Vetted & Trusted
Recommended Tools
Privacy-respecting tools we've personally evaluated and recommend to our clients.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we personally use and trust. Open-source and free tools link to our consultation page where we can help you set them up.
VPN
Proton VPN
Swiss-based VPN with a strong focus on privacy and open-source transparency. No-logs policy verified by independent audits.
Why we recommend it
- Open source
- No-logs verified
- Free tier available
- Based in Switzerland
Considerations
- Slower free servers
- Fewer server locations than some competitors
Mullvad VPN
Privacy-first VPN that accepts anonymous payments and requires no personal information to create an account.
Why we recommend it
- Anonymous accounts
- Flat pricing
- WireGuard support
- No-logs policy
Considerations
- No free tier
- Smaller server network
NordVPN
One of the most popular VPN services with a massive server network, strong encryption, and Threat Protection features.
Why we recommend it
- 5,000+ servers worldwide
- Threat Protection (malware blocking)
- Double VPN
- Meshnet (peer-to-peer)
Considerations
- Subscription required
- Past security incident (2018, since audited)
Password Manager
Keeper
Enterprise-grade password manager with zero-knowledge security architecture, dark web monitoring, and secure file storage.
Why we recommend it
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- BreachWatch dark web scanner
- Secure file vault
- MSP/enterprise support
Considerations
- Add-ons cost extra
- No free tier for full features
Bitwarden
Open-source password manager offering secure cross-platform credential storage with a generous free tier.
Why we recommend it
- Open source
- Free tier
- Cross-platform
- Self-host option
Considerations
- UI less polished than premium alternatives
1Password
Premium password manager with excellent family and team sharing features, plus Watchtower breach monitoring.
Why we recommend it
- Excellent UX
- Travel mode
- Family sharing
- Watchtower alerts
Considerations
- No free tier
- Subscription only
Data Removal
DeleteMe
Data removal service that finds and removes your personal information from data broker websites.
Why we recommend it
- Automated removal
- Regular reports
- Covers major brokers
Considerations
- Annual subscription required
- Some brokers re-list data
Incogni
Surfshark-backed data removal service that automatically contacts data brokers to delete your personal information.
Why we recommend it
- Automated opt-out requests
- Progress dashboard
- GDPR/CCPA leverage
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Newer service (less track record)
- Limited broker coverage vs. DeleteMe
Identity Protection
LifeLock
Comprehensive identity theft protection with credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and up to $1M in stolen funds reimbursement.
Why we recommend it
- Credit monitoring (all 3 bureaus)
- Dark web alerts
- Stolen funds reimbursement
- Norton 360 included
Considerations
- Expensive at higher tiers
- Norton bundling may be unwanted
Aura
All-in-one digital safety platform combining identity theft protection, credit monitoring, VPN, antivirus, and parental controls.
Why we recommend it
- All-in-one platform
- Family plans
- $1M identity theft insurance
- AI-powered fraud alerts
Considerations
- Higher price point
- Some features overlap with other tools
Cloud Backup
MEGA
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage with generous free storage and zero-knowledge encryption for all files.
Why we recommend it
- End-to-end encrypted
- 20 GB free storage
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Cross-platform sync
Considerations
- Transfer quotas on free tier
- Less enterprise-focused
Backblaze
Unlimited cloud backup for personal computers with straightforward pricing and easy file recovery.
Why we recommend it
- Unlimited backup
- Simple pricing
- Physical drive recovery option
Considerations
- Single computer per license
- No folder sync
Local Storage
Synology NAS
Industry-leading network attached storage solutions for home data sovereignty and local AI workloads.
Why we recommend it
- Excellent DSM software
- Docker support
- Active community
- Surveillance Station
Considerations
- Hardware investment required
- Learning curve
Nextcloud
Open-source, self-hosted cloud platform offering file sync, collaboration, and communication — a full Google/Dropbox alternative you control.
Why we recommend it
- Fully open source
- Self-hosted (total data control)
- Office suite, calendar, contacts built-in
- Large app ecosystem
Considerations
- Requires server setup
- Performance tuning needed at scale
Security Software
Malwarebytes
Lightweight anti-malware solution that excels at detecting and removing threats that traditional antivirus misses.
Why we recommend it
- Excellent malware detection
- Lightweight
- Free scanner available
- Browser Guard extension
Considerations
- Premium required for real-time protection
- Limited firewall features
Bitdefender
Consistently top-rated antivirus and internet security suite with advanced threat detection, ransomware remediation, and minimal performance impact.
Why we recommend it
- Top-tier malware detection rates
- Ransomware remediation
- VPN included
- Low system impact
Considerations
- Free version limited to Windows
- VPN capped on basic plans
Secure Email
Proton Mail
End-to-end encrypted email service based in Switzerland with zero-access encryption.
Why we recommend it
- End-to-end encrypted
- Zero-access encryption
- Free tier
- Calendar & Drive included
Considerations
- Search limited to headers
- Limited free storage
Tuta (Tutanota)
German-based encrypted email provider with built-in encryption for all messages, contacts, and calendars.
Why we recommend it
- End-to-end encrypted
- Open source
- Free tier (1 GB)
- No tracking, no ads
Considerations
- No IMAP/SMTP (dedicated apps only)
- Smaller ecosystem than Proton
Need Help Setting These Up?
We don't just recommend tools — we help you implement them. Whether it's migrating to a new password manager, configuring a VPN on all your devices, or setting up a home NAS, we'll walk you through every step.
Schedule a Consultation