Anonymous Freebies

The Web is one place where it actually may be a good idea to be paranoid, because "they" may really be watching you. Many people surf around unaware that they might be leaving a trail of information about themselves scattered across the Net. Most folks are also unaware of how vulnerable their E-mails are to snoops and hackers.
Every time you visit a site, it's possible that you're leaving a trail of personal data. When you surf the Web, send E-mail or post to newsgroups, be sure to protect your privacy.

• MailWasher 
  This handy freeware E-mail management program lets you fight back against spammers and E-mail viruses and helps protect your privacy. MailWasher lets you check and manage your E-mails before you download them. You can also use it to bounce E-mails back to spammers, so that it looks as though your E-mail address is no longer valid. (For Windows).

• SuperPrivacyGuard.com 
  Worried about your privacy on the Web? You can protect your privacy online with this free service that lets you surf the Web anonymously. This speedy proxy site lets you bypass firewalls and hides your IP address (your computer's unique identification code).

• SpySurfing 
  This is a handy free service that lets you surf the Web anonymously through a proxy server. SpySurfing also lets you bypass filters and helps you steer clear of spyware.

• SpyPry AntiSpy program 
  This useful freeware program scans and removes spyware programs from your computer. Note that your PC can be vulnerable to spyware even if you have a firewall and/or antivirus program, as spyware can be "piggybacked" via networks, E-mail and software downloads. (For Windows).

• Eraser 
  Are you worried about prying eyes browsing through sensitive content on your hard drive? (Even if you delete such data, it can be easily recovered by an experienced user). Eraser, an excellent free program, offers an advanced security tool, which allows you to remove private data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with "carefully selected patterns." (For Windows).s

• PC Security Test 
  How secure is your computer? This freeware program checks your computer's security against viruses, spyware and hackers and grades the effectiveness of your protection software (including anti-virus programs, spyware scanners, and firewalls). (For Windows).

• Ad-Aware Personal 
  Protect yourself from "spyware" with this handy free utility. (Spyware consists of sneaky software programs that use your Net connection--usually to report data to advertisers--without your approval or knowledge). Ad-Aware removes spyware on your PC and scans your memory, registry and hard drive for known spyware components. (For Windows).

• StealthMessage.com 
  Are you worried about the security of your E-mail? A free service, StealthMessage.com offers a secure messaging system that encrypts your private messages and stores encrypted messages anonymously. The service is easy to use and there's nothing to download.

• ZoneAlarm 
  If you have DSL or a cable modem, you may have heard about the security problems that these types of always-on connections pose. An essential free firewall program, ZoneAlarm offers your computer protection against thieves, snoops and vandals. ZoneAlarm includes five interlocking security services, including a Stealth Mode, which renders your computer invisible to the Web (and potential intruders). (For Windows).

• Sneakemail 
  Have you ever been reluctant to enter your E-mail address in an online form, for fear of being spammed? Sneakemail is a free service lets you create disposable E-mail addresses. These addresses are aliases of your real E-mail address, (which is kept hidden). Using this service, you can ensure that your E-mail won't be abused, bought or sold.

• HushMail 
  Are you worried about the privacy of your E-mail? You should be, given the security woes that plague E-mail these days. A free Web-based E-mail service, HushMail offers 1024-bit technology encryption for your messages and attachments. (Note that your recipient must also be a HushMail user for you to take advantage of the 1024-bit encryption feature). Service is available in English, French and German. (For Windows only). A Mac version is promised in the near future.

• Pretty Good Privacy 
  A free encryption software program that is the de-facto global standard for E-mail and file privacy. Pretty Good Privacy (or PGP) offers full-strength, 128-bit encryption. PGP has constantly been upgraded over the years and now offers loads of useful features, including secure file wiping; advanced keyserver searching; and seamless integration with Qualcomm's popular Eudora E-mail client. There's also an E-mail plugin for Microsoft Outlook/Exchange and Claris Emailer. Available for Windows, Macs, DOS and Unix. (Free for noncommercial use only).
  • U.S. law prohibits export of PGP to non-U.S. residents. However, there is now an "International" version of PGP, compiled and developed outside the U.S., which is available for non-U.S. residents to download. It's available here.

• Private Idaho 
  A free Internet privacy utility for Windows. It simplifies using E-mail with Pretty Good Privacy (see above listing), anonymous remailers, and nym servers, providing you with more electronic privacy. Note: this program is no longer being updated. The last official release was in Jan. 1997.