I have written about a lot of security tools over the years. I generally prefer to focus on techniques and behaviors rather than tools. Security-minded behavior is generally more effective than security tools. It is easier and vastly more certain, for instance, to conceal a thought that was never committed to text than it is to erase it afterward. Tools can also create a false sense of security and cause a disregard for the importance of security behaviors.
In some instances tools are indispensable, however. Tools can provide capabilities that behavior alone cannot. This post will serve as a repository of my current recommended tools and services. It will host links to my articles/reviews about these products, as well as links to their host sites, and I will update it frequently.
Importantly, this page does not contain any affiliate links except where specifically noted.
Resisting Malware
Anti-Malware
Browser Hardening
See dedicated Browser Hardening section at the bottom of the page.
Miscellaneous Tools
MacUpdater: tool for keeping apps on your Mac computer up-to-date
VirtualBox: virtual machine software, see my “how-to” guide (Part I, Part II, Part III)
Defending Cloud-Hosted Data
Password Managers
KeePassXC (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Strongbox (iOS)
KeePass2Android (Android)
LastPass: platform-agnostic, cloud-based password manager
Two-Factor Authentication
Securing Data-in-Motion
Virtual Private Networks
ProtonVPN, “How-To” Series/Review: Coming Soon!
Encrypted Messaging Systems
Signal
Wire Secure Messenger (preferred)
Email Providers
ProtonMail, my full review (late 2019): Part I, Part II, Part III
Advanced Tools
O&O ShutUp 10 (Windows only) super lightweight, simple telemetry firewall for Windows
Little Snitch (macOS only) network monitor/application-layer firewall, intended for expert-level users
Lockdown App (iOS, macOS just released) application-layer firewall to block trackers, accessible to all users but may conflict with VPN
Glasswire (Windows, Android) network monitor, intended to expert-level users
Safeguarding Data-At-Rest
Encryption
VeraCrypt
Apricorn Aegis Flash Drives and Hard Drives (affiliate link)(my SecureKey Review, my Fortress Review)
Data Erasure/Anti-Forensics
Protecting Personally Identifying Information
Protect Your Financial Information
Pay with Privacy/Privacy.com (My Tutorial/Review)
Chex Systems Credit Freeze
Equifax Credit Freeze
Experion Credit Freeze
Innovis Credit Freeze
Transunion Credit Freeze
Protect Your Phone Number
Protect Your Email Address
Browser Hardening
Browser(s)
Add-Ons
Multi-Account Containers
HTTPS Everywhere
uBlock Origin
Other Resources
