There is no doubt that Internet security is becoming an increasingly popular topic. Many people feel that they are paying enough for their online services already. This is where free Internet security tools can help you protect yourself online.
The 120 tools presented here will do a variety of things for you. Before you read much further, you are encouraged to look at a
Table of Contents
Free Internet security: Free VPNs and proxies
Every free VPN service is a lesser version of their paid VPN service conterpart. You will be limited in your bandwidth, time, or server availability in all instances. Let’s look at some options, as well as web proxies offered by the best VPNs.
1. ProtonVPN
One of our top free providers, Proton has a free side which is supported by their paid users. The service is quite limited, especially when it comes to server availability and server speed, but it is still useful as a temporary solution.
It will still use strong encryption, to protect your data, and work on all major operating systems. They also have their ProtonMail service, which is quite useful.
2.HideMyAss free web proxy
HideMyAss do not have a free
- Hide your IP address
- Allow you to open geo-blocked content
- Gain some anonymity from websites
If you need to quickly unlock something that is blocked due to your location, the free web proxy from HideMyAss is a perfect option.
3. WindScribe free VPN service
Windscribe is another
It is a good bet that after using the free service for a while you will see it’s true benefit and upgrade.
4. ProXPN free VPN service
ProXPN is a newer
Since they are new, they cannot offer very much in terms of bandwidth for the free service. You are throttled at 300 kBps.
5. TunnelBear Free VPN service
TunnelBear has been creating a lot of noise in the
They’re also easy to use on Windows, and Mac OS x. Android, Chrome, and Opera browser users will also enjoy it.
6. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Kindle, and Android. That is a very diverse range of offerings for a free
They offer servers in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, UK, China, India, and Germany. For reference, our top
7. Hide.Me proxy service
This is a free web proxy. It does not log any of your data, and has servers available in the Netherlands, Germany, and the USA. They are obviously a very scaled-down introductory version to their
8. VPNBook
If you choose to use it, I hope you know how to set things up on OpenVPN. They do not have a dedicated VPN client, so you will have to be knowledgeable about how VPNs work.
9. Anonymouse
This website has a number of free Internet security tools that you can use. Their
10. Hidester
This is another free web proxy that you can use. Server locations are limited, but it will do if you need it in a pinch. They keep the web proxy limited and offer a paid
11. Zend2
This free web proxy prides itself on the fact that it supports Facebook and YouTube. This can be very important to those who live in countries which face geo-restrictions.
They offer their services in English, Russian, Dutch, and Spanish.
12. Privoxy
You can enjoy this free web proxy on Linux, Windows, and Mac. They offer you a little bit more privacy, stop targeted advertising, and unblock geo-restricted content… If you can figure out how it works as it is for experienced users.
13. Who-er
We don’t know how you’re supposed to pronounce this free web proxy, but it never seems to come out… Family friendly. Regardless of how you pronounce it, you can use it for web proxy servers in:
- Paris
- Amsterdam
- Moscow, St. Petersburg
- Stockholm
- London
- Los Angeles
Those are decent options, but that name… Read our review about them to learn a little more.
14. FireXproxy
This is a web based tool, so it doesn’t matter what your operating system is. All you have to do is put the URL that you want to visit into their search bar, and it will mask your IP and take you to that website. While it does this it will block on unwanted advertising.
Quickproxy isn’t bound by operating systems since it is a web-based tool. Simply plug in a desired URL into Quickproxy’s search bar, and you can access a website with a masked IP address. Not only will it block unwanted content ads, but Quickproxy will also hide your global location and IP address.
15. Proxy SwitchySharp
This browser extension is only compatible with Google Chrome browsers. If you use go Google Chrome, it will help you manage, switch, and connect to their different web proxy servers.
Anyone who uses it can choose which domains are accessed by specific web proxies. This is great for unlocking geo-blocked content.
16. FoxyProxy
This is very similar to the web proxy above, except it was designed to only work with the Firefox browser. It will protect you from targeted online advertising, and hide your true IP address, but it won’t do anything to encrypt your data and keep you safe that way like VyperVPN can.
