The best services will be free, have end-to-end encryption for all your stored data, and not require any personal information to sign up. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Standard notes – This free service allows you to store encrypted notes, checklists, photos, audio recordings, and more. It offers end-to-end encryption so only you can access your data. The self-hosted option provides maximum privacy by allowing you to run your Standard Notes server.
2. Joplin – Joplin is a great open-source free option with end-to-end encryption across all major devices. Easily take notes, create to-do lists, and organize them from anywhere. Plug-ins allow you to enhance the app’s functionality.
3. CryptPad – Fully encrypted real-time collaborative docs allow you to store notes privately while working with others when needed. As data leaves no trace on servers, your info remains secure.

Enable encryption settings

Be sure to enable all encryption settings offered by your chosen secure note services for maximum privacy. Here are some specific settings to turn on:

• Master password – Set up a strong master password for your account to control access. Enable two-factor authentication for additional security.
• Encrypted backups – Back up your locked notes to your encrypted external drive instead of unsecured cloud sync services.
• Offline encryption – Choose services like Standard Notes that encrypt data locally on your device before syncing your encrypted data with their servers.

Use anonymous profiles

Signing up for secure services anonymously provides an extra layer of privacy over storing your private notes and messages. Here are some tips:

• Disposable email – When creating accounts, use a temporary disposable email address instead of your one whenever possible. Many free services provide these.
• Public wifi – Whenever creating anonymous logins, connect to public unsecured wifi instead of your home network for maximum anonymity online.
• Incognito mode – Enable incognito or private browsing mode on your device web browser when accessing or creating your secure anonymous accounts. It prevents local file and browsing history retention.

The most private mode for hiding notes is combining an anonymous account on a fully encrypted free cloud service or messaging app with maximum security settings enabled.

Carefully store recovery keys

While complete anonymity provides strong privacy, you don’t want to forget your passwords and get locked out from your encrypted data! Follow these practices for safely keeping your recovery keys and master passwords:

• Offline encrypted drives – Store any recovery keys or master password reminders locally on external encrypted hard drives or encrypted USB flash drives. It keeps them both secure and accessible offline.
• Password manager – Services like privatenote.io allow you to securely store all your passwords and keys in an encrypted database protected by one master password. Enable two-factor authentication for added account protection.
• Physical safe – For the ultimate in security, print out and store paper copies of your critical recovery keys in a fireproof safe, bank safety deposit box, or other physically secure locations that only you access.

Your personal thoughts and confidential notes deserve to stay private in today’s transparent digital world. By using secure free cloud services with disappearing chat messages, and carefully managed recovery keys, you easily keep a private digital space. Use the tips and recommendations outlined above to hide your notes with maximum privacy. The technology for securing your most personal data is more powerful and easy to use than ever before. Make sure to take advantage by properly implementing these encryption and offline storage best practices for hiding your private notes and messages without leaving a trace. Your future self will thank you for the peace of mind that comes with true digital privacy.