Electronic Frontier Foundation tools

 

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)