Free Internet security: Free vulnerability scanning apps
17. Retina CS Community
You can read about all four of these vulnerabilities scanning apps in a detailed article on our blog. To summarize Retina CS Community, it will help you find vulnerabilities on:
- Mobile devices
- Servers
- Private clouds
- Virtual applications
- Web applications
Using a free vulnerability scanning app is not ideal. These are usually used by experts, and are really only meant as samples for the full version. You can get a taste of it using the free samples we’re talking about though.
18. Tenable’s Nessus Professional
It is no surprise that Tenable has developed a great free Internet security tool. They’re:
- Missing security patches
- Windows updates in general
- Missing service packs
- Configurations you are missing
All of this, and it will also help you with weak passwords. If you run Windows systems, or servers, this is a valuable tool.
19. SecureCheq
This free Internet security tool comes from the trusted team over at tripwire. Its primary role is to pinpoint Windows weaknesses. It can also help you with:
- OS hardening
- Communication security
- Data protection
- User account activity
This free version is limited. If use for the tool above, it can be quite helpful in securing your Windows network.
20. OpenVAS
This tool only works for Linux, every other system will not be able to use it. You can use it to:
- Schedule system scans
- Do multiple scans
- View false positives
There is an upgrade for a more comprehensive client, but the free version is stuck with Linux only.
Free Internet security: Free antivirus software
21. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is one of the most common, general purpose, antivirus programs around. You can read about more free antivirus on our blog, but this is a good introductory app. Its main design feature is to prevent viruses, and remove them promptly if they do invade your computer.
You can buy paid subscriptions which offer more security, and real-time protection, but this free antivirus is still useful. You can use it on Windows and Mac as well.
22. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is one of the more popular free antivirus tools for good reason; It offers real-time protection, but it doesn’t sap all of your system’s resources. It is designed to remove and identify:
- Rootkits
- Spyware
- Trojans
- Keyloggers
- Viruses
- Ransomeware
And many other types of programs which can harm your computer. Is not a full antivirus tool, but It can be used in conjunction with one to offer even more free Internet security.
23. Check Point ZoneAlarm
Getting free antivirus software is good, but getting free antivirus software which also has a free firewall is even better. The basic design of this software is to:
- Quarantine
- Remove
Every type of computer virus you can think of. Upgrading to the paid feature gives you even more features, such as online backup, and even online identity protection.
24. Lavasoft AdAware Antivirus
It seems that every piece of free Internet security software has to have an extra little bit to make it more special. Lavasoft have added an advertising blocking feature. It is meant to stop ads from eating up your bandwidth. It can also help with your memory, page load speed, and CPU cycles.
Make no mistake about it, it is still a useful free antivirus as well. They have added some bonus features.
25. Sophos Home
The Sophos name is synonymous with high quality business class antivirus. With their success in the business world, they have a free version for home use which is quite useful. The drawback is that it can sap your system resources and slow down your computer while trying to protect it.
26. Comodo Antivirus
Comodo has been around for years creating a wide variety of free Internet security tools. They will typically offer free versions of it, and their free antivirus is an example. This will protect you from a number of malware threats.
27. 360 Total Security 8.6
This free Internet security tool is for users who are a bit more advanced. It comes with many extra features to help increase your Internet security, but they can be a bit difficult to figure out how to use.
I do like that they can be your complete free Internet security software option. They have created software for Windows, Mac, mobile devices, as well as a virus database, and browser extensions.
28. Kaspersky
Kaspersky may just be the biggest name in the world of Internet security and antivirus. While their free antivirus software is powerful, it is limited to a 30 day trial. This is useful if you are looking to one-day upgrade, but if you are not you will be wasting your time.
