9 min read

9 Must-Have Tools for Keeping Your Online Identity Private

9 Must-Have Tools for Keeping Your Online Identity Private
Photo by Dan Nelson / Unsplash

Let me share something that stopped me in my tracks recently. Over 5 billion personal records were exposed in data breaches during 2023 alone. If that isn't a wake-up call I don't know what is. Think about it, that's nearly two-thirds of the world's population worth of private data, potentially landing in the wrong hands.

 I'm sure you're currently thinking, "This probably wouldn’t happen to me". Well, if you're reading this on any internet-connected device (which you obviously are), the answer is it could happen to you. Every time we hop online to check our email, scroll through social media, or make a quick purchase, we're leaving digital footprints that can be tracked, collected, and potentially exploited.

 In 2025, protecting your online identity isn't just about avoiding spam emails anymore. It's about safeguarding your preserving your personal privacy in an increasingly connected world. With cybercrime becoming more sophisticated by the day, having the right privacy tools isn't optional, it's essential.

 That's why I've put together this carefully curated list of 10 privacy tools that I personally trust and use. I've organised these tools by category so you can easily focus on the areas that matter most to you.

 1. Temporary SIM Numbers

Remember the last time you signed up for a new service? Chances are, they asked for your phone number. While it seems harmless enough, sharing your personal number across dozens of platforms creates a significant privacy vulnerability. Those OTP verification texts might feel secure, but they're also creating a permanent link between your identity and that service. Not to mention opening the door to potential spam calls and messages.

 This is where Veritel.io comes in as a game-changer. Instead of giving out your personal number, you can rent a temporary SIM number that works just like a regular phone number for receiving verification codes. What sets Veritel.io apart is its focus on security and reliability. Each number is thoroughly vetted and maintained on secure infrastructure, ensuring your verification codes arrive promptly and safely.

 Here's what makes temporary SIM numbers through Veritel.io particularly effective:

  • They're perfect for creating accounts on social media platforms without exposing your personal number
  • Once you're done with the verification process, the number doesn't stay linked to you
  • There's no hardware to buy or complicated setup. Everything works instantly through the platform

 2. VPNs

Let's talk about something that's become as essential as having a lock on your front door. A reliable VPN. You wouldn't want strangers peering through your windows at home, right? Well, browsing without a VPN is pretty much the digital equivalent of that.

 When you connect to the internet, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see everything you do online. Every website you visit, every video you stream, even how long you spend scrolling through social media. And it's not just your ISP. Advertisers, hackers, and various other digital snoopers can track your online movements through your IP address, which is basically your device's digital fingerprint.

After testing numerous options in the field, this VPN provider consistently stand out from the crowd. NordVPN has earned its reputation as the Swiss Army knife of VPNs. With military-grade encryption and servers in 60+ countries, it offers excellent speeds without compromising security. What really sets it apart is its extra security features like double VPN and dark web monitoring.

 Here's the real value of using a VPN: whether you're working from a coffee shop, traveling abroad, or just browsing from home, your online activity remains private and secure. No one can see what you're doing or where you're going online.

 3. Encrypted Messaging Apps

Remember passing notes in class? That nervous feeling when someone might intercept your message? Well, sending regular texts or using standard messaging apps isn't much different. Except now, instead of just your classmates, you've got tech companies, advertisers, and potentially less savory characters trying to peek at your conversations.

The reality is that standard SMS messages are about as private as a postcard, anyone along the delivery route can read them. And while popular messaging apps might be convenient, many of them treat your conversations like an all-you-can-eat data buffet for their algorithms and advertising partners.

After years of testing various messaging apps, there is one app that genuinely walk the talk when it comes to privacy.

Signal stands head and shoulders above the rest. It's the app that privacy professionals and security experts actually use themselves, and for good reason. Everything in Signal is end-to-end encrypted by default, from your regular chats to group conversations and even voice calls. What really impresses me is their commitment to privacy, they literally can't read your messages even if they wanted to. Plus, it's open-source, so security experts can verify that it does what it claims.

The best part about these apps? They make privacy feel effortless. You get the same smooth messaging experience you're used to, just without the digital eavesdropping. 

4. Password Managers

We've all been there. Staring at yet another login screen, trying to remember if this was the account where we used our pet's name plus our birthday, or maybe it was that "super secure" password we've been recycling since 2015. No judgment here, but this approach to password security is about as effective as hiding your house key under the doormat.

The harsh truth? Password reuse is like handing out copies of your key to strangers. Once one service gets breached (and they do, frequently), hackers can try that same password on all your other accounts. It's called credential stuffing, and it's surprisingly effective.

1Password has earned its reputation as the gold standard of password managers. What sets it apart isn't just its rock-solid security, it's the thoughtful little touches. The Watchtower feature actively monitors your passwords for breaches, the travel mode helps protect sensitive data while crossing borders, and the family sharing options make it easy to securely share passwords with trusted family members. Yes, it's paid-only, but the peace of mind is worth every penny.

What makes this tool genuinely useful is how they transform password security from a daily headache into something that just works. They'll generate complex passwords like "k9$mP2#vL9nX" for you, remember them, and auto-fill them when needed.

5. Private Browsers

You know that creepy feeling when you look up a product once and suddenly it's following you across every website you visit? That's no coincidence. It's the result of sophisticated tracking systems built into most mainstream browsers. 

 Think of your browser history like a diary of your digital life. It reveals what you read, what you shop for, what you're interested in, even what medical conditions you might be researching. Traditional browsers aren't just reading this diary, they're selling copies to advertisers.

