Security and privacy tools

What privacy tools do with your data

Every website, app and network you use can collect something about you: your IP address, location, browsing history or the details you type into forms. Privacy tools reduce how much is collected and who can read it, while the protective side covers the accounts that hold that personal information. Most people need a small, sensible set rather than everything on the market.

Types of privacy tool

• Password managers create and store a unique password for every account, which protects you when one website suffers a breach. For most people this is one of the most useful apps to install.
• Ad and tracker blockers such as AdGuard stop ads and the trackers that follow you between sites, and DNS blocking can cover every device on a home network.
• Encryption and backup software keeps sensitive files private and protects you from ransomware, theft and failed hardware.
• Compliance platforms help businesses working towards standards such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001 collect evidence and track controls. Comp AI is one we have reviewed.

Virtual private network (VPN) apps

A virtual private network encrypts the connection between your phone or laptop and the provider's server. That hides your web traffic from the local Wi-Fi network and your internet provider (ISP), and masks your IP address from the sites you visit. It does not make you anonymous, and you are trusting the provider with that traffic instead. When choosing one, check where the company is based, whether its no-log policy has been independently audited, which locations it offers and how many connections one account allows.

Private browser, search engine and encrypted messaging app

Some of the best privacy gains are free. A browser such as Brave or Firefox with strict tracking protection, a private search engine such as DuckDuckGo instead of Google for everyday searches, and an encrypted messaging app such as Signal for personal chats all cut the data you hand over. Private browsing mode on its own only clears local history; it does not hide you from websites or your network. Tor goes further for people who need strong anonymity, at the cost of speed.

Secure your accounts first

1. Use a password manager and turn on two-factor authentication for email, banking and work accounts.
2. Keep Windows, macOS, Android or iOS and your apps updated on every device.
3. Add a tracker blocker to your web browser.
4. Back up important files to a second location.
5. Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi or when you want to hide browsing from the network.

That short list covers the risks most people face. Specialist services for encrypted email or secure file sharing come next if your work or situation calls for them.

Choosing a password manager

Look at the encryption model, support across every platform you use, secure sharing for family or team members and the account recovery options. Read recent customer reviews and avoid unknown providers with no track record, as you are handing them very sensitive data.

Data privacy for a business

Businesses carry extra responsibility because they hold customer data. A team password manager, managed laptops, regular backups and clear access controls cover the basics. Companies selling to larger customers are often asked for SOC 2 or ISO 27001 reports, which is where compliance platforms help. Our Comp AI review covers one open-source option for startups working towards a first SOC 2 report.

Free options, pricing and lifetime deals

Many good privacy tools are free, including private browsers, search engines and Signal. VPNs and password managers usually charge a monthly or yearly fee, and free versions often limit data, connections or features. Lifetime deals on both are common, but be careful: protective software needs continuous updates and a provider that will still exist in a few years. Read how to evaluate a SaaS lifetime deal before buying one.

How we review privacy tools

Our reviews are research based. We read each product's pricing pages, documentation, privacy policies, changelog and what customers report, then score it against the same criteria as everything else we cover. How we score explains the method, and every deal on this page is checked against the seller's live price.