29. AVG
AVG Could quite possibly be the most popular free anti-malware software. It will protect you against Trojans, viruses, unwanted programs, spyware, adware, and many other online problems. You can also use it on Windows, Mac, and Android mobile devices
30. Avast
Avast is an interesting antimalware solution because they promise not to divulge sensitive customer information to the authorities. Avast is touted as having as small an impact on system performance as possible. One handy extra feature is a free password manager to encrypt all your sensitive login credentials. Avast is available on iOS, Android, Mac OSX, and Windows.
31. Panda
Panda is a lightweight free antivirus tool with a few extra unique features added:
- Malware removal
- File encryption
- Real-time updates
- File deletion tool
- Parental controls
- Free
VPN , heavily limited with a data cap
These features make it more than just a free antivirus and turn it into a useful free Internet security tool overall.
Free Internet security: Free password manager
32. LastPass
We are starting off with one of the best free password managers, and you can learn more about them all in detail on our blog. LastPass is a free security plug-in for most major browsers, including:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Opera
- Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Edge
It stores a variety of passwords for you in an encrypted database which uses AES-256. You unlock it using a master password. They do not store your password, so if you forget it you will have to reset it.
33. KeePass
KeePass is similar to LastPass. The big difference is that it is not a browser extension. It is its own separate application. This has led to it being slightly less than user-friendly, and it cannot sync databases amongst all of your devices. This is a major weakness as most major password managers will let you do this.
34. Master Password
Master Password is another free password manager that seems to set itself apart from LastPass and KeePass. Instead of using an encrypted database, it instead uses a complex algorithm to create unique passwords. It is also available on Mac, Android, Windows, and the mobile devices of each.
35. DataVault
This is a free Internet security tool that didn’t quite go as far as it needed. They use AES-128 encryption, LastPass above uses AES-256 encryption. Obviously, 256 is stronger and more complex than 128. It is available on a wide variety of devices and you can test it out to see if it matches your needs better than LastPass.
As the name implies, it is a vault. You can also store credit cards, financial data, and other personal information in it using their encryption.
36. Dashlane
Dashlane is worthy of being in the top password managers list thanks to how you can use it across all of your devices. It will also help you create unique passwords over and over again. You can store your login details and enter that information for you. What else can I say? It has over 50,000 5 star ratings. It’s that good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=YeDjx1JFUqw
37. TrueKey
TrueKey has set itself apart by using multifactor authentication for all new sign in attempts. This makes it so you always have to enter your password, and one other thing, before you will be allowed into your account on a new device. For devices that are trusted, you can sign in with your fingerprint, face scan, or Master Password.
It also uses AES-256 encryption, and helps you create new passwords. If you’re curious, it is brought to you by the people at Intel.
38. Roboform
What sets Roboform apart is the fact that it will do password audits on your existing passwords. It does all the same things as the best free password managers, like storing and creating new passwords in an encrypted database, but this one extra feature can help you correct past password mistakes.
39. KeeperDesktop
KeeperDesktop refer to themselves as the leading secure password manager and digital vault. Their innervations, including a fingerprint scanner as a password, can help you stay a little bit more secure. They also offer encrypted storage of nearly anything you need to protect. This can include files, photos, and videos.
Free Internet security: Secure search engines
40. StartPage
The entire point of StartPage is to strip away any information about your computer that will identify you before sending the search along to Google. You can set it as your default Chrome search engine and it will not log your IP address, or any of your online activities.
41. DuckDuckGo
This is the private search engine with the funny name. It is even more private than StartPage as it is not just a proxy server for Google. It is a search engine that is entirely free of tracking cookies, and other invasions of your online privacy. They pride themselves on not logging their users.
42. Ixquick
This is from the same developers as StartPage. The big difference is that instead of only sending your search through Google, it sends it to several search engines. This makes it the world’s most private meta-search engine.
Free Internet security: Free encrypted messaging systems
43. TorChat
The people that started Tor are very serious about providing free Internet security. Their secure messaging app uses P2P encryption technology to deliver messages instantly which are private. You can try running it through a thumb drive, but only if you use Linux or Windows operating systems.
