Physical Operational Security

Protesting Checklist

Wear 

1. Wear nondescript, solid color, layered clothing. Recommend long sleeves and long pants. 

2. Cover any distinctive marks such as birthmarks or tattoos. 

3. Comfortable running shoes.

4. Bring eye protection such as swim goggles (best), science goggles (good), or simple eye protection glasses (ok).

5. Bring a mask, and a backup mask. Respirator (best), N95 (recommended in most cases), medical mask (ok, and good as a backup). 

6. Write down emergency contact numbers on your skin, somewhere not visible to police. 

7. Bring gloves. Heat-resistant (best), work gloves (good), thin gloves (ok). 

8. Tie up your hair. 

9. Enough medication for at least 3 days. 

Bring

1. Bring drinking water. 

2. Bring water mixed with a small amount of baby shampoo for tear gas removal. (not milk)

3. Bring snacks. 

4. Bring cash and some change.

5. Bring a washcloth and napkins.

6. Bring Bandages and first aid supplies. 

7. Bring ear plugs. 

8. Bring an anonymous phone for recording video and calling. Follow these instructions. 

9. Small, rugged scissors. 

Do not bring....

1. Do not bring Jewelry. 

2. Do not bring illegal substances or items. 

3. Do not bring contact lenses. 

4. Do not bring your personal cell. Bring an anonymous phone. If you bring your personal cell, ensure it is turned off by pressing and holding the power, and selecting shut down. Just pushing the power button does not shut your phone off. 

Do not go to a protest if you are prone to panic in large groups, or have medical issues that may pose an unreasonable danger. Instead, you can help others protest in many ways such as watching children, being a driver, being available for call and messages, etc...

Do not use your real name to sign up for a protest. It is best to simply show up.

Please see the following links for recommendations to anonymous and secure services. We recommend using a VPN for Sortition business whenever possible.

Proton VPN is free for Windows, Android, and Linux.

Consider using Tuta for anonymous free email.

Consider using textPlus for free anonymous text messaging.

Consider having a spare anonymous phone.

Due to security and privacy concerns across all Microsoft Windows software and devices, a guide for installing Linux Mint is provided. The following instructions were consolidated and are meant to offer an easy installation of Linux on a personal computer (PC) or USB stick.

Note: Though this guide is for Linux Mint, the Sortition recommends downloading and running any Linux OS (distro). Help with advanced setups, like media centers or multiple monitors, are not covered in this guide.

Before continuing, please check that you meet the minimum system requirements and have the required items. All provided links and listed software were tested to work as intended by a Sortition member. Other installation methods and apps may exist.

Minimum system requirements for Linux Mint 21 default Cinnamon edition:

1. Minimum 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended for comfortable usage)

2. Minimum 15 GB of disk space (20 GB recommended)

3. Minimum 1024×768 resolution (on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit on the screen)

Prerequisites:

1. A USB of at least 4 GB in size (You may also use a DVD)

2. Linux Mint ISO (Internet is not required for installing Linux Mint)

• • https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php - Linux Mint Cinnamon (if system resources may be a concern, use the lightweight version)

3. Bootable USB making tool: https://rufus.ie/en/

4. Optional: External disk (for storage)

The following sources were used to collect steps for a quick setup using Linux Mint: 

• https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/

Note: Run commands or install software that come from trusted sources. If unsure, NEVER run a command or install unless it has been verified.

The most immediate difference between any Linux distro and Windows will be the level of customization. Many things can be replaced or customized to suit individuals. The following guide is to offer a basic understanding of your new Linux device after install is complete.

Noticeable differences between Linux Mint and Microsoft Windows

• Anti-virus - Most Linux computers do NOT need anti-virus software. Everything on Linux requires the user to input a command or to allow/enable a process to start.

• Terminal (Commands) - The most basic and essential function of Linux. If commands are needed, the "Terminal" app is the equivalent of Windows "Command Prompt".

• Software Manager (Windows/App Store) - It is recommended to use the provided software manager when installing apps. See list below for recommended Linux apps.

• Login/Startup Apps - Many apps will not automatically launch after logging in and will need to be added to a startup list manually, if desired.

• Software Updates, Driver Manager (Windows Update) - Self explanatory, similar to "Check for Updates" on Windows.

• Panels (Toolbars) - "Panels", or toolbars, may need to be added and customized 

• Workspace (Desktop/Monitor) - Similar to panels, desktops are called "workspaces"

• Flatpak/AppImage/System Package - Flatpaks and system packages are equivalents to executables (.exe)

• AppImage - The same as ISO files (digital copy of disc). When using an AppImage, ensure execution by right-clicking the file, clicking "Properties", then "Permissions", and checking the box that says "allow executing file as program".

• Extensions/Applets - Custom programs to extend Linux functionality

Many of the following apps are commonly used and available for Linux:

• Librewolf (Firefox browser with default privacy and security features built-in)

• LibreOffice (Microsoft Office alternative)

• GIMP/Krita/Inkscape (Image Editors)

• VLC (Audio/Video Viewer)

• Discord (Server/Messenger)

• Telegram (anonymous and secure messenger)

• KeePassXC (offline and secure password manager)

• Notesnook (Note-taking)

• Lutris/Steam/Steam Link (Gaming)

• OBS Studio (Live stream and record videos)

• VirtualBox (Virtualization, mainly to run other OS like Windows within Linux)

• Audacity (Audio Editor)

• Dropbox (Cloud Storage)

• Blender (3D modeler)

• FreeCAD (Parametric modeler)

Note: If an app or service is not provided by the software manager in the Linux distro, check the web for an official release. Some Linux users create and maintain unofficial releases, if an app is unavailable or unsupported. For any "unofficial" releases, always verify before installing.