While computers, mobile phones, and the Internet provide countless benefits and opportunities for billions of people, there are still critical risks from using them. Since anyone can connect to the vast web, it means that criminals can now do illicit acts even remotely. Accordingly, given how most shopping, banking, and other essential transactions happen online, the need for digital security is more vital than ever.However, while one can use advanced tools and precautions, not everyone is knowledgeable enough or can endure even minor inconveniences. Thankfully, many user-friendly consumer-made tools are available to provide digital security and privacy. If you’re looking for the same things, this article can help. Below, we’d listed and discussed excellent apps that can help protect yourself online; please read on.
8 Best Apps For Online Protection
1. Signal
Due to the previous news about government spying, private communication services attracted more users than ever. However, unlike other tools, nothing is as secure and trusted as Signal. In fact, Edward Snowden, a famous whistleblower, and security advocate, firmly believes that Signal is better than the competition.
Signal is a free and open-source encrypted messaging service backed by millions of donors worldwide. In the process, it encrypts all incoming and outgoing messages and makes the sender and recipient the only capable parties that can view them. Consequently, this method prevents hackers, governments, and even Signal itself from decrypting and reading conversation data. Lastly, it requires a phone number for registration and is available on all major platforms, including Android and iOS.
2. ProtonMail
While Gmail is clearly the most popular email service globally, it’s still known for its privacy issues like emails analysis to provide targeted ads. Fortunately, there are now more secure email service options that deviate from these practices, like ProtonMail.
Protonmail works like any other email provider but in more secure ways. Like Signal, it uses encryption to mask every incoming and outgoing email in a user’s inbox. However, this approach also costs money, so users will have to pay for subscriptions if they need more storage. Recently, Protonmail added new features like calendar and cloud drive, making it a more convincing Google ecosystem alternative. It is available on the web and as mobile apps on Android and iOS.
3. Bitdefender
Bitdefender remains one of the trusted and highly-reviewed antivirus applications for years now. On desktops, it provides robust security functions like real-time scanning even for free users and frequently pushes out software and malware library updates.
Unlike other antiviruses, Bitdefender offers free mobile applications as opposed to mandatory paid subscriptions. Its mobile features include web protection, data breach detector, anti-theft, backups, VPN, and many more. Finally, it’s available to download on desktops, iOS, and Android devices.
4. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a more private and secure alternative to the Google Search Engine. Its primary web version features search safety controls, anonymous searches, and even day/night themes. On the other hand, its mobile browser app provides easy access to wipe history data and home screen widgets for quicker lookups. Recently, it announced a brand new email protection feature in its app, so it’s best to check it on Android and iOS.
5. Bitwarden
Password managers help users generate and store unique/strong passwords for different logins. Moreover, aside from popular ones, Bitwarden proves to be one of the best, most secure, and reliable services available. It has a web version, desktop programs for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile apps for Android and iOS. Currently, it provides pro and enterprise subscriptions, but the free tier will typically work for most people.
6. Bouncer
Bouncer is a simple yet helpful tool created by Sam Ruston, the famous developer of the late Weather Timeline app. It utilizes Android’s new app permission controls that allow users to block apps from accessing specific system sensors or functions. In essence, Bouncer lets users grant permissions to apps temporarily. Accordingly, this will help save battery, data plan and prevent malicious app activity in the background. Unfortunately, it’s only available for Android like the developer’s other offerings.
7. Spokeo Protect
Aside from website and app data, personal identity, financial, and other essential accounts are also targets of cybercriminals. Thankfully, there are many choices for identity protection suites. However, unlike other identity theft protection software, Spokeo Protect provides the best solutions for such vulnerabilities. Using Spokeo Protect, users could safeguard their credit, financial accounts, SSN, medical insurance, and many more. Also, it offers security alerts, so anyone can act before hackers do damaging things.
8. ExpressVPN
If one is looking for a reliable VPN service, then ExpressVPN should be the best choice. While it has been around for many years now, it has never stopped improving its core technology, app interface, and security. Today, it offers global fast servers, easy installation, a strict no-log policy, and well-priced subscription tiers. It has been reviewed and praised by security experts and popular publications like The New York Times, BBC, Forbes, WSJ, and more, so it’s quite clear that it can protect its users’ online activities and identity. ExpressVPN is available on desktop, iOS, and Android devices.
Stay Secure And Private Online
In this increasingly digital world, online security and privacy became more critical than ever before. While not everyone experienced attacks from hackers, it’s not a reason to ignore digital safety. Luckily, there are now more protections apps and services for the mass consumers like our recommendations above. If you’ve learned something, please feel free to share this article with anyone that might find it helpful. Good luck and stay safe online!
Author’s Bio
Maguire Haigh is a marketing manager for Spokeo. He is interested in the latest technology trends, marketing strategies and business development. He also prefers traveling, exploring the world and meeting new people. Maguire has great experience in creating and editing articles on different topics.