44. Telegram
The problem with using any messaging system is that old messages are kept in an archive. You will not have that issue with Telegram as they will “self-destruct” the message after a set amount of time that you decide. Don’t worry, the timer starts after the recipient has actually read your message.
45. CryptoCat
The point of this free Internet security tool for messaging is that it encrypts your message on your device before it is sent to its destination. Not only can it do two-way chats, and group chats, it can also send encrypted files. Those encrypted files can be photos.
46. Signal
Signal is probably the most trusted free privacy app on mobile devices. You can use it to include your voice, instant messages, and files. Advanced users will enjoy the use of keys, as well as fingerprint authentication methods.
The company which makes Signal has been endorsed by Edward Snowden. He is a guy who knows a thing or two about privacy.
47. LBE Privacy Guard
There seems to be no end to the number of permissions that apps on your Android phone try to take which they don’t necessarily need. LBE Privacy Guard seeks to give you control over the specific functions and permissions of each individual app.
48. Pidgin
This is the free messaging system that you wanted to use if you have existing applications that you want to secure. It works for Yahoo, MSN, AIM and a few other existing chat services. It will work on your mobile device just as well as Windows, Mac, and Linux.
49. Hushed
This secure messaging system takes a different approach and gives you a new private phone number on your same phone. It essentially allows you to create a virtual burner phone. This can keep your phone private from whatever you need to keep it private from, such as your work, AirBnB clients, or someone you are just starting to date. The number will last for three days. After that, simply get another number. If you want it for longer, you can pay to upgrade.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be66e65jYpt/
Free Internet security: Free private browsing options and browsers
50. Tails
This is brought to you by the same people that designed Tor. Tales is a very light weight and bootable OS that you can store on a flash drive, or thumb drive. It emphasizes security with encryption for your messages, instant messages, any conversations you have, and files that you want to encrypt on your machine before you send them. Since it is bootable, this will prevent data records and cookies from disrupting your Internet security.
51. Orbot
This is actually the Android version of Tor. It works pretty much exactly the same, but the difference that you need to know is that it is geared towards an Android mobile experience. It can also be a bit difficult to set up.
52. I2P
This free Internet security tool is much like Tor. It sends your data through a network of different servers. This hides the source, which would be you. They have clients for it on Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android.
53. Peerblock
Peerblock serves to stop known malware distributors before they can attack you. This is very popular amongst the bittorrent community. It stops DMCA notices from showing up at their doors as it hides their IP address. You can even block spyware and adware from connecting to your computer.
54. Comodo Dragon browser
You can learn about free secure browsers in greater detail in our blog post on the topic. Comodo Dragon browser comes from a company that has a wide range of free Internet security tools. This private browser is just another one of them which can offer you a complete online security plan. It even has a built in adblock feature, all while stopping online tracking.
55. Epic Browser
Epic Browser has earned its name. It can protect you from tracking by Google and ad agencies. It also has a built-in proxy so that you can get around blocks at your workplace and school to a limited degree. If you truly need to get around workplace blocks you need encryption in the form of a VPN.
56. SRWare Iron
This may be the most diverse free secure Internet browser. You can use it on Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac. Its primary goal is to strip Google’s surveillance of you. They have been working on it consistently and update frequently.
57. Tor browser
This is the free secure browser that you have heard so much about in this article already. It was once the unquestioned most secure way to surf the Internet, but that is no longer the case. Some of its nodes have been infiltrated by national governments.
When you get right down to it, it is a more complex experience. It should also be noted that since it routes your Internet traffic through a series of routers across the world, it can considerably slow down your online experience.
Free Internet security: Free encrypted storage
58. Boxcryptor
You can use this tool to automatically create an encrypted folder on your own computer. From then on, any file that you put into that folder will also be encrypted automatically. This makes it popular amongst people who use Dropbox, or any sort of system like that as an automatic backup.
For the next level of security for your encrypted information, use a VPN such as Vypr. They have a deal with a secure storage provider, SpiderOak, and couple this with their secure transportation.
