothing beats the speed of local data, while having an encrypted copy sitting safely in the cloud provides essential peace of mind.

So, what do we actually run locally, and why? Let's get into it.

Entertainment

With endless cloud options for movies, television, music, and audiobooks, why stream content locally? As we discussed in "Streaming and Privacy", at minimum every major service relies on telemetry to track what you watch or listen to in order to manage rights and royalties. Fortunately, solid local alternatives exist.

Over-the-Air Television

While we don't watch much network television, there are still local broadcasts, news, and weather we like to capture. The HDHomeRun FLEX QUATRO handles this perfectly. It converts local over-the-air signals into a network stream without tracking our viewing habits. Their client app works on multiple platforms (including Apple TV), and for devices without a native app, like a Linux desktop, it streams directly via DLNA to VLC media player. Add an external drive for storage and a channel guide, and you have a fully private DVR that keeps working even when the internet goes out.

Movies and Music

We already maintain a network-attached storage (NAS) array full of media. While we used its basic built-in tools for a while, we eventually upgraded to Jellyfin running directly on the NAS. That unlocked a modern, beautiful streaming experience powered entirely by our own library. Jellyfin can also integrate directly with the HDHomeRun for unified live TV viewing whenever we decide to connect them.

Video Surveillance

This year we replaced our cloud-dependent video surveillance system with a mix of Reolink wired cameras, solar-powered units, and a smart doorbell. Following a recent update to the doorbell, every camera in the setup now supports encrypted storage and operates 100% locally.

The highlight is peer-to-peer networking, which allows remote monitoring without third-party cloud servers or recurring subscription fees. Basic on-device AI handles detection for motion, vehicles, pets, and people, without intrusive facial recognition databases. Best of all? Zero automatic data sharing with law enforcement or third parties.

Home Automation and Digital Assistants

Ubiquitous smart speakers seem to occupy every home these days. Their rock-bottom prices mask the real cost: extensive data collection. That's why we opted to build a private smart home with Home Assistant.

Replacing Big Tech's assistants required a few hardware pieces to keep processing offline. Our setup includes:

It handles lighting, pulls weather data from local sensors and the National Weather Service, and answers general queries quickly. With support for thousands of integrations, we rarely hit a wall with what it can automate.

Hosting Wikipedia Offline

Thanks to Docker, we can easily deploy containerized applications across our desktops, mini PCs, and NAS. One of our favorite deployments is running Kiwix to host Wikipedia and reference archives entirely offline.

We store the full text of Wikipedia alongside key technical documents. Search speeds are instantaneous, and because it's a static snapshot, it stays completely free from real-time edit wars. It acts as an invaluable local library when external connectivity drops.

Cloud Solutions with Local Options

Many modern privacy tools give you the choice between managed cloud infrastructure and self-hosted deployments. That flexibility is a major reason we choose the software we do:

Choosing Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) often gives you the freedom to start in the cloud and migrate locally whenever your threat model or infrastructure changes.

We Love Local

We aren't dogmatic about self-hosting everything, but local software provides benefits the cloud simply can't match: raw speed, complete data ownership, no surprise subscription fees, and resilience when your internet connection cuts out.

Everyone's needs differ, and what works for our infrastructure might be overkill for yours. The true value lies in retaining agency over your tech stack. For us, local deployment isn't just a preference; it's the foundation of a resilient, private digital life.

Remember: We may not have anything to hide, but everything to protect.

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#DigitalPrivacy #Privacy