Ember Collective Self-hosted • Federated • Privacy-conscious

ACCOUNT SAFETY

Keys, aliases, and safer setup habits

A few setup choices make a big difference. This page is the quick-start checklist for new members.

Suggested onboarding order

  1. Privacy
  2. Account Safety
  3. About / Mission & Values / Identity & Vision
  4. How It Works
  5. Join

Handle privacy setup first, then learn the space, then submit the join request.

Recommended setup habits

  • Use a new alias not tied to major public platforms.
  • Use an encrypted email provider for onboarding contact (Proton/Tuta recommended).
  • Store your recovery/security key in a secure place you can actually access later.
  • Back up keys before changing devices.

Signal privacy setup (before follow-up)

  • Open Signal → Settings → Privacy → Phone Number.
  • Set Who can see my number to Nobody.
  • Set Who can find me by my number to Nobody.
  • Open Signal → Settings → Profile and use a display name that is not your real name if privacy is a concern.
  • Create/use a Signal username and share that instead of a phone number when possible.

If keys are lost

  • Account recovery may not be possible.
  • You may need to create a new account.
  • Old encrypted messages may be inaccessible without the proper keys.
  • Server admins cannot restore encrypted history for you.

Encrypted vs non-encrypted rooms

Use encrypted rooms for sensitive conversations. Non-encrypted rooms can be useful for onboarding and lower-risk topics. Follow room guidance and posted rules.

Device/session hygiene

Use device lock screens, keep software updated, and review active sessions in your Matrix client periodically. Basic device security matters as much as server choices.