MailWasher
This handy freeware E-mail management program lets you fight back against
spammers and E-mail viruses and helps protect your privacy. MailWasher lets
you check and manage your E-mails before you download them. You can also use
it to bounce E-mails back to spammers, so that it looks as though your E-mail
address is no longer valid. (For Windows).
KPKFile
Does your PC have sensitive data that you'd like to keep safe from prying
eyes? This "privacy management tool" is the best freeware program we've seen
for encrypting (as well as hiding) files on your hard drive. KPKFile offers
drag-and-drop functionality and is easy to use. (For
Windows).
NetBrute
Scanner
How safe is your network? This freeware tool lets you locate dangerous and
easily exploitable security holes in your network. NetBrute Scanner includes
three helpful network utilities that are the same types of tools that have
long been available to UNIX-equipped hackers. (For
Windows).
Ad-aware
Protect yourself from "Spyware" with this handy free utility. (Spyware
consists of sneaky software programs that use your Net connection--usually to
report data to advertisers--without your approval or knowledge). Ad-aware
removes spyware on your PC and scans your memory, registry and hard drive for
known spyware components. (For Windows).
StealthMessage.com
Are you worried about the security of your E-mail? A free service,
StealthMessage.com offers a secure messaging system that encrypts your private
messages and stores encrypted messages anonymously. The service is easy to use
and there's nothing to download
CupidWhisper.com
This free service lets you send an anonymous message that can let you find out
whether someone you like feels the same way about you. Your anonymous message
invites your secret love to the site to send a message of their own. If all
goes well, the person who they send a message in response to will be you.
Cryptext
Need a quick, easy way to encrypt files on your computer? Just install
Cryptext and whenever you right-click on a file, you'll get a pop-up menu that
lets you easily encrypt or decrypt it with one click. This freeware utility
uses a combination of SHA-1 and RC4 to encrypt files using a 160-bit key
(which is geek speak for saying that it renders your files unreadable to
snoops). (For Windows). Available in English, French,
German, Spanish, and Portuguese language versions
Anonymizer
A very useful site that lets you surf the Web without leaving a trail of
personal information about yourself across cyberspace. Anonymizer offers
unlimited free trial access. You can either surf anonymously via the site's
online version or you can download the free version of Anonymizer's "PrivacyButton,"
a tool that downloads into
Internet Explorer's
toolbar.
ZoneAlarm
If you have DSL or a cable modem, you may have heard about the security
problems that these types of always-on connections pose. An essential free
firewall program, ZoneAlarm offers your computer protection against thieves,
snoops and vandals. ZoneAlarm includes five interlocking security services,
including a Stealth Mode, which renders your computer invisible to the Web
(and potential intruders). (For Windows).
Sneakemail
Have you ever been reluctant to enter your E-mail address in an online form,
for fear of being spammed? Sneakemail is a free service lets you create
disposable E-mail addresses. These addresses are aliases of your real E-mail
address, (which is kept hidden). Using this service, you can ensure that your
E-mail won't be abused, bought or sold.
ScramDisk
Here's a freeware hard drive encryption program that's a must if you have data
on your PC that must be kept secure. ScramDisk creates an envelope on your
hard drive that can be mounted as a virtual disk when you enter the correct
password. All data written to this disk is encrypted and can't be accessed
without the password. ScramDisk supports several encryption algorithms,
including Blowfish, IDEA and Triple-DES. (For Windows).
JBoot
This handy free utility will secure your PC's contents against unwanted prying
eyes while you're away. Think of it as a MasterLock for your computer. It's
only 52 kilobytes in size. (Requires Windows).
HushMail
Are you worried about the privacy of your E-mail? You should be, given the
security woes that plague E-mail these days. A free Web-based E-mail service,
HushMail offers 1024-bit technology encryption for your messages and
attachments. (Note that your recipient must also be a HushMail user for you to
take advantage of the 1024-bit encryption feature). Service is available in
English, French and German. (For Windows only). A Mac
version is promised in the near future.
