The 5 Best Programs to Protect Your Online Data

Culture

The villains of cyberspace constantly lurk, waiting for any opportunity to steal information from innocent web users. Caution alone is not enough to protect your data. Fortunately, there are programs designed to help.

1. Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete

This cloud-based security program aims to protect your entire computer. With a huge database of malware, it stands armed to detect almost any threat. The real-time scanning makes sure that not a second goes by when your computer is vulnerable.

Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete goes beyond guarding against malware. It also guards your identity by being alert to phishing scams. The way Webroot protects itself is also impressive, since it will not allow the disabling of any of its security features without a user typing in a Captcha code. 

2. NoScript and NotScripts

While JavaScript is a useful tool, and many websites rely on it, it also serves as an open door for hackers. NoScipt for Firefox and NotScripts for Google Chrome both help you be selective about the sites that you allow to run JavaScript. Only allow it to run on sites that you trust.

Create a list of trusted sites that you want to allow to run JavaScript. The process for doing so is different for each browser, and more information about how to do it is found at howto.cnet.com.

3. Ghostery

This free web browser extension lets you see which businesses have an interest in your online activities, and it allows you to block those businesses from installing tracking cookies. When Ghostery detects a script gathering information about your activities, it alerts you. You can look at information about that tracker and decide if you want to entrust any information to it. 

Ghostery is easy to install and use, and it is available for most browsers. Anyone who wants an eye-opening experience regarding their internet usage will find that Ghostery gives them just that. 

4. Silent Circle

Silent Circle is an encryption app for mobile devices and computers. While it's a somewhat pricey program, at $20 a month, those who harbor a strong desire for private communication will willingly pay the price. If it's a phone call, text message, email, or video, it gets handled by private servers and is inaccessible to anyone drooling over your personal communications.

For those with a hint of spy dwelling in them, the Burn Notice feature available on iPhone will be a delight. Anything you send using the feature will disappear, as if "burned up" five minutes after it's received. Can you hear your secret-agent theme music already? 

5. VPNs

A virtual private network (VPN) is another way of securing your activities on the internet. Like Silent Circle, a VPN encrypts your data and protects it from those who want to pry. Many businesses have their own VPN, and individuals can also take advantage of VPN from boxpn.com.

If you, like most people, rely heavily on the Internet for your day-to-day life, you repeatedly expose yourself to potential threats. Shut down the threats by choosing the best programs to keep your information secure while you are online.