The best free security downloads for your Windows and Mac

Surfing the web without protection is like stepping into a monsoon without an umbrella, boots or rain gear. You will find yourself in a huge mess and may be swept away by the storm of hackers and scammers. Protecting yourself is as easy as scrolling down this list of the best free security downloads.

We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to protect your computer from viruses, cyberattacks, and other threats. We’ve got you covered if you’re unfamiliar with how cybersecurity threats work. Tap or click for a quick breakdown of the five most common digital threats you’ll encounter.

There are many ways to protect your devices from harm. You can take preventative measures such as security software or scanning your system for malware. Read on for the best ways to protect your devices — without spending a dime.

1. Detect unwanted devices on your network with Angry IP Scanner

What is: Angry IP Scanner monitors everything related to your network. It scans your network for IP addresses and other information about devices connected to your network.

Why do you want it: Useful for troubleshooting technical issues and catching hackers as it detects unknown or suspicious devices on your network. Having trouble connecting a device to your network? Angry IP Scanner can show the exact IP address of certain devices, which will help you fix the problem.

what you should Know: For Angry IP Scanner to work, you must have Java installed.

2. GlassWire checks your network

What is: Free firewall software that detects malware from people trying to access your computer remotely.

Why do you want it: You can use GlassWire to disable malicious applications. Even better, it can prevent you from downloading a virus in the first place. These free firewalls make your computer safer, especially when you use the Internet.

Do you have a Mac instead? This is one of the best free security downloads for you

Just check Netdatawhich you can use on macOS and Linux.

This is our favorite Glassware alternative for Apple users. Use it to quickly monitor your network infrastructure. Overall, it’s a great troubleshooting solution that provides thousands of real-time metrics. Simply put, it gives you the ability to monitor your network and see how healthy your system is.

There’s just one caveat: you need to create an account and log in before you can download NetData.

3. Use TeamViewer for remote IT support

What is: This remote access software allows you to connect to any computer or server. You can control computers remotely — or, on the other hand, someone can control your computer remotely. This is incredibly useful for IT and troubleshooting solutions.

Why do you want it: Maybe you’re not tech savvy, but a friend is. You can ask them to monitor your computer and fix technical issues through Team Viewer. Or maybe you’re tech-savvy but struggle to talk to your friend about their tech issues. Both of you should download this program so that you can control your computers remotely and fix the problem.

what you should Know: Only use this with someone you know and trust. Cybercriminals can use tools like this. Scammers often trick you into downloading programs like this so they can take over your computer. Use this tool wisely — if you let a stranger use it, they can infect your device with malware.

Don’t miss any more of the best free security downloads

You can also use Chrome Remote Desktop and Microsoft Remote Desktop to remotely control your computer. They’re not for fixing technical issues, but they’re still useful. Tap or click here to securely access and control your computer from your phone.

4. Need to email personal documents? Use 7Zip to be safe

What is: This file compression software allows you to package large files before sending them.

Why do you want it: Sometimes you need to share highly sensitive documents via email. Use 7Zip to compress your important files in encrypted folder you can password protect. That way, hackers who break into your email can’t open the folders and steal important documents.

what you should Know: Download it only from its official website. You may get a mimicry embedded with malware if you download it from an unauthorized source. Click the yellow button below to download it safely.

5. Quickly make sites secure with HTTPS Everywhere

What is: This browser extension automatically switches insecure HTTP sites to HTTPS, which is much more secure. (Actually the “S” stands for secure!) It encrypts website content.

Why do you want it: Encrypting it makes it harder for hackers and advertisers to track you. This means that HTTPS everywhere will protect you from many forms of surveillance and account hijacking and some forms of censorship.

what you should Know: Sometimes a website will say it’s secure until you log in. Then the defense falls. Unfortunately, you can’t trust websites to have the best for you. Fortunately, HTTPS Everywhere has you covered once you download it to your browser. Available for mobile devices and multiple desktop browsers:

6. Stop crawlers from tracking what you type with GhostPress

What is: Ghostpress is an anti-keyboard logging software that stops malware from capturing your keystrokes. It also stops hackers from taking screenshots of your computer.

Why do you want it: Ghostpress will stop invasive keyloggers from tracking what you type in real time. It also stops keyloggers from sending your keystrokes to hackers, which is how cybercriminals steal passwords.

what you should Know: This program is quite lightweight. It runs in the background while you type and blocks anyone who tries to record your keystrokes.

Did you like this guide to the best free security downloads? Check out these free tools

So you’ve just found some of the most useful free cybersecurity downloads in 2022. If you’re craving more free stuff, we don’t blame you. Here are some helpful resources worth checking out.

Of course, they are not security downloads. But it can be dangerous to look for things without knowing what is safe to use. Scammers often buy top positions in Google Search to trick you into downloading malware.

Here are some good tools to check out. Best of all, they’re free as sun.

• Audacity: This free audio editing program helps you create podcasts, songs, and more. It’s not as robust as Adobe Audition, but it gets the job done.
• Thunderbird: Use this to get a free email client.
• LibreOffice: We love this free alternative to Microsoft Office. It meets all your productivity needs. Here’s how it can revolutionize your work life.
• Blender: Do you want to develop your artistic skills? Use Blender for free 3D modeling. This is great for animators, designers and scientists.
• Caliber: This e-book manager is a savior for those who have too many files on their hands. It converts different files, which helps you when you have files that don’t work on your Kindle or other tools.

Here at Komando HQ, the only thing we love more than sharing tech tips is sharing free stuff. Unfortunately, there may be time limits on the best freebies. Don’t waste time: Grab these 10 free tech deals while you still can.