the privacy tools I'm using (now on sale)


Hey, it's been a minute since I've shared some of the tools that I use on a daily basis for my privacy workflow. Despite last month being "Cybersecurity Awareness Month", ironically most of these privacy services offer the deepest discounts during these next two major shopping weeks.

If you've been on the fence about making some changes and/or you want to help support what I do here (since many of these are affiliate links), here's a quick rundown of my privacy stack:

Email: Proton Mail (60% off)

I don't know if you've heard the news, but Google is in hot water for secretly starting to train their Gemini AI model on your email data...without your consent. Now is the best time to ditch Gmail, or at least start slowly migrating to a better alternative. Not only is Proton Mail super easy to switch to, it also includes a private calendar app.

--> Another option: Tuta Mail (62% off)

***

Password Manager: Proton Pass (60% off)

I'm obviously a fan of Proton. I really like that you can use separate master passwords to unlock your Proton Mail and Proton Pass accounts, which adds better security. Proton Pass also gives me unlimited email aliases and simple integration into Proton Mail, which is a huge plus. Password managers are already dirt cheap, so getting 60% off makes it a no-brainer.

***

2FA Security Key: YubiKey (30% off)

For me, every online account that allows for 2FA security has it turned on. And if they accept security keys (which most of them now do), that's my preferred method of account security. It's significantly better than SMS text and authenticator apps - and that's not just my opinion. Every major company uses some form of security key for their employees now.

***

Data Removal: DeleteMe (30% off)

I use DeleteMe to scan the internet for my personal information (email, phone number, address, etc.) and make legal removal requests. I've seen a noticeable decline in spam and it's much harder to find my data. Usually they only give a 20% discount, but during these next two weeks you can get 30% off when you use the Black Friday code "BFCM30OFF25".

***

Daily Carry: Pacsafe (up to 50% off)

I never leave home without my Pacsafe backpack, and it's particularly great for traveling. There are numerous security features including locking zippers, RFID blocking pockets and a security mesh that mean I don't have to worry as much about pick pockets. They offer everything from packs to pouches to even purses.

***

Privacy Phone: GrapheneOS (free...kind of)

This year I've been testing Graphene OS quite a bit and although I didn't have high expectations, I was really impressed. Installing Graphene OS is free, but you'll need to have a Google Pixel phone to do so. You have two options: you can either get a Pixel phone at the Google Store (they have a Black Friday sale) to flash with Graphene, or you can purchase one that is pre-configured with all the software and additional privacy apps.

--> Google Store Deals (62% off)

--> Preconfigured Option: Above Phone (up to $500 off)

***

I have mixed feelings about Black Friday. On the one hand, most of these companies genuinely offer their best deals of the year during the next two weeks, but I'm not encouraging you to buy something that you weren't already considering.

In other words, don't spend money just because it's a deal. Only grab something if it legitimately fits your needs.

Shoot me a reply if you have any questions, otherwise have a great week and (if you're American) a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Josh

Upgrade your Online Privacy & Security

Join thousands of individuals and small businesses who understand the value of protecting their important accounts and online privacy. πŸ“· Popular YouTube host πŸ”‘ Simple security πŸ”’Privacy advocate βœ… Get the free "Security Priorities Checklist" here πŸ‘‡ πŸ‘‡

Read more from Upgrade your Online Privacy & Security
AI privacy 101

February 2026 AI Privacy 101 *sponsored by DeleteMe AI Privacy: My 4 Tools & 8 Rules This week, I'm sharing the results of my testing of multiple private AI options that represent different approaches to privacy: middleman, locally hosted, private models and more. If you want more privacy in your use of AI, watch this: AI Privacy Explained: 4 Tools and 8 Rules Go Deeper: As with most technology that I've reviewed, privacy tends to boil down to how you use it instead of the specific tools that...

stop using authenticator apps

January 2026 Counter-Intuitive Tips *sponsored by Yubico Uncommon Cybersecurity Advice What if strong privacy and security is based more on how simple it is (and therefore how likely you are to keep using it) than how effective it might be? If you know somebody who finds cybersecurity a bit overwhelming, you'll want to share this with them: Don't use an Authenticator App (+ other uncommon tips) Go Deeper: Lately I've been spending a lot of time trying to figure out systems and tools that...

contact key verification

January 2026 Verified Contacts? *sponsored by DeleteMe Are You SURE it's Them? It's become harder and harder to distinguish between real videos and fake ones. Hackers are now impersonating voices, images and videos to scam people. This makes it even more important than ever to start verifying the contacts we're communicating with. How to Verify Contacts on iPhone (Checkmark Tutorial) Go Deeper: In addition to Contact Key Verification, there are other "advanced" security features offered that...