The right tools
make all the difference.
Handpicked security tools recommended by Australian cyber security experts. Tried, tested, and trusted to keep you safe online.
Why it matters
Your digital security toolkit
Good security software works in the background to keep you safe without getting in the way.
Step 1
Block threats at the door
The right tools stop malware, phishing, and trackers before they reach you.
Step 2
Guard your privacy
Encrypted email, VPNs, and secure browsers keep your data out of the wrong hands.
Step 3
Protect your identity
Password managers and 2FA make your accounts virtually impenetrable.
Step 4
Stay in control
Security software works quietly in the background — set it once, stay protected.
Our recommended software
Pick a category to see our top recommendation — vetted and trusted by our team.
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Why we recommend it
Proton Mail is the world's largest encrypted email service, trusted by millions of users including journalists, activists, and security professionals. All messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning nobody — not even Proton — can read your emails. It's based in Switzerland, open-source, and independently audited. A simple switch from Gmail or Outlook can dramatically improve your digital privacy.
Key highlights
Complete your privacy stack
Get Mail, VPN, Pass & Drive in one encrypted plan — no ads, no tracking.
Getting started with Proton Mail
Where are you coming from?
Antivirus
Why we recommend it
Malwarebytes is one of the most trusted names in cybersecurity. It provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and exploit attacks. Unlike traditional antivirus software, Malwarebytes uses behaviour-based detection to catch threats that signature-based tools miss. It's lightweight, fast, and works brilliantly as both a primary security tool and a second-opinion scanner alongside existing protection.
Key highlights
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VPN
Why we recommend it
ProtonVPN is built by the team behind Proton Mail and is headquartered in Switzerland, benefitting from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. It operates a strict no-logs policy, uses AES-256 encryption, and supports Secure Core routing which sends your traffic through multiple servers for extra protection. It's one of the few VPNs that offers a genuinely usable free tier without selling your data.
Key highlights
Complete your privacy stack
Get Mail, VPN, Pass & Drive in one encrypted plan — no ads, no tracking.
Passwords
Why we recommend it
Proton Pass is an end-to-end encrypted password manager that goes beyond just storing passwords. It includes email aliasing to protect your real email address when signing up for services, secure notes, and integrated two-factor authentication. Built by Proton, it follows the same zero-knowledge architecture — meaning even Proton cannot see your stored data.
Key highlights
Complete your privacy stack
Get Mail, VPN, Pass & Drive in one encrypted plan — no ads, no tracking.
2FA App
Why we recommend it
Proton Authenticator provides secure time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for two-factor authentication. Unlike some authenticator apps that store codes in the cloud without encryption, Proton Authenticator uses end-to-end encryption to protect your 2FA tokens. It integrates seamlessly with the Proton ecosystem and supports easy backup and recovery of your authentication codes.
Key highlights
Complete your privacy stack
Get Mail, VPN, Pass & Drive in one encrypted plan — no ads, no tracking.
Messaging
Signal
Why we recommend it
Signal is widely regarded as the gold standard for private messaging. It uses the Signal Protocol — the same encryption protocol adopted by WhatsApp and others — but unlike those services, Signal is fully open-source, collects virtually no metadata, and is run by a non-profit foundation. Messages, calls, and video chats are all end-to-end encrypted by default with no exceptions.
Key highlights
Cloud Backup
Why we recommend it
Proton Drive is an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service from the makers of Proton Mail. Every file you upload is encrypted on your device before it leaves — meaning not even Proton can access your data. It includes automatic photo backup on mobile, secure file sharing with password-protected links, and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Proton ecosystem. It's the privacy-respecting alternative to Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud.
Key highlights
Complete your privacy stack
Get Mail, VPN, Pass & Drive in one encrypted plan — no ads, no tracking.
Browser
Brave
Why we recommend it
Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting by default — right out of the box. It loads pages significantly faster than Chrome while using less memory and battery. Brave also includes built-in Tor integration for private browsing sessions and doesn't collect or sell your browsing data. It's compatible with all Chrome extensions, making the switch seamless.
Key highlights
Web Protection
Malwarebytes Browser Guard
Why we recommend it
Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a free browser extension that blocks malicious websites, scam pop-ups, trackers, and potentially unwanted programs in real time. It adds an essential layer of web protection that works alongside your existing antivirus and browser settings. It's particularly effective at catching tech support scams, phishing pages, and cryptojacking scripts.
Key highlights
Phone OS
Why we recommend it
GrapheneOS is a privacy and security-focused mobile operating system built on Android. It removes Google services by default, hardens the kernel, and adds exploit mitigations that go far beyond stock Android. Despite its security focus, it remains highly usable — you can optionally install Google Play services in a sandboxed environment. It's the top choice for users who want maximum mobile privacy.
Key highlights
Mobile Spyware Checker
Why we recommend it
iMazing is a powerful desktop app for iPhone and iPad — and its Spyware Detection feature is completely free, so you can scan for spyware without paying for a licence. It analyses a full backup of your device against thousands of known indicators of compromise (the same forensic approach as Amnesty International's Security Lab), catching traces of commercial spyware like Pegasus that on-device antivirus apps simply can't see. A paid licence then unlocks the rest of the toolkit: advanced encrypted backups you fully own and control, targeted extraction of messages, photos, call history and app data, direct media transfer without iTunes, and complete app and device management. If you want genuine control over your iPhone beyond what iCloud allows — or a serious, private way to check for surveillance — it's well worth having.
Key highlights
🔒 Ready to upgrade your security?
Support CyberSecurityGuides by signing up through our partner link — it costs you nothing extra.
PC / Laptop OS
Windows
Why we recommend it
Windows remains the most widely used desktop operating system and has made significant security improvements in recent years. Windows 11 includes built-in antivirus (Microsoft Defender), hardware-based security features like TPM 2.0, and regular security updates. When properly configured with the right settings and complementary security tools, Windows provides a strong and familiar platform for everyday use.