Online threats continue to grow, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. No matter how careful you are online, you could fall victim to threat actors. Thankfully, there are cybersecurity solutions that offer protection from these threats.
We’ve conducted extensive tests and handpicked the best cybersecurity tools available today. Here’s a sneak peek of our top cybersecurity software:
Continue reading to learn more about these cybersecurity tools and discover alternatives. We’ll also explain how these tools can protect you online.
Cyber security software is your first line of defense against online crime and other security risks. These tools can identify security vulnerabilities and prevent potential cyberattacks.
Our experts have decades of experience researching, using, and testing cybersecurity software. We’ve put together a list of the 25 best security tools. Ready? Let’s delve in.
The Best Cybersecurity Software
If you’re looking for the right protection for your devices, you’re in the right place! Here are the very best cybersecurity tools, tested independently by us. You can check out their websites right away by clicking below.
| Cybersecurity Tool | Best Option | Link to Website |
|---|---|---|
| VPN | NordVPN | |
| Antivirus software | Norton | |
| Password manager | NordPass | |
| Penetration testing tool | Kali Linux | |
| Data removal service | Incogni | |
| Private search engine | Startpage | |
| Cloud storage | MEGA |
Want more information about each of these tools? Or are you looking for more options? The table below highlights all cybersecurity software we’ll be covering. Click on any software to jump to the section of the article we talk about it.
Tip: Get a Cybersecurity Suite!
Not looking forward to installing all of those tools separately? There are some fantastic cybersecurity suites out there that combine various tools in one easy subscription. Nord Complete, for example, gets you a VPN service, basic malware protection, a password manager, cloud storage, and more!
| Rank | VPNs | Antivirus software | Password managers | Penetration testing tools | Data removal services | Private search engines | Cloud storage services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | NordVPN | Norton | NordPass | Kali Linux | Incogni | Startpage | MEGA |
| 2. | Surfshark | Bitdefender | Keeper | Wireshark | DeleteMe | DuckDuckGo | iDrive |
| 3. | ExpressVPN | Avast | 1Password | Metasploit | Qwant | pCloud | |
| 4. | CyberGhost | Dashlane | Sync.com | ||||
| 5. | PrivadoVPN | Backblaze |
Below, we explore each cybersecurity tool and tell you about our experience with it.
VPN: Anonymize and Encrypt Your Internet Traffic
A VPN (virtual private network) creates a secure tunnel between your device(s) and the internet. There are many benefits of using a VPN, including the following:
- It encrypts your traffic, making it significantly difficult for malicious third parties to breach your security.
- It changes your IP address, which makes it much harder for others to see your browsing data and track what you do online.
- It allows you to get around geographical restrictions. For example, you can unblock Netflix with a VPN.
The providers below are among the best VPNs we’ve tested.
1. NordVPN: A robust VPN with best-in-class security features
- Over 5,000 servers in 60 countries
- Excellent security features
- Strict no-logs policy
- Lightning fast
- Automatic kill switch
- Unblocks Netflix and all major streaming services
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN is our number one VPN, and it’s easy to see why. It boasts a trove of security features, including its double VPN feature that encrypts your traffic twice and Threat Protection to stop malware and trackers. It also has a dark web monitor to alert you if your data is compromised.
NordVPN offers dedicated IPs, which is great for sensitive activities like banking. We recommend using NordVPN’s Meshnet when creating a Local Area Network (LAN) for work collaboration or gaming sessions.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try out the service for free. Read our NordVPN review to learn why this is our top-rated VPN.
2. Surfshark: An affordable and feature-rich VPN
- Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Fast speeds
- Plenty of security features
- Automatic kill switch
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark has an extensive server network in 100 countries, and it’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. It has useful security features like Camouflage mode, which makes it hard for anyone to know you’re using a VPN. Its NoBorders mode is ideal for use in restrictive countries like China and Russia.
Surfshark has a CleanWeb feature that prevents malware and phishing attacks. It also comes with innovative features like Surfshark Nexus, which includes an IP rotator and IP randomizer that make it difficult for third parties to track you online.
