Best Free Privacy Protection Tools

We live in times when Internet is no more free. Internet censorship is a common thing in many countries. In addition, using free online tools, we often underestimate the importance of keeping our online activity secret. This is a slippery slope, because so many things – from communication to payments – have migrated to the Internet.

Ensuring proper privacy and security is easier said than done, but thankfully, there are solutions that help automate this process. Here's a roundup of the top free tools that will safeguard your online routine from different angles.

1. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an open-source encryption protocol used by most VPN services out there. It is compatible with all major operating systems and boasts a combo of stable connection and dependable protection. Even if you are up to creating a VPN server of your own, you can leverage OpenVPN to do it.

2. Whoer

One of the benefits of using Whoer, a free web proxy service, is that you needn't install it. In order to hide your real IP address without using a VPN, just enter a URL in the search box on this tool's web page.

3. Panda

Panda is an antimalware solution you don't have to pay for. It goes equipped with a handful of useful features. It detects and removes different types of viruses, encrypts valuable data, and ensures that your connection is safe when you go online using public Wi-Fi networks. Furthermore, it has parental control instruments under the hood. Panda supports Windows, macOS, as well as smartphones running Android and iOS.

4. LastPass

LastPass is a user-friendly password management tool. It includes plugins that run on all popular web browsers and store your passwords in an encrypted form. LastPass uses the strong symmetric AES-256 cipher to encode your authentication details.

5. Guerrilla Mail

Guerrilla Mailallows you to protect your identity by providing "burner" email addresses. This way, you no longer need to enter your real email address when signing up for different web services.

6. DNS leak test

Hosted at dnsleaktest.com, this service checks whether your current web browser is leaking your actual IP address due to vulnerabilities in WebRTC, a real-time communication technology built into the browser. For the record, WebRTC engages JavaScript and may be exploited to determine your true IP address. To top it off, those using a VPN are also at risk.

7. AdBlock

AdBlock is a free, easy-to-use add-on that prevents advertisements from popping up in major web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, IE, and Safari. In addition to blocking ads, it keeps websites from harvesting your PID (personally identifiable data). Another important feature of AdBlock is that it fends off stealthy crypto mining scripts that take advantage of users' CPU to mine Monero and other cryptocurrencies.

8. Tor Browser

Tor Browser is a free web surfing instrument that allows you to connect to Tor (The Onion Router), a network designed for anonymous communication that keeps you safe from any form of surveillance and tracking.The fundamental principle of Tor is to randomly route your traffic over a number of servers and thus ensure that no one can retrieve your IP address, operating system details, and other sensitive information.

9. StartPage

StartPage is a private search engine that doesn't retain logs of your queries and therefore doesn't share any information with advertisers. It uses "bare" Google search results without ads and tracking. You can add a specially crafted browser extension to make StartPage your default search provider.

10. GlassWire

The GlassWirefirewall tool allows you to stay on top of your network activity and detects harmful code such as ransomware, spyware, and other malware that generates anomalous web traffic. It supports Windows and Android.

11. NoScript

NoScript is a free Firefox extension that restricts the use of known-vulnerable plugins, such as Flash and JavaScript, to trusted websites only. All you need to do is define which sites are on your personal whitelist.

The above instruments are free and don't require any advanced skills to use, but most importantly, they enhance your online privacy and security so that you can surf the web with a peace of mind and confidence that your sensitive information stays intact.