Ungovernable Misfits

Reassessing Your Privacy Plan | The Confab 03: Urban Hacker

Jun 5, 2024

Urban Hacker, an expert in hacking and cybersecurity, discusses the importance of privacy in Bitcoin, the shutdown of key privacy tools, and offers advice for affected users. Topics include risks of public transaction history, setting up a Monero node, and strategies for maintaining privacy in fund transfers.

01:26:14

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Episode guests

Urban Hacker

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Bitcoin's transparent nature poses risks to personal security and liability.

Concern over the shutdown of privacy tools and the lack of resistance from users.

Alternative options like JoinMarket can help maintain privacy amidst changing Bitcoin environments.

Deep dives

Privacy Concerns and Changes in Bitcoin Tools

The podcast episode delves into the evolving landscape of Bitcoin privacy tools. It highlights the sudden changes in the availability of privacy services like Wasabi and the importance of adapting quickly to maintain privacy in fast-moving environments. The episode stresses the significance of staying informed and constantly honing skills to navigate the shifting Bitcoin privacy realm.

Intro

6min

A Discussion on Bitcoin Security, Linux Systems, and 'The Confab'

2min

Privacy Concerns and the Future of Bitcoin

22min

Strategies for Maintaining Privacy in Fund Transfers

3min

Importance of Privacy Considerations and Limitations in Tools

12min

Enhancing Bitcoin Privacy through JoinMarket and CoinJoin

27min

Setting up a Monero Node and Discussion on Privacy

12min

Availability for Contact and Encouragement to Support Privacy Advocate

2min

Welcome to the The Confab, the term derives from "confidential talk", which was commonly used in the Prohibition Era for meetings and conversations that took place in the smoky, rule-breaking speakeasies of that time.

The informal, privacy focused and clandestine nature of Ungovernable Misfits lends itself to these discussions. So, grab a seat and a stiff drink from the concealed bar, listen and revel in the conversation.

On this episode, Urban Hacker drops-in to speak with Max

Show Discussion

I. The Importance of Privacy in Bitcoin
A. Explanation of Bitcoin's transparent nature and UTXO model
B. Risks of public transaction history
1. Physical security risks from revealing wealth
2. Liability for others' misuse of your Bitcoin
C. Comparison to privacy in traditional financial systems

II. The Loss of Privacy Tools
A. The shutdown of Samourai Wallet, Whirlpool, and Wasabi
B. Expressing concern over the lack of pushback and people cheering the loss of these tools
C. Acknowledging the bravery of the developers who were arrested

III. Advice for Users Affected by the Loss of Privacy Tools
A. Recommendations for users with funds in Samourai Wallet
1. Do not panic, funds are safe
2. Disable auto-update, consider restoring to a new device
3. Prioritize using your own Dojo or setting up a new node
B. Discussing the privacy implications of using Wasabi going forward
1. Technical limitations and centralization concerns
2. Potential for further shutdowns

IV. Exploring Alternative Privacy Solutions
A. JoinMarket
1. How it works, maker-taker model
2. Challenges around liquidity and fixed denominations
3. Potential for collaborative setups
B. Using Monero
1. Benefits of Monero's privacy-by-default approach
2. Considerations around KYC, exchange interactions, and node operation
3. Recommendations for using Monero as a spending tool

V. Call to Action and Closing
A. Encouraging people to take privacy seriously and not give up
B. Highlighting the importance of running your own node
C. Offering help and consulting services from the guest, Urban Hacker
D. Wrap-up and appreciation for the guest's time and insights

LOOKING FOR A CYBER SECURITY CONSULT?

Visit Urban's website https://urbanhacker.net/cybersecurity/ to book a free 30 minute call!

IMPORTANT LINKS

SHOW SPONSORS

FOUNDATION (https://foundationdevices.com/ungovernable)

Foundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.

As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today’s tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can’t be evil,”

Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show.

Use code: Ungovernable at check out for 3 months free VPN usage with IVPN.

Thanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.

You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.

TIME:

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TALENT:

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TREASURE:

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(00:00:00) INTRO 🔥

(00:01:56) DONATE TO THE SAMOURAI LEGAL FUND 💰

(00:02:44) ⚡ BOOSTS ⚡

(00:04:59) THANK YOU FOUNDATION DEVICES 🤝

(00:06:09) Shit Hits The Fan 💩

(00:11:37) Back to the Privacy Drawing Board

(00:14:44) UTXO's Can Stalk You

(00:20:50) The Servers Were Shut Down, DO NOT PANIC

(00:27:02) Plan to Run Your Own Node

(00:31:00) So, You're Ready to Spend Again...

(00:39:46) "Wasabi, which I don't like"

(00:44:55) What About Join Market?