This project documents a real-world OPSEC (Operational Security) hardening strategy applied to an Android device using DNS-level filtering (NextDNS) combined with a privacy-focused VPN.
The goal is to reduce telemetry, tracking, and DNS noise while preserving system stability, usability, and access to essential services — including major social platforms — through a hybrid and ethical approach.
- Reduce unnecessary DNS queries and background telemetry
- Limit exposure to advertising and analytics networks
- Preserve core Android functionality and app usability
- Maintain compatibility with VPN usage
- Apply OPSEC principles without degrading user experience
This project addresses:
- Passive network observers
- ISP-level metadata collection
- Telemetry-heavy mobile applications
- Tracking and analytics at the DNS level
- Risks associated with public Wi-Fi networks
Out of scope:
- Device compromise or malware analysis
- Root-level or firmware attacks
- Exploitation or bypass techniques
Rather than blocking entire platforms, this project follows a hybrid model:
- Allow core APIs and content delivery networks (CDNs)
- Selectively block telemetry, analytics, and advertising endpoints
- Validate application functionality after each change
- Iterate based on measurable DNS metrics
This approach reflects real-world constraints where usability and privacy must coexist.
- Daily-use Android devices
- Privacy-conscious users
- Technical support and security professionals
- VPN users
- Public Wi-Fi environments
This project is VPN-agnostic but was designed to work correctly with privacy-respecting providers such as:
- Mullvad
- IVPN
- Proton VPN
Key principles:
- No traffic inspection
- No user tracking
- No logging policies
- Proper DNS handling when combined with custom resolvers
The use of a VPN in this project is intended solely for privacy and security purposes, not for bypassing laws, services, or usage restrictions.
This project follows strict ethical boundaries:
- No attempt to evade paywalls or services
- No bypass of authentication or safeguards
- No targeting of individuals or organizations
- No data exfiltration or fingerprinting
The focus is defensive security, privacy awareness, and system hardening.
Effectiveness is measured through:
- DNS query volume comparison (before / after)
- Reduction in telemetry-heavy domains
- Functional testing of apps and system services
- Stability under VPN and DNS coexistence
No personal data, identifiers, or raw logs are included in this repository.
- Over-blocking reduces usability and creates instability
- Social platforms require selective filtering
- VPN DNS behavior varies by provider
- OPSEC is about balance, not isolation
- Practical security favors consistency over extremism
This project focuses on defensive security, privacy hardening, and OPSEC awareness. It does not promote:
- Circumvention of laws
- Bypassing device security mechanisms
- Abuse of services or platforms
All configurations are reversible and documented.
This repository is provided for educational and defensive purposes only. Configuration examples are illustrative and should be adapted carefully to each environment.
Users are responsible for complying with local laws, service terms, and ethical standards.