Privacy & Security Resources | ricalNet Recommendations
Access ricalNet's curated collection of privacy and security tools, software recommendations, and digital protection guides. All resources adhere to strict evaluation criteria for effectiveness and trustworthiness.
ricalNet Guides #
-
Pelacakan digital adalah praktik sistematis dalam mengumpulkan, memproses, dan menganalisis data aktivitas pengguna melalui infrastruktur teknologi, algoritma, dan protokol khusus. Artikel ini menggabungkan tinjauan umum dan analisis teknis mendalam tentang metode, arsitektur, implikasi keamanan, serta regulasi yang terkait dengan pelacakan oleh entitas seperti Big Tech dan pemerintah.
-
Kebutuhan untuk melindungi informasi pribadi sering kali dipandang sebagai sesuatu yang terlalu rumit atau bahkan mencurigakan. Padahal, menjaga privasi adalah hak kita sebagai pengguna teknologi.
Software, hardware and applications
Affiliate Link: Some services link to their official site, with a separate affiliate link if you choose to support ricalNet. View our strict requirements here. To view all affiliates, visit here.
marks a favorite. They don't represent every threat model and shouldn't be over-analyzed.
Web Browsers #
Tor Browser #
The Tor Browser is one of the safest browsing experiences by prioritizing anonymity & freedom of information above all else. It's one of the most effective and accessible anonymity tools.
Mullvad Browser #
Mullvad Browser offers a fantastic middle-ground between the strong protections of a hardened Firefox, and the advantages of Tor Browser for desktop. It's co-developed by Mullvad & the official Tor Project.
Firefox/Focus #
Firefox is a fantastic alternative to the Chromium monopoly. Mozilla is a non-profit which aims to provide digital rights to everybody. We have a Firefox hardening guide below.
Onion Browser#
Onion Browser is an unofficial Tor Browser application for iOS. Due to iOS limitations, it should not be considered as safe as the official Tor Browser, though it still offers users a layer of anonymity.
Safari#
Apple's Safari offers users in the Apple ecosystem a moderately safe default browser with basic privacy & security precautions out-of-the-box. Consider using AdGuard for further protections. We strongly recommend Safari specifically to users using 'Lockdown Mode' on iOS, as it's the way only to exclude trusted websites.
uBlock Origin #
The king of browser extensions. Just installing it will make any browser far more private & secure, and you can customize it to your heart's content. Install UBO in any browser for yourself or a loved one to make an immediate impact on their safety (and sanity!) online.
Password Managers #
KeePassXC (client) #
KeePassXC is a modern, secure, & customizable KeePass client available on all major desktop operating systems with active development.
KeePassDX (client) #
KeePassDX is a KeePass client for Android available on F-Droid and the Google Play Store with a modern interface, active development, and strong trust in the community.
Strongbox (client)#
Strongbox is a beautiful KeePass client that integrates well with iOS & MacOS devices, even offering the option for E2EE syncing via iCloud. They also now use a local network sync to avoid the cloud altogether. Warning: They were recently acquired by Applause and we have yet to see the impact on Strongbox.
KeePassium (client)#
KeePassium combines the security of KeePass with a clean intuitive design for iOS & MacOS. Since Strongbox's acquisition, many are migrating to KeePassium.
Proton Pass #
Proton Pass is a secure password manager integrated with the Proton ecosystem with an emphasis on a simple user experience. Its built-in email aliasing is an attractive feature, along with its UI/UX.
2FA #
Encryption #
GNU Privacy Guard#
GnuPG offers flexible encryption options across different mediums for users needing a more versatile option, at the cost of generally being more advanced.
Firewalls #
Portmaster #
Powerful (& beautiful) firewall program for Windows & Linux to give you finer control over what your device connects to.
rethinkDNS #
Block malware, spyware, ads, and trackers across all apps with Rethink DNS. Servers in 300+ locations: Experience Blazing fast speeds.
Applications #
Aurora Store #
Aurora Store allows users to download apps directly from the Google Play Store without a Google Account safely.
Exodus Privacy #
Analyzes privacy concerns in Android applications. Many iOS applications will use similar trackers, so this is a useful tool to check trackers for applications before downloading.
Operating systems
Affiliate Link: Some services link to their official site, with a separate affiliate link if you choose to support ricalNet. View our strict requirements here. To view all affiliates, visit here.
marks a favorite. They don't represent every threat model and shouldn't be over-analyzed.
Desktop Operating Systems #
Android #
GrapheneOS #
A private and secure mobile operating system with Android app compatibility via Sandboxed Google Play Services. Developed as a non-profit open source project.