59. EncFSMP
EncFSMP and Boxcryptor are very similar. You can create a single folder on your computer, and everything that you put inside of it is automatically encrypted. The downside is that it’s only available on Windows and Mac systems.
60. Tresorit
Tresorit encrypts your files end-to-end by using two separate folders. The first folder is on your local system in an unencrypted format for easy access. The second folder is encrypted, and contains all of the content of the first folder. Many people will place the second folder inside of Dropbox.
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— Tresorit (@Tresorit) November 30, 2018
61. iBackup
iBackup is an encrypted cloud storage and backup provider. What people enjoy the most about this is that their free option has 5 GB of free storage, and it doesn’t have any time limit on it. It works on both Windows and Mac, as well as Android, Windows Phone, and iOS.
62. CrashPlan
Crashplan is used by many people as a backup software provider. They do provide it for free, but to use personal storage like their NAS device, or external HDD, you will have to pay. To use their servers in the cloud there is a subscription fee.
63. nCrypted Cloud
nCrypted Cloud will help your storage servers by synchronizing them in encrypted fashion before it is actually sent to the server. It should be noted that this free storage tool will not automatically encrypt your files. You have to click a button to actually encrypt them. If you forget, well…
64. IDrive
With 5GB of free storage, and the use of 256-bit AES encryption, you can store some of your most important private content with IDrive knowing it will be secure. They have clients for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
You’re able to backup files securely from many different devices into your one IDrive account, and you can break things down by using folders for organization.
65. AxCrypt
AxCrypt is a Windows exclusive tool will help you encrypt and compress your files. The addition of being able to compress your files is a unique feature, and can help you send your large encrypted files easily. It is worthwhile to note that this is not a very easy tool to use, and will take a bit of a learning curve.
66. Diskcryptor
Diskcryptor is only available on Windows, but it can encrypt your entire hard drive, or just parts of your filesystem if you choose. You can use either AES-256 encryption, Twofish, or Serpent. If you’re feeling really creative you can use a hybrid of these encryption protocols as well.
67. FileVault 2
FileVault 2 is the Mac version of the tool above. The difference is that it uses a slightly less powerful form of encryption, AES-128\XTS. The other thing that may hold you back is that it’s only available on Lion. But, honestly, if you’re still on Lion it is time to grow up. Some of us held on for too long…
68. Bitlocker
Bitlocker is similar to the ones above, but is exclusive to Windows operating systems. What makes it exceptional is the fact that it was actually designed by Microsoft, and is installed by default on many different Windows operating systems. It can encrypt your entire system, or just a few files.
69. VeraCrypt
This was once known as TrueCrypt. You can no longer use the old version as it is no longer supported, and unsupported security products are useless. If you have been using the old version be sure to update to this new one. You can use it to encrypted drives, volumes, or folders. It works across Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and iOS.
Free Internet security: Free ad blockers
70. Privacy Badger
You can use Privacy Badger to stop individual web page components from tracking your online activities. It is not a true dedicated ad blocker. It is designed to block certain tracking features, making it so you can set it up to both block ads and malware. You can even use it to stop browser fingerprinting tactics, which is more of a privacy invasion that a security invasion, but it is important to monitor.
71. uBlock
You can use this on Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome. Not only can block block ads from reaching you, but it can also stop those who are trying to use tracking software to collect information about you for targeted advertising. Don’t forget that hackers can steal this information and exploit it.
72. Nixory
Nixory is another ad blocker that is not a true ad blocker as it blocks certain elements on webpages. You can think of it as a tool which can stop tracking, malware, spyware, and adds if it is set up properly. You can use it on Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox.
73. Adblock Plus
Adblock Plus is probably the biggest name in free ad blocking tools. You can use it on any operating system, including both mobile and desktop applications, and it will block out every ad and hunt down malware. Unfortunately, they sold out and now have an ‘acceptable’ ad program. They’re less effective than when they first came on the scene.