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs we’ve tested. At $2.30 monthly, it costs less than a cup of coffee. You can find out more about this VPN in our Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN: A well-rounded VPN with top-of-the-range servers
- Servers in 94 countries
- Five simultaneous connections
- No-logs VPN
- Automatic kill switch
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Dedicated Lightway protocol
ExpressVPN is another favorite at VPNOverview. Its X factor is its impressive array of ultra-fast servers in 94 countries. It’s noteworthy that ExpressVPN backs up its no-logs claim with RAM-only servers. This means that all the data it collects is wiped upon every reboot.
This VPN service offers a proprietary Lightway protocol with automatic obfuscation, preventing deep packet inspection.
We recommend this VPN if you’re a heavy streamer. It’s fast and great for unblocking streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. It’s also a good choice for gamers. Check out our ExpressVPN review for more information about this service.
4. CyberGhost: A user-friendly choice, great for torrenting
- Over 9,000 servers in 91 countries
- User-friendly apps
- Seven simultaneous connections
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Dedicated gaming servers
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for downloading torrents safely. It has special servers optimized for P2P downloads using protocols like BitTorrent and uTorrent. It’s also a good pick for gaming, thanks to its dedicated gaming servers. CyberGhost is quite affordable, especially when you opt for a long subscription plan.
CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s suited for beginners; its apps are intuitive and easy to navigate. We recommend CyberGhost for torrenting. Read our CyberGhost review to see how this VPN performed in our tests.
5. PrivadoVPN: The best free VPN
- Generous free plan
- Unlimited devices
- 12 free servers
If you’re looking for a VPN for casual use, PrivadoVPN is worth a look. Its free plan is relatively generous. You get 10GB of data every month, and there’s no limit to the number of devices you can protect. The free account gives you access to 12 free servers in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
PrivadoVPN supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which is relatively uncommon among free VPNs. OpenVPN is arguably the most secure protocol, while WireGuard offers blazing-fast speeds.
For unlimited data, access to more servers, and additional security features, opt for the premium version of PrivadoVPN. This VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our PrivadoVPN review for more information about our experience with this VPN.
Antivirus: Protect Your System From Malware
Going online without a solid antivirus is just asking for trouble. Here’s why:
- Every day, new — more dangerous and more pervasive — malware is released. There are countless malware threats to be wary of.
- Antivirus software can help you detect and purge malware from your computer. Some antiviruses provide real-time protection to stop threats as they appear.
- A good antivirus has features like a built-in firewall, which reduces the chance of malware getting onto your computer.
Here are the best tools to detect and remove malware.
1. Norton 360: The best antivirus
- 100% virus detection rate
- Identity theft monitoring, privacy protection, password manager, and more
- Real-time protection
- Norton smart firewall
We have been conducting tests on antivirus software for many years, and Norton has always been a top performer. The antivirus scored 100% virus detection in tests by SeaLabs and AV-TEST. This means that it can detect most viruses.
Norton uses heuristics and machine learning to monitor and flag malicious files in real-time. You can also schedule and perform thorough and quick scans of all files.
Norton offers extensions for all the major browsers, including Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. Read our comprehensive Norton 360 review to learn more about the features of this antivirus and how it performed in our tests.
2. Bitdefender: An effective cybersecurity tool with many features
- Good virus detection rate
- Real-time monitoring
- Clear and user-friendly software
- Transparent privacy policy
Bitdefender is one of the most widely used security tools. It has a near-perfect virus detection rate. It spotted malicious files 98% of the time in AV-Comparatives’ tests.
Furthermore, Bitdefender offers Bitdefender Shield — a real-time monitoring tool that automatically scans all your system and removes any suspicious files it finds. It also provides Advanced Threat Defense, which protects against zero-day attacks.
Some of the cybersecurity professionals at VPNOverview use Bitdefender daily. Read our Bitdefender review to discover the things they love and dislike about this antivirus.