Other services
Affiliate Link: Some services link to their official site, with a separate affiliate link if you choose to support ricalNet. View our strict requirements here. To view all affiliates, visit here.
marks a favorite. They don't represent every threat model and shouldn't be over-analyzed.
Search engines #
Brave Search #
Brave Search indexes its own results with Brave's crawlers while respecting user privacy.
Mullvad Leta#
Mullvad's Leta uses the Google Search API as a proxy to deliver Google results privately. It also proxies Brave Search results.
DuckDuckGo#
DuckDuckGo is a metasearch engine with mainly Bing results and an emphasis on user privacy.
VPNs #
Mullvad VPN #
Mullvad is one of the most transparent providers with some of the most robust measures to keep users safe. Use the VPN Toolkit below to compare VPNs more thoroughly.
Proton VPN#
Proton VPN is included in the Proton ecosystem and offers a very safe experience. Use the VPN Toolkit below to compare VPNs more thoroughly.
Windscribe#
Windscribe is a great VPN provider for an excellent value. Use the VPN Toolkit below to compare VPNs more thoroughly.
Orbot#
While not a traditional VPN, Orbot allows users to connect to the Tor network on mobile devices via a system VPN connection. It does not offer the same anonymity the Tor Network provides in other contexts, but it's a free and easy way to protect your traffic and connect to onion sites on mobile.
DNS #
Mullvad DNS #
Mullvad offers a free private & secure DNS service with several blocklist options for limited customization.
Messengers #
Signal #
Signal is the gold standard for private & secure messaging, all with a simple interface. Threat modeling is necessary though, as Signal requires a phone number to register which may be problematic for some. We recommend using Signal with usernames for improved privacy. Use our hardening guide below for max safety.
Email #
Proton Mail #
Proton Mail checks all the right boxes when it comes to adding privacy & security protections over the inherently broken email system, all while seeking a simple experience in a larger suite.
Mailbox.org#
Mailbox.org offers privacy & security with an incredibly feature-rich experience. It may be overwhelming and cluttered to some, or a power user's dream.
Aliasing #
Proton Pass #
Proton Pass is a password manager with built-in support for email aliasing via SimpleLogin.
SimpleLogin #
SimpleLogin makes email aliasing easier than ever, all built with privacy & security from the ground up. SimpleLogin can also be self-hosted or utilized via Proton Pass.
Privacy.com#
Privacy.com is a card aliasing solution for shopping online. Like most aliasing solutions, it's a transfer of trust from countless services to one.
Guerrilla Mail#
Guerrilla Mail is a disposable email service, allowing users to generate ephemeral emails conveniently.
Cloud #
Proton Drive#
Proton's drive offering within the Proton ecosystem with security in mind. It's still not a complete suite for every operating system, but it has basic functionality for many use-cases.
Cryptomator #
Cryptomator allows users to encrypt their files before uploading them to another mainstream cloud provider (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud etc.) - it's a great way to still use the cloud provider of your choice with improved security.
OnionShare #
OnionShare allows users to share files, websites, chats, and more over the Tor network directly from their system with no central parties for absolute safety.
Notes, docs & photos #
Standard Notes#
Standard Notes is a secure note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, privacy features, and cross-platform syncing on unlimited devices.
Cryptocurrencies #
Bisq Network#
Bisq is a P2P, KYC-free, decentralized Bitcoin exchange.
Cake Wallet #
Cake Wallet is a wallet to store your Bitcoin, Monero, & Litecoin in a trusted place.
Other tools #
EasyOptOuts #
Easy & affordable data removal service. Nothing currently matches its value and transparency. Demonstrated to be effective through independent Consumer Reports research. Refer to BADBOOL below for manual instructions!
Optery#
Optery's paid plan is also effective, but far pricier than EasyOptOuts. We enjoy Optery's free plan to scan sites for your information to assist in manual opt-outs, or to double-check your data is removed from another automated service. Demonstrated to be effective through independent Consumer Reports research. Refer to BADBOOL below for manual instructions!
Dangerzone #
Dangerzone is a program to safely open potentially suspicious attachments.
AlternativeTo #
AlternativeTo allows users to find more privacy-respecting alternatives to the software they use.
Objective-See #
Objective-See offers a suite of open source security & privacy tools for MacOS.
External resources
Explore our curated list of organizations and tools that offer valuable insights, advocacy, and support for protecting your online freedoms. We don't have all the answers and encourage everyone to get information from multiple places!
