3 Free Tools to Increase Your Privacy in 2024
We are in uncharted territory these days when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. As many companies and startups race to become leaders in this new technology, the danger to our online security and privacy increases. There are so many dangers that the average user is unaware of. If the average person knew just how easily they could become the target of hacking or identity theft, they would be terrified. Most people go about their day not worrying about these things because they have never been hacked. But for those hundreds of thousands of people who have been the victim of hacking, the nightmare is all too real.
Security does come with some inconvenience, but it is well worth it. Here are 3 free tools that I use daily to help you become more secure.
Bitwarden (FREE)
Bitwarden is an amazing and free password manager solution. It is open-source and trusted by millions of users and security professionals. If you aren't using a password manager yet, this is a must in this day and age. Cyber security is becoming more important every day and you need to have strong unique passwords for all of your accounts. Bitwarden is free, but for just $10 per year, you can get the Premium version. This gives you many additional features, including Emergency Access, which allows a family member to access your account if you are incapacitated.
SimpleLogin (FREE)
SimpleLogin is a free service that allows you to create email aliases. You will no longer give your email to any online services, but instead, you will generate a unique alias that will forward the email to you securely. This provides anonymity and also can reveal to you which online services are selling your personal information. For example, if I visit Walmart.com and want to create an account, SimpleLogin would generate an email address for me like walmart.tzldo@simplelogin.com then any emails to that account would be forwarded to my real email address. If I began receiving spam emails to that address from some other businesses, I would know that Walmart sold my info.
Privacy (FREE)
Privacy.com offers virtual credit cards for free. The account is funded by your primary debit card but allows you the security of never having to give out your banking information. Privacy also allows you to put limits on each card to ensure you can never be debited for more than you agree to. Privacy allows you to create virtual cards for Free Trials and NEVER get stuck with a subscription that you don't want. This service is free, however, for $10 per month, you can sign up for the Pro Plan and receive 1% cash back on all purchases. I have been using this service for approximately 4 years without any issues.
All of these services are trusted by the security community and have been vetted. If you aren't using similar solutions, then I recommend you start using all of these today. If you have questions or would be interested, I am available for consulting.