3. Avast Free Antivirus: The best free antivirus
- Automatic virus scanner
- Offline device scanning
- Ransomware protection
- Data breach alert
Avast antivirus has a free version that’s perfect for personal use. Its smart scanner automatically checks your device and alerts you if there are any malicious files or software.
Avast also offers a handy data leak alert feature. For instance, it will inform you if the password linked to your email account has been compromised. You also get ransomware protection. Avast Free Antivirus is easily one of the best free cybersecurity tools.
While it’s a bit pricey ($75.99), Avast Premium Security antivirus offers additional safety features, including browsing, phishing, and remote access protection. You also get access to live customer support and much more. Read our Avast antivirus review for more information.
Password Manager: Keep Your Passwords Safe
Have you ever forgotten a password and been locked out of your account? You’re not alone. Many people experience this. It’s almost impossible to keep track of numerous passwords for different websites and apps! That’s why you need a password manager.
- A password manager stores your passwords so you don’t have to remember them.
- Using a password manager reduces your chances of re-using the same password, which can pose a security risk if you’re hacked.
- Password managers can create strong, unique passwords and thus improve your online safety.
Like any software, some password managers are better than others, especially if you’re looking for specific features. We’ve tested different password managers and created a list of the best password managers. Below are four of our favorites.
1. NordPass: The best password manager
- Relatively affordable
- Easy to use
- Robust encryption protocols
- Independently audited
- Biometric authentication available
- Free generous version
If you’re looking for an all-around great password manager, NordPass should be first on your list. It allows you to save and share your passwords without trouble. It also has a useful password generator to help you create strong passwords.
The password health checker measures the strength of your password and changes it if need be. All your passwords are kept safe using zero-knowledge encryption. It has beginner-friendly apps for just about every operating system, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux.
NordPass has plans for individuals, families, and businesses. It also has a free plan. Check out our NordPass review for more information about the pros and cons of this service.
2. Keeper: A solid password manager that’s especially great for businesses
- Handy security features
- 30-day free trial subscriptions
- Compatible with all major operating systems
- Several browser extensions
Keeper is another useful password manager with tailored plans for families and businesses. It allows users to save an unlimited number of passwords and create passwords that are hard to crack.
You can add many extras to your subscription, including secure messaging, dark web monitoring, compliance reporting, and secure file storage.
Keeper seems expensive, but there’s a limited free version and a 30-day free trial to get a feel of the service before you pay. In our in-depth Keeper review, you can learn more about Keeper’s features and our opinion on the service.
3. 1Password: An affordable password manager
- Suitable for individuals, families, and businesses
- Automatically recommends changing weak passwords
- A free trial is available without having to submit your payment details
- Each user gets a password vault
- It can also store secure notes and payment details
1Password is surprisingly versatile; it’s ideal for personal use or for families and for small to large organizations. It keeps your passwords secure and can store notes and payment details!
All this data is stored in a secure digital vault, and you can manage multiple vaults. This means each user in your family or team has their own secure space. 1Password’s Watchtower feature monitors whether your passwords have been leaked in a security breach. 1Password will also recommend changing a password if it’s deemed too weak.
1Password is one of our favorite password managers at VPNOverview. We’ve tested it extensively. You can learn more about our findings in our 1Password review.
4. Dashlane: A secure password manager with a built-in VPN
- Unlimited devices for premium users
- User-friendly
- Browser extensions available
- Only available as a web app
Dashlane is a security-conscious password manager. It uses zero-knowledge encryption, so not even the company knows your passwords.
The free version of Dashlane allows you to save up to 50 passwords. However, premium users can create and store an unlimited number of passwords. The main downside is that it doesn’t have desktop or mobile apps, although it has browser extensions.
Penetration Testing: Check for Security Vulnerabilities in Your System
Commonly known as pen testing, penetration testing is a simulated attack on your devices and systems to uncover potential vulnerabilities that hackers are likely to exploit. Security professionals often conduct these tests for businesses and organizations that handle sensitive data.
