Top 6 Privacy and Security Apps to Safeguard Your Digital Life

Woman working on laptop and using her phone — When privacy is your top priority, you want an app that understands (and addresses) your concerns. Luis Alvarez / Getty Images

In a world where digital privacy is increasingly important, finding the right tools to protect your data is essential. With mobile phones becoming central to our lives, it's crucial to choose apps that prioritize privacy.

Contents

Startpage: Private Search and Browsing
Signal: Secure Messaging and Calls
ProtonMail: Encrypted Email Service
Standard Notes: Private Note-Taking
Hide.me VPN: Encrypted Internet Connection
1Password: Secure Password Manager

1. Startpage: Private Search and Browsing

Start with Startpage's app to ensure online searches from your phone and tablet are private and secure. Benefit from default private search, anonymous browsing, secure private tabs, private maps, and unprofiled search results. With even with Startpage on desktop, you can enjoy comprehensive search functionality while safeguarding your privacy with European-standard data protection. (Full disclosure: HowStuffWorks' parent company System1 also owns Startpage.)

2. Signal: Secure Messaging and Calls

Communication is key, and Signal ensures your conversations stay private. With end-to-end encryption for messaging and voice calls, Signal keeps your communications secure from prying eyes, whether you're chatting one-on-one or in groups.

3. ProtonMail: Encrypted Email Service

Protect your email communications with ProtonMail. Offering end-to-end encryption, zero-access encryption and Swiss privacy laws, ProtonMail ensures that only you and your intended recipients can access your emails, keeping your correspondence confidential.

4. Standard Notes: Private Note-Taking

Keep your personal notes safe and secure with Standard Notes. With end-to-end encryption and cross-platform syncing, Standard Notes allows you to jot down thoughts, ideas, and sensitive information with confidence, knowing that your data is protected.

5. Hide.me VPN: Encrypted Internet Connection

Safeguard your online activities with Hide.me VPN. Encrypt your internet connection and protect your identity while browsing the web on your mobile device. With servers in multiple locations worldwide and a strict no-logs policy, Hide.me VPN ensures your online privacy and security.

6. 1Password: Secure Password Manager

Keep your accounts and passwords safe with 1Password. Store and generate strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, and access them securely across your devices with end-to-end encryption. With 1Password, you can strengthen your digital security without sacrificing convenience.

By incorporating privacy-focused apps such as Startpage and Signal into your mobile device, you can take proactive steps to protect your digital life. From secure search and messaging to encrypted email, note-taking, VPN protection and password management, these apps empower you to reclaim control over your online privacy and security.