Personal Security Toolkit

OPSEC Tools & Guides

Protect yourself from scams, identity theft, and online fraud with these essential operational security tools. All recommendations are free or have free tiers.

50+ Tools
All Free or Free Tier
Updated Weekly

Password & Authentication

Your first line of defense against account takeovers and credential theft.

Password Managers

Essential

Generate and store unique, strong passwords for every account. Never reuse passwords.

Bitwarden (Free)

2FA Authenticator Apps

Essential

Add a second layer of security with time-based codes. Never use SMS 2FA for important accounts.

Authy (Free)

Hardware Security Keys

Advanced

Physical keys that provide the strongest protection against phishing and account takeover.

YubiKey

Have I Been Pwned

Free

Check if your email or passwords have been exposed in data breaches.

Check Now (Free)

Privacy & Anonymity

Protect your online activity and personal information from tracking.

VPN Services

Recommended

Encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address from websites and ISPs.

ProtonVPN (Free Tier)

Private Search Engines

Free

Search the web without being tracked or profiled.

DuckDuckGo (Free)

Privacy-Focused Browsers

Free

Browsers that block trackers and protect your browsing history by default.

Brave Browser (Free)

Browser Extensions

Essential

Block ads, trackers, and fingerprinting scripts across all websites.

uBlock Origin (Free)

Identity Protection

Protect your identity from theft and monitor for misuse.

Credit Freeze

Essential

Freeze your credit at all three bureaus to prevent new accounts being opened in your name.

FTC Guide (Free)

Annual Credit Reports

Free

Get free credit reports from all three bureaus to check for fraud.

Official Site (Free)

Email Aliases

Recommended

Use unique email addresses for each service to track and block spam sources.

SimpleLogin (Free Tier)

Virtual Phone Numbers

Free

Use temporary or virtual numbers for signups to protect your real number.

Google Voice (Free)

Secure Communication

Keep your messages and calls private from eavesdroppers.

Encrypted Messaging

Essential

End-to-end encrypted messaging that even the provider can't read.

Signal (Free)

Encrypted Email

Recommended

Email with end-to-end encryption for sensitive communications.

ProtonMail (Free Tier)

Secure Video Calls

Free

Video conferencing with end-to-end encryption.

Signal Video (Free)

Secure File Sharing

Advanced

Share files securely with encryption and expiring links.

OnionShare (Free)

Device Security

Secure your phones, computers, and other devices.

Full Disk Encryption

Essential

Encrypt your entire device so data is protected if lost or stolen.

Enable FileVault/BitLocker

Automatic Updates

Essential

Keep all software updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

Router Security

Important

Secure your home network with strong passwords and updated firmware.

Router Security Guide

Webcam Covers

Physical

Physical covers to prevent unauthorized camera access.

Data Removal & Opt-Out

Remove your personal information from data brokers and people search sites.

Data Broker Opt-Out

Comprehensive

Comprehensive guide to removing yourself from major data brokers.

IntelTechniques Workbook

People Search Opt-Out

Free

Remove yourself from BeenVerified, Spokeo, WhitePages, and similar sites.

Opt-Out Links

Google Results Removal

Free

Request removal of personal info from Google search results.

Google Removal Tool

Automated Removal Services

Paid

Services that automatically opt you out of data brokers (paid).

DeleteMe

Monitoring & Alerts

Get notified when your information appears in breaches or suspicious activity.

Breach Notifications

Free

Get alerted when your email appears in new data breaches.

HIBP Notify (Free)

Credit Monitoring

Free

Monitor your credit for new accounts and inquiries.

Credit Karma (Free)

Google Alerts

Free

Set up alerts for your name, email, or phone number appearing online.

Google Alerts (Free)

Dark Web Monitoring

Free

Monitor if your credentials appear on dark web marketplaces.

Firefox Monitor (Free)

Personal Security Checklist

Do Today (15 minutes)

  • Check haveibeenpwned.com for breaches
  • Enable 2FA on email account
  • Enable 2FA on bank accounts
  • Update phone's operating system
  • Review recent account activity

This Week (1-2 hours)

  • Install a password manager
  • Update passwords for critical accounts
  • Freeze credit at all three bureaus
  • Set up breach notification alerts
  • Review privacy settings on social media

This Month (3-4 hours)

  • Opt out of major data brokers
  • Set up email aliases for new signups
  • Enable full disk encryption
  • Update router firmware & password
  • Review all active app permissions

Ongoing Habits

  • Use unique passwords for every account
  • Verify unexpected requests through official channels
  • Check credit reports quarterly
  • Review bank statements monthly
  • Keep all software updated

Think You've Already Been Targeted?

Use our free AI-powered scanner to analyze suspicious messages, websites, or phone numbers.