Pen testing has several benefits, including the following:
- It identifies blindspots and vulnerabilities and resolves them before a hacker attempts to exploit them.
- It tests your system’s ability to identify, respond to, and thwart cybercrime.
- It offers an opportunity to continuously audit your security systems and analyze network protocols to know where to focus your attention.
- It ensures that your business complies with industry and government regulations.
Now that we know how pen testing can benefit you and your business, here are the top tools for the job.
1. Kali Linux: A tool-rich platform for extensive network testing
- Includes about 600 penetration testing programs
- Perform a wide range of tasks, from pen testing and digital forensics to reverse engineering
Kali Linux is more than just penetration testing software. It’s derived from Debian. The best part of Kali Linux is that it comes pre-installed with around 600 tools. They include Nmap for mapping networks, WPScan for WordPress security auditing, Aircrack-ng for checking WiFi security, Hydra to crack passwords, and Lynis, for compliance testing.
2. Wireshark: An efficient network packet inspector for security assessments
- Effective network security system
- Supports hundreds of protocols and media
- Open source
- Supports several file formats
Wireshark bills itself as the world’s most popular network protocol analyzer — rightly so. It does a great job of recording network traffic and presenting them in detail. That’s why it’s a great choice if you want a microscopic view of what’s happening in your system, whether to examine security problems or troubleshoot network issues.
Wireshark is widely used because it’s open-source, works with virtually all file formats, and can inspect hundreds of protocols and media.
3. Metasploit: An excellent penetration testing tool for training teams
- Access to hundreds of exploits
- Integrations via Remote API
- Great for testing user awareness
Metasploit was built to help developers, researchers, penetration testers, and IT security teams be on the offensive by simulating real-world attacks. This pen testing tool gives you access to hundreds of exploits through the Metasploit Framework, maintained by over 100,000 contributors.
It also helps you prioritize the most threatening network vulnerabilities in your system and ensure they are fixed. In addition, it ensures you have the data and resources to train your team to identify and resolve security issues quickly.
Data Removal Services: Wipe Your Data From the Web
Data brokers gather data about you and sell it to third parties. Brokers usually collect scraps of data from the websites you visit, official public records, and social media sites.
The information they collect includes your date of birth, contacts, location, interests, and financial information. Here’s why you should be concerned about your data being in the hands of third parties:
- Scammers visit data brokerage sites to gather information about potential victims.
- Cybercriminals often use the information brokers collect for identity theft.
- Data brokers can sell your information to third parties like banks and insurance companies, which could affect your credit score.
Fortunately, there are pro-privacy tools you can use to remove your data from broker websites.
1. Incogni: An effective and affordable privacy service
- Works with over 180 major data brokers
- Periodic progress reports
- Easy-to-use interface
- Recurring data removals even when your subscription runs out
Surfshark’s Incogni is a premier data removal tool. It works with over 180 data brokers, including Yello, Dailymotion, Hashtag, All Webs Leads, and AccuData.
Incogni uses an algorithm to predict which brokers might have your data and sends them removal requests on your behalf. You’ll receive frequent email updates on the progress of removals. It’s worth noting that Incogni usually continues with a data removal cycle even when your subscription runs out.
Incogni is a great cybersecurity tool, and it’s surprisingly cheaper than many other data removal tools. You can learn more about Incogni’s pricing and why we recommend this service in our Incogni review.
2. DeleteMe: A comprehensive data removal service for businesses
- Quarterly reviews and reports
- Business and family plans
- Offers DIY guides
DeleteMe has been scrubbing off user data from search engines since 2011. Over the years, DeleteMe has completed more than 35 million removal requests. Once you sign up and submit your data, DeleteMe’s experts will start the removal process, and you’ll receive a preliminary report in seven days.
We like DeleteMe because it allows businesses to get rid of employee data that might pose a risk. It also has a family-focused plan, unlike many of its competitors.
DeleteMe offers a free scan that allows you to find out which data brokers have your information. You’ll find more about DeleteMe’s features and how we rate its effectiveness in our DeleteMe review.
