The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) maintains
several well-known privacy and security tools, along with its Surveillance
Self-Defense (SSD) project, which recommends and teaches the use of
privacy-enhancing technologies.
EFF's Main Technology Tools
1. Privacy Badger
A browser extension that automatically blocks online
trackers and invasive advertising networks.
What it does:
Learns which domains are tracking you across websites.
Blocks trackers automatically.
Sends Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals to
participating websites.
Helps reduce behavioral advertising and data collection.
Best for: Everyday web browsing privacy.
2. Cover Your Tracks
An online testing tool that evaluates how uniquely
identifiable your browser is.
What it does:
Tests for browser fingerprinting.
Checks tracker blocking effectiveness.
Shows how easily websites may distinguish your browser
from others.
Best for: Understanding your privacy exposure
online.
Privacy and Security Tools Recommended by EFF SSD
EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense guide recommends several
tools and provides tutorials for them. These include:
Signal
End-to-end encrypted messaging and calls.
Considered one of the strongest consumer messaging apps.
Tor Browser
Routes traffic through the Tor network.
Helps hide your IP address and browsing activity.
WhatsApp
Uses end-to-end encryption for messages.
Recommended with an understanding of its privacy
tradeoffs.
Password Managers
Generate and store strong unique passwords.
Reduce password reuse.
VPNs
Encrypt traffic between your device and VPN server.
Can help against local network surveillance.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adds a second verification step beyond passwords.
Device Encryption Tools
Windows BitLocker
macOS FileVault
Android and iPhone encryption features
These are covered in EFF's tool guides and security
tutorials.
Surveillance Self-Defense (SSD)
SSD isn't a single tool. It's EFF's comprehensive
security education platform that includes:
Security planning guidance
Privacy tutorials
Threat modeling
Secure communications advice
Tool installation guides
Security scenarios for activists, journalists, and
everyday users
For most people today, EFF would typically recommend
starting with:
Privacy Badger
Signal
A password manager
Two-factor authentication
Tor Browser (when extra anonymity is needed)
