Security - Privacy Tools (15)

NOTE: Recent press about CCleaner indicates it may represent a privacy concern.

CCleaner is a feature-rich system optimization and privacy tool. The program cleans unused, temporary and log files from your system, as well as traces of online activities such as Internet history and flash cookies. The program contains startup controls for Windows, major internet browsers and context menu entries. Includes a separate registry cleaner, duplicate search, system restore tool and can wipe both deleted files and drive free space for security.

A 64-bit version is available (within the folder). Monitoring functions are only available in the pro version.

Additional cleaner rules can be using an unofficial set of community-developed set. It should be noted that many of these rules are alpha and the developers will not provide support for these rules, a thread in the users forum is dedicated to supporting the add-on rules.

Alternatively, ccPortable is also available.

FileOptimizer is a broad format file compression tool used to reduce file size without changing the quality, known as "lossless." This is done via wide variety of optimization and recompression tools and techniques. Original files are sent to the recycle bin for restoration in the event the uncompressed version is preferred. A list of the 400+ supported formats include audio/video (MP3, OGG, M4A), image (GIF, JPEG, PNG), office formats (DOCX, XLSX, ODT, PDF) and system files (DLL, EXE).

Supports drag-and-drop of files into the window or onto the program icon. Note that by default the program removes metadata for many file types. This information reduces overall file size and protects privacy but is important to some users (e.g. photographers) and file search tools.

A 64-bit version is available within the folder, the author reports the program is functional in WINE, and can be used on the command line. Many images here on TPFC including our logo have been compressed using FileOptimizer.

TeamViewer is a screen sharing, remote control and collaboration tool connecting devices for troubleshooting, presentations or installations. Supports standard chat, high-quality voice and video, file transfer, whiteboard, session recording, remote printing, screen sharing and more. The program can work with paranoid firewalls, functions as a VPN between clients, will display quality based on connection speed and includes browser access.

Clients are also available for Mac, Linux, iOS, ChromeOS/Android and more with support for many world languages.

Alternatively, a PortableApps version is also available: TeamViewer Portable.

Firewall App Blocker simplifies program management settings for the Windows Firewall. The program makes it easy to block or allow program and process access to the network. Supports batch operations for multiple programs or processes, drag-and-drop, inbound rules tab (for servers), and disabling/enabling Internet access.

By default, the program manages listed processes, but can also be set to allow ONLY those processes shown, or "whitelist" mode.

qTox is an easy, secure instant messaging and VoIP client for the distributed Tox network. The program includes standard features like chat between users, group chats, file transfer with image preview, as well as high-quality audio and video calls with group call capability.

The program is peer-to-peer, meaning no central server is necessary for the network to function.

Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Windows, FreeBSD and Android. Alternatively, qTox Portable is also available.

Windows File Analyzer decodes and analyzes to provide cached information for forensic analysis. Includes a tabbed interface with a multiple-document window and horizontal/vertical/cascade view settings. Analysis results can be printed in user-friendly form. The program includes a variety of analysis tools useful for seeing how much information your computer leaves behind that could represent a privacy risk or for trying to detect nefarious activity.

Features include thumbnail viewers available for Windows XP, ACDSee, Google Picasa, FastStone Viewer, and HP Digital Imaging files, displaying content with stored data and image preview. A Prefetch Analyzer looks at recent programs run and stored in the Prefetch folder while the Shortcut Analyzer for all shortcut files in specified folder and data stored in them. An Index.DAT Analyzer looks at Internet Explorer cookies, temporary files or history while a Recycle Bin decoding tool displays Info2 files that hold recycle bin content (Win2k and XP only).

A PDF-format help file is available from the author website.

SterJo NetStalker is a basic, lightweight firewall manager to trust or kill processes that seek access to the Internet. The program is fully configurable with regard to inbound TCP connections, and with pop-up dialogs for outbound connections.

Functional in 64-bit Windows.

Isotoxin is a feature-rich secure messenger that lets you connect over your local network or the Internet. The program supports audio and video, desktop sharing (view only), file/folder sharing, inline images, group chats and user profiles. Available extras include spell check, avatars, themes, auto gain / noise filter for audio and much more.

The Tox protocol is peer-to-peer, meaning no central server is necessary for the network to function.

Includes basic support for the XMPP (Jabber) protocol.

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NOTE: Because anonymity tools like this usually see additional scrutiny and there have been no updates since 2018, security issues may exist within this tool/service. Proceed with caution.

NOTE: Because anonymity tools like this usually see additional scrutiny and there have been no updates since 2017, security issues may exist within this tool/service. Proceed with caution.

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Bitmessage is a secure messaging system functioning like a peer-to-peer email service. The decentralized program resists tracking and includes encrypted connections, blocklist, channels, subscriptions, and any number of addresses can be created and discarded as needed. Messages sent via the network have a required expiration date of 28 days or less and are text-only.

Supports unlimited accounts and multiple instances.

Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Linux, and FreeBSD.