74. Ghostery
Ghostery is the perfect tool for those who use Opera as it does support it. It is also available as a browser extension on Safari, Firefox, and Chrome. It is not as popular as Adblock Plus, but it should be very soon as it stops at using less bandwidth, less memory, and is overall less taxing on your system. They also haven’t sold out…
Free Internet security: Free file deletion tools
75. DBan
DBan is a bootable program, your best option is to install it on a DVD or flash drive. The best times to use it include before selling an old computer, or throwing it out. It doesn’t need an operating system since it is bootable, that’s what makes it so you can put it on a flash drive or DVD.
76. Eraser
This free file deletion tool is not bootable. The appropriate time do use it is on your operating system as a way to permanently delete files that are on it. It will permanently delete the files by writing patterns of zeros and ones, and other random values, over the portion of your hard drive where the file you want to delete was stored.
Free Internet security: Free monitoring software
77. GlassWire
GlassWire stops intrusions, for network monitoring, and as a firewall. It collects a tremendous amount of information and can be overwhelming. Most users will just stick to the basic dashboard and learn what they need quickly. The main point is that it can help you pick up issues that your malware software may miss. You can use it on Android and Windows.
78. Snort
Snort will analyze the flow of traffic over specific networks. It can detect and stop recognized attacks against you. You can use it on Linux or Windows. Your guests on why it is called ‘Snort’ is as good as mine…
Free Internet security: Free Windows tools
79. Spybot Anti-Beacon
Windows 10 is well known for collecting sensitive user data as a default setting. This includes:
- Location information
- Browsing habits
- Telemetry
This will block all of this data collection and protect you against hackers who may try to exploit this database. Sometimes the best free Internet security you can get is something which prevents a perfectly reasonable company from collecting information that hackers will exploit.
80. W10 Privacy
W10 Privacy is, as you can guess, the same idea as Spybot. It acts as a secondary control panel and it allows you to easily configure the settings that are buried deep in Windows. You won’t have to dig around trying to find these elusive settings.
81. OO ShutUp10
You can tell that a lot of people were annoyed with Windows 10. You do not need to install this tool which is very similar to W10 Privacy. You can run it from an .exe file, and it will help you find those hidden settings and the Control Panel easily.
82. Destroy Windows 10 Spying
Yes, another tool which seeks to stop the Windows 10 data collection. It will specifically stop:
- Spyware apps
- Windows Office 10 telemetry
- Spying services
- Every spyware module
This is going to stop Windows 10 from spying on you in every way.
83. TinyWall
Tinywall allows Windows users to take control of the Windows Firewall. They have done everything they can to simplify it as firewalls can be a bit tricky for new users.
Free Internet security: Free anonymous email services and clients
84. Email on Deck
There are many ways to set up an anonymous email account, Email on Deck gives you an easy option. It helps you create false email addresses that you can send emails from, and they remain untraceable to the receiver. It is most commonly used by whistleblowers who are contacting the media.
85. ProtonMail
This is an encrypted email service that is based in Switzerland. They are open source so that you can check whether or not they are secure. The trick to using is that those that you send emails to must also use ProtonMail. Think of it as a private one-to-one communications service.
86. Guerrilla Mail
There is no registration required for this free email service. You simply go on their website where a dashboard is created. You then use the unique email that it provides to you there, or create your own.
The most common reason for using it is so that those who collect email addresses for verification processes don’t get the chance to spam you as they get this email instead of yours.
87. Mailinator
Mailinator allows you to use any inbox that you can think up. Do you want to have the email address Carlos@spicywiener.com? Go get it. You can use it to:
- Prevents spam from reaching your personal inbox
- Send out test emails
- Get privacy for any reason
For those with extra email security needs, you can upgrade to a better plan.
88. Hushmail
First off, this is only available as an iOS app at the moment. With that out of the way, you can expect support from Hushmail for both POP and IMAP email accounts, the option for two-step verification if you want that extra security. For those who want a long-term free solution, this is only free for two weeks. It is being added so that those who depend on iOS for frequent mobile emails to try, and then see if it’s worth the cost after the two free weeks.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages they have is that your emails are not analysed for advertising purposes. You may not know this, but Gmail loves to scan your email to find keywords which then are used to display ads to you within Gmail. Who wants that, really?
