Three Great Apps for Online Security

This week I’m highlighting three great apps which help improve your personal online security. Read on to find out how to add an extra layer of security to your logins, browse the web securely while using public WiFi, and manage your passwords like a pro.

Authy – Two-Factor Authentication

Whenever it’s available, you should be using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all your online accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your logins by requiring you to enter an additional code when you login. Your Google Account along with many other web services now support 2FA.

Until recently, I’d been managing all my 2FAs with the Google Authenticator app. I’m not linking to that one, as I found its user experience sorely lacking. However, I was recently introduced to Authy, and it far surpasses Google Authenticator in terms of its features, interface, and usability. I highly recommend that you start using it and start making your online accounts more secure today.

TunnelBear – Secure VPN Service

Whenever you’re using public WiFi, you’re vulnerable to getting hacked. To avoid this, you should be using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). TunnelBear makes this easy. Their free account gets you 500MB of browsing every month, or you can pay $49.99/year for unlimited data.

1Password – Password Manager

I use 1Password to login to all of my online accounts. It works by storing all your logins in an encrypted vault on your computer. To access it, you enter your password. Then it keeps track of all your accounts letting you generate unique, hard-to-crack passwords for all your accounts.

Ever wondered how to comply with the rule that you should use a different password for each of your accounts? Apps like 1Password are how you do it.