RECOMMENDED TOOLS

Helpful Tools for Staying Safer Online

Security tools should solve a real problem, not create another sales pitch. These are products and free services that can make everyday online safety easier when they fit your needs.

How recommendations work: Know Phishing explains what each tool does, what it does not do, and who it may help. Some links may be affiliate links, which means Know Phishing may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not determine whether a tool is recommended.

Our Current Recommendations

You do not need every tool on this page. Start with the problem you are trying to solve and choose only what is useful to you.

Privacy & Safer Browsing

NordVPN

A privacy and safer-browsing service that encrypts internet traffic and adds protection features aimed at malicious and phishing destinations.

Best for: People who want additional online privacy and another layer of protection while browsing.

Know before buying: A VPN does not make every website safe and does not replace strong passwords or two-factor authentication.
Affiliate relationship: Yes
Learn about NordVPN
Malware & Device Protection

Malwarebytes

Security software for detecting malware and unwanted software, with browser protection against many malicious, phishing, and scam websites.

Best for: People who want an easy malware scan or extra protection against dangerous websites.

Good free option: Malwarebytes Browser Guard can provide useful browser protection without requiring a paid security suite.
Affiliate relationship: No
Learn about Malwarebytes
Scam & Device Protection

Norton 360

An all-in-one consumer security suite combining device protection with additional privacy, scam, and account-security features depending on the plan.

Best for: People who prefer one broad security product rather than several separate tools.

Know before buying: Features vary by plan, device, and location. Check the current plan details before subscribing.
Affiliate relationship: No
Learn about Norton 360
Identity Protection

LifeLock

Identity monitoring and restoration services designed to alert users to certain signs that personal or financial information may be misused.

Best for: People concerned about identity theft or misuse of personal information.

Know before buying: Identity monitoring cannot prevent or detect every form of identity theft. Benefits vary by plan.
Affiliate relationship: No
Learn about LifeLock
Passwords & Account Security

Bitwarden

A password manager that generates, stores, and autofills unique passwords so you do not need to reuse or memorize every password.

Best for: People who want an easier way to use a different strong password for every important account.

Free option available. Protect the password manager itself with a strong master password and two-factor authentication.
Affiliate relationship: No
Learn about Bitwarden
Free Security Tools

Microsoft Authenticator

A free authentication app that can add another sign-in check to Microsoft and many other supported online accounts.

Best for: People who want to strengthen important accounts with two-factor authentication without buying another product.

Free tool. Save account recovery methods or backup codes in case your phone is lost or replaced.
Affiliate relationship: No
Learn about Microsoft Authenticator

What Know Phishing Will Not Do

We will not recommend a paid product when the safer answer is simply to change a setting, install an update, use a built-in security feature, or follow a better habit. Some Know Phishing guides intentionally recommend no product at all.