89. TrashMail.com
TrashMail allows you to set a forwarding address to your real address. You can use this for things like Craigslist… For whatever reason you are using Craigslist. No judgement from anyone here at BVP!
You can set how long the email address will exist before it expires, allowing you to keep the account for as long as you want before it is deleted.
90. MailVelope
Having secure and encrypted email is important. This browser extension is to be used in conjunction with web-based clients such as Gmail. Those who use it will be able to create their own public encryption keys, and email these keys using PGP security. You have to use it with Firefox or Google Chrome though.
91. GNU Privacy Guard
GNU Privacy Guard is a free and open-source piece of software. It will encrypt your emails using PGP, but it is available on many more operating systems.
92. Mozilla Thunderbird
Thunderbird is another open source email program. Its main features are that it wants to eliminate online tracking, and phishing attacks. You can use Windows, Mac, and Linux.
93. EnigMail
EnigMail Is a Mozilla Thunderbird extension which uses open PGP encryption. Users will be able to read emails from friends if they have the decryption key. The source code is also available for review should you be curious about how good this free Internet security tool is, if not it keeps them honest.
94. GPGTools
Apple users will be happy to know that this is compatible with their favorite browser; Safari. This is entirely Mac-based, and will encrypt your emails with the preinstalled package.
Free Internet security: Free browser extensions
95. NoScript
NoScript is exclusive to Firefox, SeaMonkey, and Tor browser at this time. Its function is to stop plug-ins from being able to run scripts unless you are on a site which you trust. Many hackers run their attacks through malicious scripts in web browsers. This can happen very often through website advertising. It will allow you to whitelist trusted sites, but at this point to shouldn’t trust anyone as hacked sites don’t know they’re hacked until it’s too late.
96. ScriptSafe
This is very similar to NoScript, except it is available for Google Chrome. It offers the same ability to block and prevent malicious scripts from being able to run in your web browser.
97. Flashcontrol
This browser extension replaces Flash content with a placeholder that looks like this:
This will block all flash animations, but you can choose to watch by simply clicking on them, or adding sites to your whitelist.
98. Click & Clean
This free browser plug-in has a number of interesting features combined together:
- It scans your browser for privacy protection.
- Your computer will be automatically scanned for malicious software.
- All browsing history will be erased when you exit the browser.
The drawback for this browser extension is that it is only available for Google Chrome.
99. McAfee Secure Safe Browser
This is coming to you from one of the most trusted names in free Internet security providers. It is going to allow you to:
- Check the quality of the website, specifically looking at whether it is free of malware and phishing attacks.
- Verify whether or not a website has a valid SSL certificate.
- Shows you if the website is McAfee Secure certified.
- Shows you TrustedSite ratings and reviews for the website that you are currently on.
Since it comes from one of the most trusted names in free Internet security providers, you can be sure that it is routinely updated.
100. HTTPS Everywhere
This handy free browser extension makes sure that websites which have an HTTPS version run it instead of HTTP. For those that don’t know, that extra ‘S’ stands for secure, and the security comes from encryption. You can use it on Opera, Firefox for Android, Firefox, and Google Chrome.
This is free from the EFF, a non-profit company dedicated to bettering the web’s security, and freedom. Everything they do is worth your time.
101. AppLock
The main feature of this app is to lock your other apps behind a passcode if someone were to get into your phone. It will allow you to lock:
- Messenger
- Snapchat
- SMS
And others still. It can also protect images and videos in your gallery. You will like its random keyboard which will help prevent people from stealing your passcodes.
102. Advanced Protection
This is an advanced app that you can put it on top of AppLock. It prevents people from disabling AppLock and getting around the protection that it offers. Think of it as free Internet security on top of free Internet security.
