Security failure, password breaches, phishing attacks and phone scams -- if you follow the news, these can seem like the unavoidable pitfalls of life today. But there are plenty of tools out there that can will give you the tools to protect you and your family from digital crime. We've assembled some of the most trustworthy services that won’t empty out your wallet in the process.
VPN Service
When using public Wi-Fi, virtual private network (VPN) services can shield your computer’s IP address as you surf the internet, encrypting your browsing information and preventing most (though not all) would-be snooping. IVPN, with broad platform support and fast internet speeds, is well worth its $100 annual fee, and discounts are common.
Password Manager
Keep all your accounts safe and sound with a service that will generate strong, individual passwords that it stores for you, all secured behind a single master password. LastPass is affordable ($24 a year for the premium plan), easy to use and supported across nearly every major platform. The company has stepped up in recent years by making some formerly paid features—such as synchronization across all your devices—free.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Instant Messaging
When it comes to privacy, not all instant-messaging platforms are created equal. If secure communication is a must, consider Signal. With end-to-end encryption, the free-to-use, ad-free app locks down everything about your conversations, from the words you use to the people you’re contacting, using a lock even the company can’t break. Messages can also be sent with a self-destruct timer, deleting themselves after an interval you choose.
Ad Blocker
The free browser extension uBlock Origin prevents the bits of tracking text commonly known as cookies from latching on to your browsing history so that advertisers can’t create a profile of your preferences as you browse. UBlock makes it easy to allow, or “whitelist,” ads from sites you’d like to support or sites that require showing ads to function, like Hulu.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
-
How to Find Foreclosed Homes: Best Foreclosure Listings SitesMaking Your Money Last Find foreclosed homes for sale on these foreclosure listing websites. Search for properties on these free, paid or government sites.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Text-Generating AI Faces Major Legal Risks: Kiplinger Economic ForecastsEconomic Forecasts Major legal risks to text-generating artificial intelligence: Kiplinger Economic Forecasts
-
Is Relief from Shipping Woes Finally in Sight?business After years of supply chain snags, freight shipping is finally returning to something more like normal.
-
Economic Pain at a Food Pantrypersonal finance The manager of this Boston-area nonprofit has had to scramble to find affordable food.
-
The Golden Age of Cinema Enduressmall business About as old as talkies, the Music Box Theater has had to find new ways to attract movie lovers.
-
Pricey Gas Derails This Uber Driversmall business With rising gas prices, one Uber driver struggles to maintain his livelihood.
-
Smart Strategies for Couples Who Run a Business TogetherFinancial Planning Starting an enterprise with a spouse requires balancing two partnerships: the marriage and the business. And the stakes are never higher.
