Metadata - remove before sharing any file

[T. Ripley]

Why is important?
EXIF metadata, which is embedded in your files, can disclose your location, device information, and even your camera settings. This sensitive information can be used by cybercriminals / OPSEC to track you, steal your data, or even plan targeted moves / deals.


What is EXIF metadata?

EXIF is extra information hidden in your photos that can reveal a lot about you and your online activities.
It can show:

• Camera model
• Date and exact time of shooting
• Information about the copyright
• ISO light sensitivity values
• Camera sensor size
• Photo orientation
• Aperture settings
• Frame thumbnail
• Frame resolution
• Geometry
• etc.

An example of displaying EXIF metadata in ExifTool for Linux:




Why are metadata dangerous? Because they let others track our online activities, likes, and location.
When we send files, photos, or posts, we leave digital footprints that can be read by our enemies.

Windows: EXIF Purge
Android: EXIF Scrambler
iOS: ViewExif

Regards

 

[miner21]

I
was looking at reviews for the android app. They seem to be mixed on whether it works or not. What's a way we can test this? I have also seen sites on Tor that will remove meta data from a file.

 

[T. Ripley]

Preferably through the android terminal (Termux), type in terminal exiftool filename.jpg.

Is also available ImagePipe on F-Droid.

 

[miner21]

Thank you!

 

[Osmosis Vanderwaal]

This site automatically strips metadata when you upload anything (and I assume Bazaar also) That Hiesenburg, he's thought about this stuff a lot.

 

[miner21]

Thats fair. I trust the site, but it would still be a good idea to do it yourself to be safe

 

[Osmosis Vanderwaal]

right because if not it will pass from your computer to your host and then through 5 nodes with that info intact. It's basically a deadmans switch