103. Smart AppLock
This is a standard app locking app, with the addition of some nice backgrounds for your phone. You can also choose an app unlock animation, which is kind of fun.
104. Apps Lock & Gallery Hider
This will allow you to lock both system and downloaded apps. It uses both a pin and a pattern to unlock your apps. It also has an intrusion alert to let you know if someone is trying to break into your phone. You can then use an app which can lock down your phone, or wipe it.
Free Internet security: Free DNS tools
105. OpenDNS
The OpenDNS protocol is more secure than the standard DNS protocol provided to you by your ISP. This is because it will add something to protect against phishing attacks, and offer some additional filtering. Do not be fooled by the name; it is not open-source.
106. DNS.WATCH
Anyone can use this simple DNS service for free. Set your DNS servers to DNS. Watch as instead of your usual DNS servers from your ISP it will change to that of DNS.Watch. The service will not keep logs, or watch user activity. It will also prevent website blocking.
107. Google Public DNS
Exactly how secure Google Public DNS is is currently up for debate. It is certainly free and can help you on block websites in some situations when your ISP blocks them. All that you have to do is ping 8.8.8.8.
Free Internet security: Other free Internet security tools
108. Facebook Privacy Checkup
This is a privacy guide geared specifically to Facebook. It acts as a tutorial around the site and gives you different privacy and security settings. It should be your very first step in free Internet security for your Facebook profile.
109. CCleaner
This is a well known free Internet security tool. It has been included specifically to mention the fact that it has been compromised. At this time, and likely in the future, it is not recommended for use.
110. KeyScrambler
The entire point of this free Internet security tool is to stop hacker tools known as keyloggers. These tools will see your keystrokes, but this tool will encrypt everything you do on your keyboard.
111. Evernote Encryption
This is going to help you encrypt all the notes that you leave in Evernote. Just be aware of the fact that it only encrypts your actual content. It does not encrypt your title, or your metadata.
112. Wireshark
This is a packet sniffer which is trusted by both black hat and white hat hackers. It can see and record every bit in packets which are being sent across a network. It can be used to identify malicious traffic, just be aware of the fact that it is not for beginners.
113. Window Washer
Window Washer is a free Internet security tool which will clear out unwanted processes that slow down your computer. It will also delete traces of your usage habits, and your activity.
114. Panopticlick
This tool comes from the people at the Electronic Freedom Foundation. Its goal is to look at your web browser and find vulnerabilities, and check out how well you can be fingerprinted online. It then helps plug any issues that it finds, and protects you while browsing.
115. Do Not Track
This is more of a free website than a free Internet security tool. It will tell you how well your browser is able to stop online tracking. If your browser sucks at it, it will send you to the appropriate tools to disable this tracking.
116. Random User Agent
This is another tool which looks at browser fingerprinting, just as Panopticlick does above. It will help prevent browser fingerprinting so that you can browse with greater privacy. The fact that it is an open project on GitHub should add further confidence as the code is free to be analysed by security experts at any time.
117. Breach Alarm
This free website is all about alerting you to when one of your online accounts has been compromised in someway. You can sign up for their list and be notified automatically.
118. Have I been pwned?
Simply enter any of your login details, such as your username or email, and it will tell you whether or not your account is included on some sort of breach list. It goes all the way back to the worst MySpace hacks.
119. Google Security Checkup
Be sure to look at this wolf in sheep’s clothing; Google is one of the most invasive companies in the history of the world. They collect a massive amount of data about you. Their Security Checkup tool is one small token of privacy and security protection that they allow you. Be sure to use it and get the most protection that you can out of it.
120. Your brain + common sense
Are you ready for this? Perhaps the most valuable free Internet security tool that you have access to is your own brain, and commonsense. You need to be aware of things being too good to be true, and learning to say no when you are unsure of an issue. Ask more questions, be more cynical, and you will get free Internet security right from your own brain.
Now that you’ve seen all the free ways to get more online privacy, it’s time to consider the single expense you can put out there which will protect you the best: a
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