IDzap.com
Are you worried about your privacy on the Web? Here's a free, anonymous Web
surfing service that is easy to use. IDzap.com removes sensitive information
such as machine names, IP addresses and cookies so that your Web surfing
session can be conducted anonymously and safely. There are also good FAQs here
on cookies, JavaScript and security issues.
SurfinGuard
(Note: this program is no longer free, but a 30-day free
trial is available). These days, even if you've installed firewall and
anti-virus programs on your PC, you're still not safe from all the dangers
that lurk in cyberspace. SurfinGuard can protect your PC from today's new
generation of online threats that include malicious executables, Windows
scripting files, ActiveX and Java. (For Windows).
ZipLip
Do you need to send a confidential E-mail? If you're worried about snoops
taking a peek at your message, then try this free service. ZipLip uses
advanced SSL encryption techniques that protect your confidentiality. When you
send a E-mail from ZipLip, it is protected by a password that is stored in an
encrypted format. Only when your recipient supplies the correct password is
your message decrypted and delivered to the recipient.
Pretty
Good Privacy
A free encryption software program that is the de-facto global standard for
E-mail and file privacy. Pretty Good Privacy (or PGP) offers full-strength,
128-bit encryption. PGP has constantly been upgraded over the years and now
offers loads of useful features, including secure file wiping; advanced
keyserver searching; and seamless integration with Qualcomm's popular
Eudora E-mail client. There's
also an E-mail plugin for Microsoft Outlook/Exchange and Claris Emailer.
Available for Windows, Macs, DOS and Unix. (Free for noncommercial use only).
Whisper
32
Is the process of keeping up with all your passwords driving you crazy? Then
check out this useful freeware utility. Whisper 32 stores all your passwords
in one file and offers password protection. Your data files are encrypted
using a robust public domain private-key encryption algorithm. Whisper 32 also
offers automatic backups and a built-in password generator.
(For Windows).
Kill
Docs
Are you worried about prying eyes taking a peek at the contents of your
Documents Menu? This freeware utility sits in your Windows system tray (by the
clock) and clears your Documents Menu when double clicked, or at preset timed
intervals. (For Windows).
Crypto
Kong
This free program will allow you to easily encrypt your communications. It's
simpler and easier to use than any competing digital signature and encryption
product, because there is no need for certificate management. With Kong, you
do not need to worry about public key certificates and you do not need to
create and publish your public key certificate, or obtain other people's
certificates so that you can communicate with them privately, unlike other
digital signature and encryption programs. (For
Windows).
CodedDrag
This program encrypts your personal data using strong encryption algorithms
like Triple DES and Blowfish. Just drag & drop your files, using this
program's simple interface to encrypt your files. You can download and use a
free version here. (For Windows).
Cookie
Cruncher
This is another freeware Internet cookie tool. The latest version works with
AOL, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Netscape Navigator. It gives you the
power to select which cookies to keep or delete at boot-up. You can also view
the content of the cookies and edit Explorer and AOL cookies.
(For Windows).
Private
Idaho
A free Internet privacy utility for Windows. It simplifies using E-mail with
Pretty Good Privacy (see above listing), anonymous remailers, and nym servers,
providing you with more electronic privacy. Note: this
program is no longer being updated. The last official release was in Jan.
1997.
Anonymous
Remailer FAQ
Frequently asked questions about anonymous E-mail remailers (free and
otherwise) and lots of other useful info.
Orisis.Net
Note: this service has been temporarily
shut down. Here, you can sign up for a free, anonymous E-mail account.
You get five megabytes of space and POP3 E-mail is supported. You may send out
as many E-mails (of any size) per day as you like, but spamming is not
allowed.
Cloak
(Note: this site is temporarily unavailable).
Here's a powerful program that can be used for encrypting or decrypting files,
or for secure messaging. Cloak is free, but if you register it, you are
entitled to support and update notifications.
(For Windows).