The Privacy Tools I Trust After Everything Fell Apart
I learned the hard way how exposed our digital lives really are—after a layover breach almost cost me everything. So I rebuilt. Every tool below helped me reclaim control over work, travel, family, and everyday privacy.
Some links here are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only include tools I’ve personally tested and trust.
🔐 Core Stack
These are the privacy tools I trusted most after my breach. Some links are affiliate links, which support Anonyvault at no extra cost to you.
Proton Mail (affiliate)
End-to-end encrypted Swiss email with open-source apps and a strong reputation. It’s the base of my secure communications setup.
🔗 Try Proton MailProtonVPN (affiliate)
Swiss no-logs VPN with Secure Core routing and open-source apps. I use it for secure travel and research.
🔗 Try ProtonVPNKeePassXC (non-affiliate)
Local password vault with no cloud risk. After almost losing everything, this became my default for encrypted storage.
🔗 Try KeePassXCTor Browser (non-affiliate)
For untraceable browsing and private research, Tor Browser is still unmatched. It’s the real Incognito.
🔗 Try Tor BrowserSignal Messenger (non-affiliate)
End-to-end encrypted messenger trusted by journalists and professionals. I use it for sensitive calls and chats.
[signal_cta]GrapheneOS (non-affiliate)
Hardened Android OS with zero Google services. My daily driver for secure mobile use.
🔗 Try GrapheneOS🔎 Tool Finder
Tools I’ve tested and trusted for streaming, secure email, and everyday privacy. Strong affiliate payouts meet real-world use cases.
NordVPN (affiliate)
Fast and user-friendly. I recommend it for streaming and basic privacy needs. It works well across devices.
🔗 Try NordVPNStartMail (affiliate)
Private email with built-in aliases. Based in The Netherlands. Ideal if you’re not ready for full Proton stack.
🔗 Try StartMailpCloud (affiliate)
Swiss-based encrypted cloud storage with one-time lifetime plans. Great for long-term file privacy.
🔗 Try pCloudSync.com (affiliate)
Zero-knowledge cloud storage. Good for file collaboration and backups without data mining.
🔗 Try Sync.comSurfshark VPN (affiliate)
Budget-friendly VPN with antivirus and real-time alerts. Solid pick for price-conscious users.
🔗 Try SurfsharkStandard Notes (affiliate)
Fully encrypted notes app with syncing. Ideal for journaling, logging, or secure reminders.
🔗 Try Standard Notes✅ Trusted & Aligned
These tools don’t offer commissions, but I trust them anyway. They align with Anonyvault’s values and strengthen your privacy stack.
Mullvad VPN (non-affiliate)
No email signup, no tracking, and cash payments accepted. Still my go-to for anonymous VPN use.
🔗 Try Mullvad VPNBrave Browser (non-affiliate)
Blocks trackers, upgrades connections, and doesn’t phone home. Fast enough for daily use, private enough to recommend.
🔗 Try Brave BrowserQuad9 DNS (non-affiliate)
Privacy-first DNS resolver backed by IBM and non-profits. Blocks malware domains without logging your IP.
[quad9_cta]📋 Watchlist
These tools are on my radar. I’m testing them now or watching for deeper audits, affiliate options, or community feedback.
AdGuard (affiliate)
Cross-platform tracker blocker with DNS filtering and app-wide protection. Monetized alternative to uBlock.
[adguard_cta]Element (Matrix) (non-affiliate)
Federated secure chat app for teams or power users. End-to-end encrypted, open-source, and decentralised.
🔗 Try ElementSession Messenger (non-affiliate)
Onion-routed, metadata-free messaging without a phone number. Promising alternative to Signal.
🔗 Try Session📘 Start the 5‑Day Privacy Rebuild Series
I created this free email series to help you take back control—one step at a time. Each day covers a practical privacy upgrade I made after nearly losing everything during that layover breach.
🚀 Start the Toolkit SeriesNo spam. Aliases welcome.
🔍 How I Finally Browsed Safely in 2025
Discover why Incognito Mode failed me—and what practical tools and setups I used to rebuild my browsing privacy step by step.
Read the Full Guide