Tools I Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust to protect my digital life. I only recommend products I believe in — and I'll always tell you why.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely use and trust.
NordVPN
My #1 Recommended VPN — The Gold Standard for Online Privacy
After testing several VPN services over the years, NordVPN is the one I keep coming back to and the only one I actively recommend to friends, family, and readers. It combines military-grade encryption with a no-logs policy, blazing-fast speeds, and an interface that anyone — not just tech-savvy users — can figure out in minutes. Whether you're banking on public Wi-Fi, streaming from abroad, or simply want to keep your browsing private, NordVPN handles it all reliably.
- AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by governments and militaries
- Strict no-logs policy, independently audited by third parties
- 6,000+ servers in 111 countries for fast, reliable connections
- Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more — up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Threat Protection blocks malware, trackers, and intrusive ads
- Kill switch cuts your internet if the VPN drops, so your real IP is never exposed
Bitwarden
Free, open-source, and genuinely excellent
Bitwarden is my go-to password manager recommendation for readers who want strong security without paying a premium. It's fully open-source (meaning security researchers can audit its code), stores your passwords with end-to-end encryption, and the free tier is genuinely useful — not a stripped-down trial. It works across all your devices and browsers seamlessly.
- End-to-end encryption — Bitwarden never sees your passwords
- Open-source and independently audited
- Free tier includes unlimited passwords across unlimited devices
- Secure password generator built in
- Available on all major platforms and browsers
Google Authenticator / Authy
The easiest way to add a critical layer of security
Two-factor authentication apps generate a time-sensitive code that you enter alongside your password when logging in. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without this code. I recommend Authy for most users because it backs up your codes to the cloud (so you don't lose them if you change phones), while Google Authenticator is a solid choice if you prefer to keep everything local.
- Generates one-time codes that expire every 30 seconds
- Works offline — no internet connection needed
- Authy offers encrypted cloud backup for your codes
- Compatible with thousands of websites and apps
- Free on iOS and Android
Privacy.com
Shop online without exposing your real card number
Privacy.com lets you create virtual debit card numbers linked to your real bank account. Use a unique virtual card for each online merchant — if a site gets breached, your real card details are never exposed. You can set spending limits, pause cards, and close them instantly. The free plan is generous and covers most everyday shopping needs.
- Create unlimited virtual card numbers for free
- Set per-card spending limits to prevent overcharges
- Pause or close cards instantly from the app
- Works anywhere Visa is accepted online
- Ideal for free trials and subscription management
HaveIBeenPwned
Find out if your email has been in a data breach
HaveIBeenPwned is a free service run by security researcher Troy Hunt that lets you check whether your email address or phone number has appeared in any known data breaches. I recommend checking it for every email address you use. If your information has been exposed, you'll know exactly which breach it came from and can take action — changing passwords, enabling 2FA, or freezing your credit.
- Free to use — no account required for basic checks
- Database of 14+ billion breached accounts
- Email notifications when your address appears in new breaches
- Check passwords to see if they've been exposed in breaches
- Trusted by security professionals worldwide
Have a tool you'd like me to review or add to this list? Send me a message.