Best free privacy software 2012

If you'd like to find out more, read our full Tor Browser review. The free version of TunnelBear gives you up to MB of data each month, but if this isn't enough, unlimited data is available for a subscription. Alternatively, you can pay around twice that to use on a month-by-month basis. Whether you go premium or stick with the free version, you can share a single account between up to five phones, tablets, Windows PCs or Macs.

Configuration is incredibly simple, and TunnelBear's free privacy software can be used with any browser. It's probably the most accessible VPN tool there is, and is just about impossible not to recommend. To find out more, check out our full TunnelBear review. Like all free web proxies, VPNBook keeps web logs, which it can use to report illegal activity, but these are deleted automatically after a week. It is a tremendously powerful tool, but you'll need to invest a little time and effort to get it up and running.

Privoxy can be used in conjunction with just about any web browser, which is a big bonus; simply set the browser to run its traffic through the tool. However, one of Privoxy's key features could also be a drawback for new users: it gives you very granular control over privacy settings, and configuring them is very much a manual process.

There's a helpful quick start guide available, but it has the potential to be off-putting. That said, if you're happy to persevere, this free privacy software lets you set up advanced filters that will not only ensure you remain anonymous online, but also protect you against unwanted ads.

Windscribe is another multi-platform VPN tool in this list, where free users have access to one of the biggest data allowance in the business. The free plan offers 10GB if you register 2GB if you don't which for occasional use should be perfectly adequate. If not, there are paid plans that grant unlimited data and additional configuration options.

Configuration is simple as all you need to do is to click one button to turn the VPN on and you're good to go. Depending on your region, the software will automatically connect you to the best location, giving the impression that you're browsing from another country.

The downside of using Windscribe free plan especially is that the connection speeds can be average and inconsistent.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons, so the service is well worth a try. For more information, read our full Windscribe review. As well as private browsing software and VPNs, another possibility is to use stricter privacy controls on your usual browsers.

However, this is probably best considered as a first defense rather than a complete solution, especially when these are primarily aimed at preventing tracking cookies, and the browser manufacturer may consider themselves already granted permission to collect some user data in the first place.

Even still, we'll explore your options for making a start with private browsing using the most popular browsers. Mozilla Firefox: You can adjust your privacy settings for Firefox using the official guide, which should allow a better degree of private browsing. Do note that unless you make adjustments, your browser will actually send a lot of information both to Mozilla as well as partners such as Google, not least on your location. Google Chrome: Information on changing your privacy settings in Google Chrome can be found here , though take note that this is mainly aimed at controlling how much information third-party websites might try to gain on your surfing habits, and doesn't exclude Google from collecting data for its own purposes, not least usability and service improvements.

Microsoft Edge: You can find out how to adjust your privacy settings for surfing with the Microsoft Edge browser here. Again, this is more focused on browsing more privately than anonymously, not least with regards to advertising cookies. Apple Safari: Information on how to adjust privacy settings using the Safari browser on a Mac can be found here.

Apple have put in place new privacy protections in Safari 12, in order to better protect consumers against the increasing use of data collection by companies through the apps they provide.

Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 20 years — but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fuelled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazine since , producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others. Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy.

North America. The best anonymous browsers and privacy tools make it simple and easy to protect your data against unauthorized collection and use by third-parties. TechRadar Exclusive Deal. View Deal. The best all-round VPN service for speed, privacy and unblocking. Reasons to avoid - Fewer simultaneous connections than some.

Reasons to avoid - A bit basic - Android app unstable at times. Hotspot Shield. Protect your identity by hiding your IP address from prying eyes. Reasons to avoid - Restrictions and adverts with free app. Norton Deluxe. Panda Dome Essential. Reasons to avoid - Interface won't be for everybody.

Brave also blocks ads from loading so it can speed up your browsing experience. Brave is also attempting to implement a blockchain-based advertising method which prioritizes user attention over user data. We discussed Brave and how it works in this blog post. Free Private Email Services Private email services generally use encryption to keep the contents of your emails hidden from anyone besides your intended recipient.

ProtonMail: ProtonMail is one of the most well-known secure email providers. Tutanota: Tutanota is an open-source end-to-end encrypted email software and freemium hosted secure email service.

Its business model excludes earning money through advertisement relying solely on donations and Premium subscriptions. As of March , Tutanota had over 2 million users. Mailfence: Mailfence is an encrypted email service that uses OpenPGP encryption and digital signatures. It is available in a free form with limited storage capacity. Paid plans are also available for those looking for more features and storage.

You can also find a mobile version here. If you currently use Ymail, Gmail or Hotmail, you can import your account into Mailfence for more privacy. Password Managers In almost every case, your password is the first line of defense from preventing hackers from accessing your data. LastPass: LastPass is available as a browser extension and a native app. For the most security, we recommend using the app version rather than the browser extension.

With the app you can access all of your passwords with your fingerprint. It uses AES encryption to keep your passwords hidden. LessPass: LessPass is a stateless password manager that works offline. LessPass is fully open source, and you can view its source code on GitHub.

LessPass computes a unique password using a site, login and a master password. EnPass: Enpass manages passwords, payment information, and other credentials. Enpass does not store the encryption key to your stored credentials.

The encryption key is instead derived from your master password. With Enpass, your data is stored locally on your device unless you decide to sync your data to the cloud. You can store you Enpass data on the cloud storage provider of your choice and Enpass never stores your data on its servers. SuperAntiSpyware: SuperAntiSpyware identifies and removes malware from your computer, and blocks known and emerging threats. SuperAntiSpyware protects your computer from threats: spyware, adware, trogans, ransomware, PUPs, hijackers and other threats.

Emsisoft Emergency Kit: Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a free malware detection and removal tool for Windows that can scan your device without an installation. KeyScrambler Personal Free. Encrypt keystrokes to protect your browser from keyloggers. Transcend digital borders, access geo-restricted content, anonymize online activity, and shield personal data within one-click connect.

Easy-Hide-IP Free to try. Hide your IP address and prevent Internet activity tracking. CleanUp Free. Delete traces of your online activities from your PC, including browser cache, browser history and cookies.

Privacy Guardian Free to try. Delete traces of your Internet activities permanently. File Shredder Free. Delete files from your computer permanently. Surf the Web anonymously bypassing firewalls and Web site censorship. Surf the Web anonymously and securely. Free Internet Eraser Free. Protect your online privacy by cleaning up Internet history and past activities.

Jailbreak VPN Free. Hide your IP address and encrypt Internet connection. Protect yourself on P2P networks by blocking IPs. Wise Folder Hider Free. Hide and encrypt files folders in local drive and removable drives.

PGPfreeware Free. Protect your email from unauthorized viewing. My Lockbox Free.