Privacy Freebies

• HistoryWasherPro 
  Here's a good, freeware utility for protecting your privacy. Although many Windows users aren't aware of it, PCs retain a hidden record of your online activities. This program removes all traces of your Net surfing history, E-mail correspondence, etc. Note: there's an option on this site that lets you get a serial number to register the program, for free. (For Windows).
  
  
  
• Userbeam Proxynet 
  This site offers a proxy service that lets you surf the Web anonymously, for free. Note: the site is in German; to use the service, click the "Surf Anonym for Free" button.
  
  
  
• Sneak2.com 
  This handy free service lets you remain anonymous as you surf the Web. Sneak2.com hides your real IP address and gives you unrestricted access to the entire Web. You can also use Sneak2.com to remove popup ads and block potentially dangerous online scripts.
  
  
  
• Anonster.com 
  Here's a free proxy service that lets you surf the Web and Usenet anonymously, as well as bypass firewalls. Anonster.com hides your IP address from prying eyes and also eliminates spyware and invasive advertisements.
  
  
  
• PC Security Test 
  How secure is your computer? This freeware program checks your computer's security against viruses, spyware and hackers and grades the effectiveness of your protection software (including anti-virus programs, spyware scanners, and firewalls). (For Windows).
  
  
  
• MisterPrivacy.com 
  Are you looking to protect your online privacy? This is a free service that lets you surf the Web anonymously. MisterPrivacy.com also helps protect you from various online hazards, including harmful scripts, banners, cookies, Web viruses, worms, cyberstalkers, and more.
  
  
  
• Anti-Spyware-Keypad.com 
  (Note: this site is occasionally inaccessible). This free online Internet security program helps protect your data from being stolen by "keyboard monitor" spyware programs that record your keystrokes when you log into secure Web sites.
  
  
  
• NetBrute Scanner 
  How safe is your network? This freeware tool lets you locate dangerous and easily exploitable security holes in your network. NetBrute Scanner includes three helpful network utilities that are the same types of tools that have long been available to UNIX-equipped hackers. (For Windows).
  
  
  
• Ad-aware 
  Protect yourself from "spyware" with this handy free utility. (Spyware consists of sneaky software programs that use your Net connection--usually to report data to advertisers--without your approval or knowledge). Ad-aware removes spyware on your PC and scans your memory, registry and hard drive for known spyware components. (For Windows).
  
  
  
• StealthMessage.com 
  Are you worried about the security of your E-mail? A free service, StealthMessage.com offers a secure messaging system that encrypts your private messages and stores encrypted messages anonymously. The service is easy to use and there's nothing to download.
  
  
  
• ZoneAlarm 
  If you have DSL or a cable modem, you may have heard about the security problems that these types of always-on connections pose. An essential free firewall program, ZoneAlarm offers your computer protection against thieves, snoops and vandals. ZoneAlarm includes five interlocking security services, including a Stealth Mode, which renders your computer invisible to the Web (and potential intruders). (For Windows).
  
  
  
• Cryptext 
  Need a quick, easy way to encrypt files on your computer? Just install Cryptext and whenever you right-click on a file, you'll get a pop-up menu that lets you easily encrypt or decrypt it with one click. This freeware utility uses a combination of SHA-1 and RC4 to encrypt files using a 160-bit key (which is geek speak for saying that it renders your files unreadable to snoops). (For Windows). Available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese language versions
  
  
  
• Anonymizer 
  A very useful site that lets you surf the Web without leaving a trail of personal information about yourself across cyberspace. Anonymizer offers unlimited free trial access. You can either surf anonymously via the site's online version or you can download the free version of Anonymizer's "PrivacyButton," a tool that downloads into Internet Explorer's toolbar.
  
  
  
• Sneakemail 
  Have you ever been reluctant to enter your E-mail address in an online form, for fear of being spammed? Sneakemail is a free service lets you create disposable E-mail addresses. These addresses are aliases of your real E-mail address, (which is kept hidden). Using this service, you can ensure that your E-mail won't be abused, bought or sold.
  
  
  
• ScramDisk 
  Here's a freeware hard drive encryption program that's a must if you have data on your PC that must be kept secure. ScramDisk creates an envelope on your hard drive that can be mounted as a virtual disk when you enter the correct password. All data written to this disk is encrypted and can't be accessed without the password. ScramDisk supports several encryption algorithms, including Blowfish, IDEA and Triple-DES. (For Windows).
  • Note: ScramDisk has been succeeded by a new program, DriveCrypt, (which is not freeware). However, ScramDisk is still free and available at this site, although it's no longer in development.
  • Since it was developed in Britain, ScramDisk is not subject to U.S. export law.