 Brave turns the traditional browser model on its head. It's built on Chromium (the same foundation as Google Chrome), so it feels familiar, but with privacy baked into its DNA. By default, it blocks trackers, fingerprinting attempts, and aggressive ads. What's particularly clever is its optional rewards system.

You can choose to see privacy-respecting ads and earn tokens in return. It's like getting paid to protect your privacy. 

 A key advantage of these browsers is that they don't just protect your privacy, they often provide a faster, cleaner browsing experience. Without all those trackers and ads loading in the background, websites actually load more quickly. 

 6. Encrypted Email Providers

Most of us use free email services without thinking twice about it. But have you ever wondered why companies offer these complex services completely free? The truth is, when you're not paying for the product, your emails become the product. Traditional email providers routinely scan your messages, analyze your contacts, and use this information to build detailed profiles for advertisers.

Think about what passes through your email: bank statements, medical appointments, job applications, personal conversations. It's essentially a digital archive of your life. Letting this sensitive information sit unencrypted in someone else's servers isn't just risky, it's unnecessary, especially when there are better options available.

 ProtonMail has become the go-to choice for encrypted email, and with good reason. Built by CERN scientists, it offers end-to-end encryption that's both powerful and surprisingly easy to use. Your emails are encrypted before they ever leave your device, meaning not even ProtonMail can read them. They offer a generous free tier that works great for personal use, while their paid plans add features like custom domains and increased storage. What really sets them apart is their infrastructure. All their servers are in Switzerland, protected by some of the world's strongest privacy laws.

 The switch to encrypted email might feel like a big step, but it's become surprisingly seamless. 

 7. Two-Factor Authentication

Password breaches have become so common that even the strongest password isn't enough anymore. That's not meant to scare you - it's just reality in 2025. Think of it this way, even if someone manages to guess your ATM PIN, they still can't access your money without the physical card. That's the basic principle behind two-factor authentication (2FA).

When companies say they take security seriously but don't offer 2FA, it's like a bank saying they care about security but leaving the vault door unlocked overnight. Fortunately, implementing 2FA is easier than ever, and you've got some excellent tools to choose from.

Google Authenticator remains the most popular option, and for good reason. It's straightforward, reliable, and works with practically every service that supports 2FA. The app generates time-based codes that expire every 30 seconds, making them nearly impossible to intercept. Recent updates have finally added the ability to transfer your accounts between devices, a much-needed feature that makes it significantly more user-friendly.

The beauty of modern 2FA is that once it's set up, it adds only seconds to your login process while making your accounts exponentially more secure. 

8. Disposable Payment Cards

Ever felt that slight twinge of anxiety when entering your credit card details on a new website? In an era where data breaches make headlines weekly, that caution is completely justified. Your actual credit card number is like a permanent key to your bank account, once it's leaked, you're stuck dealing with cancellations, fraud reports, and updating all your recurring payments.

This is where virtual cards have become a financial game-changer. They're like having a stack of prepaid cards that you can customize and control, except they're digital and infinitely more flexible.

Revolut's virtual cards add an international twist to the concept. Besides standard virtual cards, they offer disposable cards that automatically regenerate after each transaction - perfect for online shopping. Their real strength shows when traveling or making international purchases, as they offer excellent exchange rates and multi-currency support. Plus, their integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay means you can use these virtual cards for in-person purchases too.

This service offers crucial protective features:

  • Card limits that prevent overcharging
  • The ability to lock cards to specific merchants
  • Real-time transaction notifications
  • Easy card deletion if a merchant gets compromised
  • Zero liability for unauthorized charges

The beauty of virtual cards is how they put you back in control of your financial security. When a website asks for your card details, you're no longer trusting them with a permanent key to your account. You're giving them a limited-use pass that you can revoke at any time.

 9. Anti-Tracking & Privacy Extensions

The average website today contains dozens of hidden trackers, silent observers that monitor your behaviour, build profiles of your interests, and follow you across the web.

Think of privacy extensions as your personal security detail in this digital landscape. While browsers like Brave come with built-in protection, these specialized tools add extra layers of security for any browser you choose.

 uBlock Origin stands alone in its effectiveness and efficiency. Unlike other ad blockers that might secretly whitelist certain trackers, uBlock Origin is uncompromising in its approach. It doesn't just block ads, it stops trackers, malware domains, and resource-heavy scripts before they can load. What's particularly impressive is how it does this while using fewer system resources than other blockers. It's like having a bouncer who not only keeps out unwanted guests but also helps your browser run faster.

 Remember: these extensions aren't just about blocking ads, they're about preventing companies from building detailed profiles of your online life. They make your browsing faster, more private, and more secure, all while reducing the amount of data that websites can collect about you.

 Final Thoughts

Achieving perfect privacy online is like trying to become invisible. While it might not be completely possible, you can definitely make yourself a lot harder to track and protect your sensitive information in the process.

 The tools we've covered aren't just random picks. They work together to create layers of protection for different aspects of your digital life. Start with the basics: maybe a password manager and temp virtual number for your accounts. Then gradually add more tools as you get comfortable. It's not about implementing everything at once. It's about building sustainable privacy habits that work for you.

 A few parting thoughts to keep in mind:

  • Regularly update all your privacy tools to ensure you have the latest security features
  • Pay attention to privacy policies when signing up for new services
  • Start with securing your most sensitive accounts first (email, banking, etc.)
  • Consider using Veritel.io for temporary phone numbers as your first line of defense

 Privacy doesn't have to be complicated or inconvenient. With these tools in your arsenal, you can browse, communicate, and transact online with confidence, knowing you've taken smart steps to protect your digital identity.