Cybersecurity on a budget

Some tools and resources that are free to help you.

Shane Brown

1/14/20252 min read

Cybersecurity on a Budget: Free Tools for Staying Secure

Introduction

In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity isn’t just a priority for large corporations—it’s something everyone needs to think about. However, investing in cybersecurity solutions doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re an individual, a small business owner, or just starting out in cybersecurity, there are plenty of free tools available that can help you protect your devices and data. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the best free cybersecurity tools and resources to keep you secure without spending a dime.

1. Antivirus and Malware Protection

ClamAV

What It Does: An open-source antivirus engine for detecting malware and viruses.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for Linux users and those looking for a lightweight tool.
Where to Get It: ClamAV Official Website

Avast Free Antivirus

What It Does: Provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Why It’s Great: Offers a user-friendly interface and works on Windows, Mac, and Android.
Where to Get It: Avast Official Website

2. Password Management

Bitwarden

What It Does: A free and open-source password manager that securely stores your passwords.
Why It’s Great: Offers browser extensions and mobile apps for easy access.
Where to Get It: Bitwarden Official Website

KeePass

What It Does: A local password manager with strong encryption.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for users who prefer to keep their password vault offline.
Where to Get It: KeePass Official Website

3. Network Security Tools

Wireshark

What It Does: A network protocol analyzer for monitoring and troubleshooting traffic.
Why It’s Great: Widely used by cybersecurity professionals for analyzing network packets.
Where to Get It: Wireshark Official Website

Nmap

What It Does: A network scanning tool for discovering devices and services on a network.
Why It’s Great: Free, powerful, and supported on multiple platforms.
Where to Get It: Nmap Official Website

4. Phishing and Scam Detection

PhishTank

What It Does: A community-driven service that verifies phishing sites.
Why It’s Great: Helps you check if a suspicious link is a phishing attempt.
Where to Get It: PhishTank Official Website

Google Safe Browsing

What It Does: A free tool to check the safety of URLs.
Why It’s Great: Simple, quick, and doesn’t require any installation.
Where to Use It: Google Safe Browsing Check

5. Encryption and Privacy

VeraCrypt

What It Does: A disk encryption software for securing sensitive files.
Why It’s Great: Easy to use and supports cross-platform compatibility.
Where to Get It: VeraCrypt Official Website

ProtonVPN (Free Plan)

What It Does: Encrypts your internet connection to protect your privacy.
Why It’s Great: Doesn’t log your activity and offers servers in multiple countries.
Where to Get It: ProtonVPN Official Website

6. Vulnerability Scanning

OpenVAS

What It Does: A free vulnerability scanning tool for networks and systems.
Why It’s Great: Comprehensive scans with detailed reporting.
Where to Get It: Greenbone Community Edition

Qualys Free Community Edition

What It Does: A cloud-based vulnerability management service.
Why It’s Great: Free scans for up to 16 IPs.
Where to Get It: Qualys Official Website

7. Education and Training

Cybrary

What It Offers: Free online courses on cybersecurity and IT topics.
Why It’s Great: Accessible for beginners and professionals alike.
Where to Access It: Cybrary Official Website

TryHackMe (Free Tier)

What It Offers: Hands-on cybersecurity challenges and labs.
Why It’s Great: Interactive and fun way to learn hacking and defense skills.
Where to Access It: TryHackMe Official Website

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right tools, you can build a solid foundation of protection and stay ahead of potential threats. The tools and resources listed above are not only free but also reliable and trusted by professionals worldwide. Start integrating them into your digital life today to keep yourself secure and informed.