Cybersecurity & Privacy Software

Security keeps attackers out; privacy decides what you collect and who can see it. If you run a website, a store or a mailing list, you hold other people's data and you have obligations. This section covers both sides — protecting your customers and reducing your own footprint.

A phone privacy shield beside a notebook and security key — Privacy improves when access, devices and shared information are reviewed together.

Editor’s pick · Recommended starting point

Website Tracking Audit: What Your Site Collects

The data a typical small business site gathers, who else receives it, and how to audit yours in an afternoon.

Start with this guide

All guides

Guides published in this topic

Small Business Device Security: 5 Checks to Stop Hacks
Learn how Surfshark Antivirus can protect your online business devices from threats, streamline your security, and who it's best suited for.
8 min read
Secure Client File Sharing: Protect Contracts and Logins
How to send files, share access and store client material without creating a data problem you'll regret.
3 min read
Remove Personal Data Online: Reduce Your Exposure
How much of your personal information is publicly available, why it matters when you run a business, and how to cut it down.
3 min read
Privacy-First Business Tools: Swap Out Big Tech Trackers
Practical privacy-respecting replacements for email, storage, messaging, search and analytics — and when switching is worth it.
3 min read
Privacy Rules for Small Businesses: What You Must Do
A plain-language overview of common data protection obligations for small websites — consent, policies, requests and breaches.
3 min read
Website Tracking Audit: What Your Site Collects
The data a typical small business site gathers, who else receives it, and how to audit yours in an afternoon.
3 min read
Website Tracking Audit: What Your Site Collects
The data a typical small business site gathers, who else receives it, and how to audit yours in an afternoon.
3 min read
Privacy Rules for Small Businesses: What You Must Do
A plain-language overview of common data protection obligations for small websites — consent, policies, requests and breaches.
3 min read
Privacy-First Business Tools: Swap Out Big Tech Trackers
Practical privacy-respecting replacements for email, storage, messaging, search and analytics — and when switching is worth it.
3 min read
Remove Personal Data Online: Reduce Your Exposure
How much of your personal information is publicly available, why it matters when you run a business, and how to cut it down.
3 min read
Secure Client File Sharing: Protect Contracts and Logins
How to send files, share access and store client material without creating a data problem you'll regret.
3 min read

Recommended from Akacen

Tools we recommend in this section

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

General information only — not legal advice.

Read more about who publishes this on the publisher profile.

NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on public Wi-Fi so logins to your site, bank and email aren't exposed.
Try NordVPN
1Password
Generates and stores a different strong password for every account, which is the single biggest security upgrade you can make.
Try 1Password

Top 3 in this niche, compared

Our editorial shortlist for privacy, ordered by how often it is the right first choice for a beginner. This is our own ranking, not a scored test — check current pricing and availability on each provider’s own site.

1
SurfsharkBest overallDesktop tool
Unlimited devices on one plan, useful for a household.
Who it is for: keeping personal data out of broker lists. Not for: anyone unwilling to keep requests going over time.
Position 1 of 3 in our shortlist · best for keeping personal data out of broker lists
Visit Surfshark
2
AuraRunner-upDesktop tool
Identity monitoring bundled with password and device protection.
Who it is for: protecting devices and passwords. Not for: anyone who will not keep software updated.
Position 2 of 3 in our shortlist · best for protecting devices and passwords
Visit Aura
3
CrowdStrikeBest for a tight budgetDesktop tool
Endpoint protection for teams that hold customer data.
Who it is for: protecting devices and passwords. Not for: anyone who will not keep software updated.
Position 3 of 3 in our shortlist · best for protecting devices and passwords
Visit CrowdStrike

Surfshark vs Aura

The two choices most people in privacy end up deciding between.

Surfshark

Type:: Desktop tool
Best for:: keeping personal data out of broker lists
Not for:: anyone unwilling to keep requests going over time
Why we list it:: Unlimited devices on one plan, useful for a household.

Aura

Type:: Desktop tool
Best for:: protecting devices and passwords
Not for:: anyone who will not keep software updated
Why we list it:: Identity monitoring bundled with password and device protection.

Expand full specs

Side-by-side comparison based on our editorial notes.
Compare	Surfshark	Aura
Type	Desktop tool	Desktop tool
Best for	keeping personal data out of broker lists	protecting devices and passwords
Not for	anyone unwilling to keep requests going over time	anyone who will not keep software updated
Why we list it	Unlimited devices on one plan, useful for a household.	Identity monitoring bundled with password and device protection.

When Surfshark is the better choice

Choose Surfshark when your main job is keeping personal data out of broker lists. Skip it if you are anyone unwilling to keep requests going over time.

When Aura is the better choice

Aura makes more sense when the priority is protecting devices and passwords. It is not the right pick for anyone who will not keep software updated.

Alternatives to Surfshark

Wiz
Cloud security visibility as your stack grows past one server.
Visit site
Norton LifeLock
Identity theft monitoring with recovery support.
Visit site
CyberGhost
A VPN worth having if you work from cafés, hotels or shared wifi.
Visit site

Some links here are partner links — if you sign up we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we review and recommend.

Partner tools and apps for this topic

A short, honest shortlist: desktop tools you set up once, and phone apps you can use on the move. We keep the list small on purpose.

Some links below are partner links — if you sign up we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend. How we review and recommend.

A Cloud GuruDesktop tool
Cloud certification training with hands-on labs.
Best for
learning a skill in a structured way
Not for
anyone who will not finish the course
Visit A Cloud Guru
WhizlabsDesktop tool
Practice exams before you pay for a certification sitting.
Best for
learning a skill in a structured way
Not for
anyone who will not finish the course
Visit Whizlabs
NordVPNDesktop tool
Encrypt your connection on shared and public networks.
Best for
keeping personal data out of broker lists
Not for
anyone unwilling to keep requests going over time
Visit NordVPN
Private Internet AccessPhone app
A VPN worth having if you work from cafés, hotels or shared wifi.
Best for
keeping personal data out of broker lists
Not for
anyone unwilling to keep requests going over time
Visit Private Internet Access