Strengthening your online privacy and security doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money on paid apps and services. Users of almost all skill levels can build their own security kit with free apps for mobile and PC. Which freemium apps are the most recommended? Do they really offer effective protection? Let's see.
Build your own security kit with free apps on your mobile and PC
We're going to explain how to build your own security kit with free apps for your mobile phone and PC. This is a very effective way to strengthen your digital security without spending a single euro. The idea is to take advantage of different freemium applications and services, and combine them to create a customized defense suite.
But how reliable are free apps in this regard? Reliable enough to provide a robust level of security in most scenariosOnly in isolated cases does the average user need to pay for a subscription, perhaps if they want to enjoy a premium feature, have more storage, or protect multiple devices.
Of course, putting together a security kit with free apps doesn't mean installing a couple of applications and forgetting about it. The foundation of online security lies in having a preventative mindset and good habits of digital hygieneFor example, it's always wise to be wary of urgent emails or text messages, download only from official sources, and think twice before clicking. With that in mind, let's get down to business.
Security kit with free mobile apps
Mobile phones are pocket computers, so it's no exaggeration to say they require almost as much protection as a PC. It's true that most devices have built-in security apps. But the most demanding (and cautious) users prefer to build their own security suite with free apps. Which fronts require reinforcement? At least four..
Antivirus protection and VPN
Catching a virus on your phone is easier than you think, as is falling victim to spyware or online scammers. To protect yourself from these and other threats, it's a good idea to install a mobile antivirus and a VPN. This is especially true for Android devices., a more open and exposed OS than the iPhone's iOS.
- Free antivirus for mobileTwo of the best options are Bitdefender Antivirus y Avira Antivirus SecurityThe latter offers a built-in free VPN.
- Mobile VPNA mobile VPN is an essential defense if you frequently connect to public networks. Try [link to VPN]. Proton VPN y Secure VPNBoth have free, very complete and robust versions.
Password manager
A password manager is an application that Generates and stores secure passwords for your accounts. It has many advantages: it quickly creates strong passwords, securely stores them, and automatically fills out forms.
The best free password manager for mobile? Bitwarden It is the preferred option for many. Open source, free, and incredibly secureIn addition, it syncs all your passwords across your different devices.
Ad and tracker blocker
In the area of web browsing, there are several options for building a security kit with free apps. For example, you can use a more private and secure browser than Chrome or Edge. In this regard, alternatives such as DuckDuckGo and Brave They stand out for their integrated ad and tracker blocking.
Another very efficient option can be found in the browser. Firefox, especially if you install the uBlock Origin extensionThis combination is perfect for safe browsing on both mobile devices and computers. Personally, it's what I use on my mobile phone and Linux computer.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
An authenticator app is essential in any free security app kit. It adds a layer of security to your system. extra layer of security when logging into your accounts. This is perhaps the most important measure you can activate after a password manager.
The advantage is that many authentication apps are free and very reliable. For example, Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator These are excellent options for protecting your user accounts. Another one is Authy, It's also free and has an added advantage: it allows you to create encrypted backups of your accounts. This way you don't lose them if you change, break, or lose your phone.
Security kit with free apps for PC
Let's now put together a security kit with free apps for your computer. The advantage is that if you use Windows or macOS, these systems include their own firewalls and antivirus software. Furthermore, they receive frequent security patches, so you just need to... Stay tuned for updates (or configure automatic updates).
However, the most convenient thing is use some applications and services to strengthen securityOf course, there are different levels of risk, ranging from advanced espionage even catching a virus that slows down your computer. There are also threats like... phishing and vishingwhich can reach any user on their mobile or PC.
Complete list of free apps and services for PC
Anyway, here's one Full list of free apps and services to protect your computer:
- Antivirus: Windows Defender comes integrated with Windows and has improved significantly to offer advanced protection. Another free antivirus (which you can use as a complement) is Malwarebytes. Use it once a week to perform deep scans for malware, unwanted programs, and spyware.
- VPN: A good choice is ProtonVPN In its free version. On the one hand, it has no data limit; on the other, it doesn't keep a record of your activity.
- Password managerJust like the mobile version, the PC version of Bitwarden is very comprehensive. It covers all the needs of an individual user. Another alternative is KeePassXC, Free and open source, cross-platform and with local save option.
- Browser: Chrome and Edge are the stars of the show, offering complete privacy and security within their terms. If you ask me, I'd stick with the same pairing as on mobile: Firefox with uBlock OriginAnother useful extension is HTTPS Everywhere, which forces websites to use an encrypted connection whenever available.
There you have it! You can set up your own security kit with free apps, both on your mobile phone and PC. The best part is that you don't need to be a computer expertHowever, don't let your guard down: these tools are effective, but you will always need to keep your eyes open.
From a young age, I've been fascinated by all things scientific and technological, especially those advancements that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. I love staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, and sharing my experiences, opinions, and tips about the devices and gadgets I use. This led me to become a web writer a little over five years ago, focusing primarily on Android devices and Windows operating systems. I've learned to explain complex concepts in simple terms so my readers can easily understand them.