Private Search Engines: Escape Invasive Tracking
You’d be surprised about what search engines like Google know about you. From your location to your search history, search engines gather a lot of data about users. These pieces of information are built into a profile and sold to the highest bidder.
This means that your information could land in the hands of a malicious actor, or you could be subjected to spam calls and privacy breaches. Here are some reasons you’re better off using a fully private search engine.
- They hide your search and browsing history.
- They prevent targeted ads.
- They provide organic search results — not based on what the search engine knows about you.
Let’s look at some of the best private search engines.
1. Startpage: A private search engine that doesn’t return biased results
- Unbiased search results
- Personal data and search history is not recorded
- Blocks price trackers
- Stops retargeting ads
When you type in a query in Startpage, the search engine immediately removes your data, including your IP address. Next, Startpage’s servers return unbiased results, unlike regular search engines. Startpage doesn’t save your search history.
This means you can browse without looking over your shoulder or wondering who has access to your data. Of course, it’s not quite as intuitive as Google, but it’s an effective search engine nonetheless.
2. DuckDuckGo: Has mobile apps and a feature-rich Chrome extension
- Mobile apps
- Secure Chrome extension
- Presents unfiltered search results
DuckDuckGo is another popular private search engine known for its extra features. You can search for news, images, and videos without worrying about being tracked. DuckDuckGo routes user traffic through the Tor network, making it hard for anyone to track searches.
If you still want to use Chrome, use DuckDuckGo’s Chrome extension. It comes bundled with a search engine, tracker blocker, and encryption enforcer. DuckDuckGo also has mobile apps for iOS and Android.
3. Qwant: A private search engine with innovative features
- Android and iOS apps
- Available in 26 languages
- Additional features like Qwant Maps and Qwant Junior
Qwant is a Paris-based search engine that’s available in 26 languages. Its search feature lets you browse the internet without tracking and compromising your personal data. Aside from the search feature, it has a maps function, which enables you to find locations without being tracked.
Qwant also has the Qwant Junior feature, which allows you to control how your kids use the internet.
Secure Cloud Storage: Protect Your Files
A good cloud storage service lets you securely tuck your files away in the cloud. For the uninitiated, this means storing them on servers that can be accessed over the internet from anywhere in the world.
The best cloud storage services don’t just store your files but also offer excellent security and file recovery features. By choosing a provider that uses zero-knowledge encryption, you can ensure that you’re only person who knows what’s secured in your cloud storage account.
We’ve tested several cloud storage services, and these are our favorites.
1. MEGA: The best secure cloud storage
- 20GB of free cloud storage
- Zero-knowledge encryption keeps your data safe
- The free version of MEGA includes vital security features
- File versioning and recovery features offer protection against malware
One of the reasons we chose MEGA as our best secure cloud storage solution is that you can get 20GB of free secure cloud storage. Also, free users get full access to all of the security features offered by MEGA. That’s right, security for your data isn’t locked behind a paywall.
Your data is encrypted with a key that’s based on your password. Since MEGA doesn’t generate its encryption keys, the app can’t access to your data. It’ll also let you specify a recovery key to get back into your account if you’ve forgotten your password.
2. iDrive: Best cloud backup for individuals and businesses
- AES-256 encryption
- 5GB free storage
- Keeps up to 30 previous versions of all files
- Business-focused features
- Unlimited photo storage
iDrive is not quite as generous as Mega, offering only 5GB of free storage. However, it’s a multifaceted option perfect for individuals and businesses. Notable features include online backup, syncing, and secure file-sharing. What’s more, iDrive keeps 30 previous versions of all files.
iDrive also has business-focused features, including the iDrive Thin Client application, which lets businesses manage their systems from a central dashboard. If you’re a photographer, iDrive is a good choice, thanks to features like unlimited photo storage and facial recognition.
