Your privacy, your control, your freedom.
Dark Layer is a comprehensive privacy guide that teaches you how to protect your digital and physical privacy using professional tools, integrated strategies, and step-by-step guides.
Dark Layer provides practical privacy solutions for different threat levels:
- Level 1: Basic Privacy - General privacy, avoid advertising tracking, protect financial data
- Level 2: Advanced Privacy - For journalists, activists, sensitive data protection
- Level 3: Extreme Anonymity - High-risk situations, complete system separation
.
├── public/
│ ├── favicon.svg
│ ├── favicon2.svg
│ └── DARK_LAYER.png
├── src/
│ ├── assets/
│ │ └── DARK_LAYER.png
│ ├── content/
│ │ └── docs/
│ │ ├── guides/ # Step-by-step tutorials
│ │ ├── strategies/ # Privacy strategies by level
│ │ └── reference/ # Tool comparisons
│ ├── styles/
│ │ └── custom.css # Custom styling
│ └── content.config.ts
├── astro.config.mjs
├── package.json
└── tsconfig.json
Perfect for everyday users who want to protect their digital privacy without major lifestyle changes.
What you'll get:
- Anonymous browsing with Firefox + uBlock Origin
- Secure password management with Bitwarden
- Private email with ProtonMail
- Encrypted messaging with Signal
- File encryption with Cryptomator
Who it's for: General users, students, professionals who want basic privacy protection.
Designed for journalists, activists, and anyone handling sensitive information.
What you'll get:
- Complete Linux setup (Pop!_OS)
- Tor browser for anonymous browsing
- VPN configuration (Mullvad recommended)
- PGP email encryption
- Multiple identity management
- Advanced Signal security features
Who it's for: Journalists, activists, lawyers, whistleblowers, anyone with sensitive data.
For high-risk situations requiring complete separation from the system.
What you'll get:
- Tails OS for complete anonymity
- Tor bridges and advanced routing
- Monero cryptocurrency for anonymous payments
- Complete identity separation
- Advanced operational security
Who it's for: High-risk individuals, investigative journalists, political dissidents.
- Corporate Privacy: Maintain privacy in professional environments without raising suspicion
- Financial Privacy: Anonymous payment methods, cash strategies, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency
- Firefox Privacy Setup: Configure Firefox with uBlock Origin, Enhanced Tracking Protection, and privacy-focused settings
- ProtonMail + SimpleLogin: Set up private email with aliases for maximum anonymity
- Bitwarden + 2FA: Secure password management with two-factor authentication
- Signal Messaging: Encrypted communication with safety numbers verification
- Cryptomator: Encrypt sensitive files and folders locally
- Linux Installation: Complete Pop!_OS setup with security hardening
- Data Removal: Remove personal information from internet databases and search engines
Detailed comparison of Windows, macOS, Linux distributions, Tails OS, and Qubes OS for privacy and security.
Analysis of Firefox, Brave, Tor Browser, LibreWolf, and VPN services like Mullvad, ProtonVPN, IVPN, and Windscribe.
Comparison of Signal, Wire, Jami, Element, and other secure messaging platforms.
Evaluation of ProtonMail, Tutanota, SimpleLogin, AnonAddy, and other privacy-focused email solutions.
Analysis of Bitwarden, KeePass, 1Password, and other password managers with 2FA options.
Comparison of cash, prepaid cards, Bitcoin, Monero, Zcash, and other anonymous payment methods.
Tools for file encryption, secure cloud storage, and local data protection.
Advanced tools for Tor, VPNs, proxy chains, and other anonymity-enhancing technologies.
Protection against surveillance, secure communication devices, and physical security measures.
Services to remove personal information from data brokers, search engines, and public databases.
All commands are run from the root of the project, from a terminal:
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
npm install |
Installs dependencies |
npm run dev |
Starts local dev server at localhost:4321 |
npm run build |
Build your production site to ./dist/ |
npm run preview |
Preview your build locally, before deploying |
The site uses custom CSS styling located in src/styles/custom.css:
- Dark theme optimized for privacy-focused content
- Compact TOC (Table of Contents) for better content focus
- Responsive design that works on all devices
- Custom color palette matching the Dark Layer brand
This project is built with:
- Astro 5.6+ - Static site generator
- Starlight 0.36+ - Documentation framework
- TypeScript - Type safety
- Sharp 0.34+ - Image optimization
Start with basic privacy protection that doesn't disrupt your daily routine:
- This week: Read the threat assessment and install Firefox with uBlock Origin
- Next week: Set up ProtonMail and Bitwarden password manager
- Following week: Install Signal for encrypted messaging
If you handle sensitive information or are at higher risk:
- Before starting: Read the Level 2 threat assessment
- Week 1: Install Linux and configure basic security
- Week 2: Set up VPN, Tor Browser, and advanced Signal features
Complete anonymity for extreme situations:
- Preparation: Understand the risks and requirements
- Phase 1: Set up Tails OS and Tor bridges
- Phase 2: Implement Monero payments and identity separation
Dark Layer follows these principles:
- Pragmatic: No paranoia preaching. Practical tools for real situations.
- Open: All resources are free or low-cost. Privacy is not a luxury.
- Educational: Understand WHY, not just WHAT. Adapt to your needs.
- Secure: Verified tools and methods. No recommendations that don't work.
- Global: Advice applicable in any country. No location bias.
Remember: Privacy is a process, not a destination.
Your privacy, your control, your freedom.