ISIS operational security guide says avoid Facebook, WhatsApp: Report

tech2 News StaffNov 23, 2015 10:44:55 IST

While Anonymous recently released a guide 'to finding ISIS online, Combating Terrorism Centre (CTC) has got its hands on a operational security guide that is given to ISIS members. The guide basically talks about which tools to use and the ones best avoided.

The document is in Arabic, but Wired has put out a translated version. Some of the advice in the guide for memebers and sympathisers includes Tor, Onion, Aviator, Opera Mini browser for secure and private Internet browsing, use of VPN services, and messaging apps like telegram, ickr, PQChat, iMessage, SureSpot, Threema, Sicher and Cryptocat. Aso, it mentions to keep passwords unique and complex.

For encrypted VoIP services, the guide jots down Linphone, IO Swisscom's app, Silent Circle's solutions, RedPhone signal and FaceTime. In case, they can't get online, then the guide talks about Twitter by SMS, FireChat, Tin-Can, The Serval Mesh.

The guide also offers instructions on how to protect Twitter accounts from hijacking, deactivating GPS, disabling location services for camera phones or while taking photos and so on. The list also includes services that the should avoid due to lack of privacy and issues seen in the past. This list includes Facebook, Dropbox and WhatsApp.

The report also states that according to some analysts, the guide is build pretty well. Recently, another report had revealed how ISIS also has a 24-hour help desk. Reportedly, the help desk is being manned by about six senior operatives for 24 hours to help would-be jihadist and other members use encryption and secure communication and evade detection by intelligence authorities and law enforcement members.