3. pCloud: Best value lifetime cloud storage with a one-time fee
- AES-256 encryption
- Zero-knowledge
- 10GB free storage
- Lifetime plans
- Advanced collaboration and file-sharing features
Imagine paying once to use a cloud storage service forever. That’s what pCloud offers with its lifetime personal and family plans. It has robust AES encryption, advanced collaboration, and file-sharing features. File versions are kept for 15 days for free users and 30 days for premium users.
4. Sync.com: Best cloud storage for business users
- AES-256 encryption
- Two-factor authentication
- 5GB free storage
Sync is a secure file storage service. It uses AES-256 encryption and TLS protocol to protect files. There’s also two-factor authentication to prevent hackers from accessing your data. Businesses can restore files dating back a year. The Rewind feature also allows users to restore data to specific periods, which is great for data recovery and ransomware protection.
5. Backblaze: excellent cloud storage for backups
- AES-128 encryption
- 10GB free storage
- A private key to lock files
- Unlimited backup
Backblaze is a good fit if you need cloud storage for backing up files. It doesn’t have the fancy collaboration and file-sharing features other cloud storage tools have, but it offers unlimited storage for large file backups. It’s tailored to safeguard and backup systems and servers, including Veeam, Servers, NAS, and Workstations. All files are protected by AES-128 encryption.
Importance of Using Cybersecurity Tools
Cyber security tools are often the difference between safe businesses and those that are exposed to cybercriminals. Security threats are on the rise. There are 81 to 91 cyberattacks every hour, according to some estimates. Every minute you’re online, there’s a chance you’ll encounter security threats like phishing scams, identity theft, cyberstalking, ransomware, crypto-jacking, and brute-force attacks.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), there were over 800,944 cyber attacks in the U.S. in 2022. This represents a 5% increase from 2021, and dollar losses have increased by 49%.
Here’s how cyber security software can help you:
- They safeguard your system against existing security risks.
- They review your system and spot vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them.
- They ensure that you’re not vulnerable to sophisticated and evolving cyber threats.
- They ensure that businesses comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- They can improve productivity. Cybersecurity software can improve your website performance and help you avoid downtimes that stall your business operations.
Conclusion: Staying Safe Online
Most people don’t take their cyber security seriously until they become the victim of a targeted attack. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. As hackers and malicious actors get smarter, you must also take action to protect yourself online. With these tools, you can do just that!
While a cyber security tool will safeguard you from threats, it’s also important to adopt good online safety practices to limit your exposure to threat actors. Check out the articles below for more information about how to stay safe online.
- 8 Cyber Hygiene Tips to Keep You Safe
- How to Create a Secure Password
- What is Two-Factor Authentication and Why is It Useful?
- 10 Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience
If you’ve got questions about cybersecurity tools and staying safe online, check out the FAQ below.
NordVPN is the best VPN. It offers a range of security features, a vast network of VPN servers worldwide, and fast connection speeds. During our speed tests, we found NordVPN to be one of the fastest VPNs. Moreover, new users get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try NordVPN for free. Read our NordVPN review to learn more about this service.
Based on our tests, Norton has the best antivirus software. This antivirus has a 100% virus detection rate and uses heuristics and machine learning to fish out malicious files. Its features include identity theft monitoring, privacy protection, a password manager, and a smart firewall. This is easily one of the best cybersecurity tools available today.
We recommend using a password manager. 1Password is our top pick. While it’s relatively pricey compared to other password managers, it offers a range of features that’ll keep your passwords secure. Read our 1Password review to learn more about this password manager.
There are data removal services that allow you to scrub your information from online marketing lists, reducing annoying spam calls and emails and making it harder for companies to track you. Incogni is our favorite data removal service. Check out our Incogni review to learn how it works.
There’s no single best cybersecurity tool. It’s best to use a combination of tools to improve your online safety. However, there are several great cybersecurity suites out there that combine the best tools in one easy subscription. At the very least, we recommend using a VPN, antivirus, and password manager.
Hackers employ various techniques to snare victims. While some hackers use phishing lures, others depend on brute-force attacks or exploit system vulnerabilities. The cybersecurity tools we highlight above provide comprehensive protection, defending you from all threats.
