Chat with other UA workers
Read first: precautions
We use a chat program called SimpleX. It is free, open source, and does not use accounts. It is an anonymous and private way to communicate – as long as you don’t say anything that can identify you.
Here are a few guidelines for using a group chat where anyone (including the bosses) might be present.
Do not use any part of your real name as your username. Don’t use a username you’ve ever used anywhere else. Your best bet is to generate a random username by clicking “generate passphrase” and just using one or two of the words. You can also let SimpleX generate a random username for you.
Do not provide identifying information in the chat. Never type your name, department, gender, years of service, or whatever. Don’t even share your location or campus unless strictly necessary.
Do not share other information that could be used to de-anonymize you. This might include sensitive information that only a few people are privy to. It also might include information sent directly to you by the University; employers use canary traps to identify leakers.
Do not use a work device for to communicate. Assume the University spies on you if you’re using their hardware.
Conversely, do not use a personal device to connect to University resources. Board of Regents policy gives administration carte blanche to search any device that connects to University resources. That means you shouldn’t even check your work email from a personal device!
Scrub files of metadata before sharing them. This is a simple guide on what metadata is and how to remove it. macOS and Linux users can use mat2 as well.
Finally, remember that as the struggle heats up, our discussions may draw interest. Anyone could be in our group chat. Cops, scabs, administrators, provocateurs. Who knows? Take no risks!
Instructions
Install SimpleX. The software is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Once installed, use this link to join our chat.