Secure your Identity, email, passwords, files and internet communication by using free encryption tools.

by Muzzammil Waheed on September 14, 2009

online_security If you believe your data and your identity is safe on internet, even though if you are using a premium antivirus or firewall, then you are mistaken. There are lot of other ways in which hackers and other people with mal intent can compromise your security and get access to your personal or official secret data  such as credit cards, passwords, accounts etc.

To remain safe one must become vigilant and must be aware of tips, tricks and most importantly tool of trade to remain safe. There are lot of free security tools available on internet but not all can be trusted, whereas the premium security tools for enterprises are too costly for a normal consumer.

Following are major categories which need special attention from users, there are free multiple tools which can be used to personal protection.

  • File encryption
  • Disk/volume encryption
  • Email Encryption
  • Steganography ( process of storing file in another file without any evidence e.g. storing file in images )
  • Password Management
  • Secure and permanent file erasers
  • Firewalls
  • Web proxies for anonymous web surfing
  • Anti root-kit software
  • Network security tools
  • Operating system scanners

For above mentioned categories I have few free software enlisted below can be used:

 

Software Platform / OS Type/Excryption Features
gnuPG ( file /email encryption ) Multiple ElGamal, DSA, RSA, AES, 3DES, Blowfish, Twofish, CAST5, MD5, SHA-1, RIPE-MD-160 and TIGER
  • Supports key and signature expiration dates.
  • Command line functionality and is used as backend application.
  • Many frontend Shell applications available.
  • Key manager available
gnuPG Shell ( file /email encryption ) Multiple  
  • Fontend shell application for gnuPG
  • Easier to use utility and hides the complexity of gnuPG command line utility
  • Key management features
  • Can be used for variety of security features
TrueCrypt (Disk encryption) Win, Mac and Linux AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish
  • Real-time, Automatic and transparent file system encryption.
  • Pre boot authentication for windows
  • Encrypt full partition of or storage device
AxCrypt ( File encryption ) Windows AES 128 bit
  • Right click windows shell integration.
  • Open source
  • Automatic re-encryption after modification
  • Key file generation and support
  • Counter brute force features
The privyCrypt Series (File encryption) Unix, PalmOS,
Win, Java Applet		 Blowfish with uuencode algorithm
  • Single executable file
  • Text encryption with text input and file encryption
  • Clipboard , Files to file encyption
  • Source code available
Cryptainer LE ( File encryption ) Windows 128 bit encryption
  • Drag drop operations
  • USB, CD Rom, Flash disk encyption
  • Email encryption using self extracting files with password
File Waster ( File eraser ) Windows Unknown
  • Delete your files by encrypting them.
  • Can also compress files.
  • Hardware recovery proof wiping.
Eyemage IIE ( Steganographer ) Windows unknown
  • Encrypt files and text into bitmap images
  • Alternate image can be used to hide the image nouse
  • Send it to other people, and they can decrypt your image.
  • Quick and secure
RoboForm ( Password manager ) Windows/Mobile AES, Blowfish, RC6, 3-DES, 1-DES
  • Free Password Manager
  • Form filling
  • Password encryption for security
  • Fights phishing and key logging attacks
  • Backup and sync functionality available
  • IE and firefox compatible.
Comodo Free Firewall ( Free firewall ) Windows Firewall + Antivirus
  • Free firewall
  • Fire antivirus
  • Wi-fi security
  • Easy to setup
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall ( Free firewall ) Windows Firewall
  • Comprehensive Firewall
Privax ( Free Proxy Network ) All Anonymous proxy network
  • Surf internet anonymously
  • Anonymous IP  address
Proxify ( Free Proxy Network ) All Anonymous proxy network
  • HTTPS ( secure socket layer enabled )
  • JavaScript / no JavaScript, cookies / no cookies, ads / no ads
The Cloack ( Free Proxy Network ) All Anonymous proxy network
  • Surf internet anonymously
Sophos Anti RookKit Windows Free Anti Rootkit software
  • Free rootkit detection and removal tool for Windows
chrootkit ( Anti Rootkit ) MAC and many linux/unix versions Free Anti Rootkit software
  • Free rootkit detection and removal tool for Windows
GMER ( Anti Rootkit ) Windows Free Anti Rootkit software
  • Free rootkit detection and removal tool for Windows
Processscan ( PC Process scanner )    
  • Scans the list of processes running in background with risk analysis
Nmap ( Network scanner ) Windows, Mac, Linux  
  • Network Diagnostics tool
FREE CompuSec ( Security suite ) Windows, Linux Free security application suite
  • Encryption utility
  • Pre-boot password control
HandyBits file shredder ( File eraser ) Windows Free permanent file deletion utility
  • Deletes file by overwriting it by random data 15 times.

 

Above is brief list of software which are available free and can be downloaded and used pretty quickly. Let me know if you feel any other software can be included in above list. Enjoy and be safe.

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Tagged as: Anti rootkit, Anti Virus, Email Encryption, Encryption on internet, File Encryption, Firewall, Free proxy, Free security utility, Free Software, Hard disk encryption, Identity Theft, Network Scanner, Password Management, Security, Web proxy

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Founder of BiGGTech.com, tech enthusiast, develops in Microsoft technologies with interests in technology, science and gadgets

  • Jason

    I think the best product for email encryption is the Voltage Security Network. It’s the easiest for users, and provides a high level of security. You can learn more at Voltage’s website, check it out: http://www.voltage.com/vsn

  • Jason

    I think the best product for email encryption is the Voltage Security Network. It’s the easiest for users, and provides a high level of security. You can learn more at Voltage’s website, check it out: http://www.voltage.com/vsn

  • http://eikonal.wordpress.com/2010/07/28/security-tools/ Security tools « Eikonal Blog

    [...] Secure your Identity, email, passwords, files and internet communication by using free encryption tools. (BiGGTech) – http://www.biggtech.com/web/secure-your-identity-email-passwords-files-and-internet-communication-by... [...]

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