Adblocking, Privacy, VPNs, Proxies, Antiviruses

## Adblocking

!!! TIP
Many sites contain ads, popups or redirects, so we [highly recommend](/beginners-guide#adblocking) using an adblocker. Don't run multiple general adblockers (e.g., uBlock Origin and AdGuard) simultaneously to [avoid breakage](https://x.com/gorhill/status/1033706103782170625). Combining general adblockers with tools like SponsorBlock is fine.
!!!

***

* ↪️ **[Spotify Adblockers](/wiki/audio#spotify-tools)**
* ↪️ **[Twitch Adblockers](/tools/social-media-tools#twitch-adblockers)**
* ↪️ **[Bypass URL Redirects](/tools/internet-tools#redirect-bypass)**
* ↪️ **[Bypass Article Paywalls](/tools/internet-tools#paywall-bypass)**
* **[uBlock Origin](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock)**, [uBO Lite](https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uBOL-home) (MV3) or [AdGuard](https://github.com/AdguardTeam/AdguardBrowserExtension) - Adblockers / [Redundant Extensions](https://github.com/arkenfox/user.js/wiki/4.1-Extensions#-dont-bother)
* **Report Issues** - [uAssets](https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets/issues) / [Hosts](https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets/discussions/27472) / [AdGuard](https://reports.adguard.com/new_issue.html) / [EasyList](https://github.com/easylist/easylist/issues)
* **[SponsorBlock](https://sponsor.ajay.app/)** - Skip Sponsored YouTube Ads / [ X ](https://x.com/SponsorBlock) / [Discord](https://discord.gg/SponsorBlock) / [GitHub](https://github.com/ajayyy/SponsorBlock)
* **SponsorBlock Tools** - [Bookmarklet](https://github.com/mchangrh/sb.js) / [Script](https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/453320) / [Ports](https://github.com/ajayyy/SponsorBlock/wiki/3rd-Party-Ports) / [Database](https://sb.ltn.fi/) / [Chromecast](https://github.com/gabe565/CastSponsorSkip)

***

### Adblock Filters

!!! TIP
Always check extra uBO filters in settings before trying third-party filter lists.
!!!

***

* 🌐 **[FilterLists](https://filterlists.com/)**  - Filter / Host List Directory
* **[LegitimateURLShortener](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/DandelionSprout/adfilt/refs/heads/master/LegitimateURLShortener.txt)** - Query Parameter Cleaning Rules / Use w/ AdGuard URL Tracking Protection
* **[Hagezi Blocklists](https://github.com/hagezi/dns-blocklists)** - Blocklist Collection / Use Mini Edition / [Note](/notes#hagezi)

***

### DNS Adblocking

!!! TIP
If your goal is to block browser ads, it's best to just stick with uBlock Origin, as additional filters can cause conflicts or anti-adblock.
!!!

***

* 🌐 **[DNS Providers](https://adguard-dns.io/kb/general/dns-providers/)** - DNS Provider Index
* ↪️ **[Free DNS Resolvers](/more/storage#free-dns-resolvers)**
* **[Pi-Hole](https://pi-hole.net/)** - Self-Hosted DNS Adblocking / [ X ](https://x.com/The_Pi_Hole) / [Subreddit](https://reddit.com/r/pihole/) / [GitHub](https://github.com/pi-hole)
* **Pi-Hole Tools** - [Filters](https://firebog.net/) / [Tray App](https://github.com/PinchToDebug/Pihole-Tray/) / [Android Server](https://github.com/DesktopECHO/Pi-hole-for-Android) (root)
* **[AdGuard Home](https://adguard.com/en/adguard-home/overview.html)** - Self-Hosted DNS Adblocking / [Balena-AdGuard](https://github.com/klutchell/balena-adguard) / [ X ](https://x.com/adguard) / [Subreddit](https://reddit.com/r/Adguard) / [Telegram](https://t.me/adguarden) / [GitHub](https://github.com/AdguardTeam/AdGuardHome)
* **[Mullvad DNS](https://mullvad.net/en/help/dns-over-https-and-dns-over-tls/)** - DNS Adblocking / Filtering / [Extension](https://mullvad.net/en/download/browser/extension) / [GitHub](https://github.com/mullvad)

***

### DNS Filters

* **[Hagezi Blocklists](https://github.com/hagezi/dns-blocklists)** - Use Full Edition / [Note](/notes#hagezi)
* **[OISD](https://oisd.nl/)**

***

### [Linux Adblocking](/wiki/linux-macos#adblock--privacy)

***

### [Mac Adblocking](/wiki/linux-macos#mac-adblock--privacy)

***

### [Android Adblocking](/wiki/mobile#android-adblocking)

***

### [iOS Adblocking](/wiki/mobile#ios-adblocking)

***

## Antivirus / Anti-Malware

!!! TIP
It's best to keep Windows Defender's real-time protection on. You can select ‘Allow on device’ for pirated software detections like patches, or exclude by ‘File‘ in ‘Exclusions’ for false positives when needed + [More Info](https://wispydocs.pages.dev/windows#antivirus).
!!!

***

* ↪️ **[Virtual Machines](/tools/system-tools#virtual-machines)**
* **[Malwarebytes](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)** / [ X ](https://x.com/malwarebytes) or [ESET](/base64#eset) - Antivirus
* **[AdwCleaner](https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/)** - Anti-Adware / [ X ](https://x.com/malwarebytes)
* **[Triage](https://tria.ge/)** or [Cuckoo](https://cuckoo.cert.ee/) / [2](https://sandbox.pikker.ee/) - Online Sandboxes
* **[Security / Antivirus Multireddit](https://www.reddit.com/user/goretsky/m/security/)** - Reddit Communities
* **[FMHY SafeGuard](https://fmhy.github.io/FMHY-SafeGuard/)** - Detects if Current Site is Trusted / Untrusted / [GitHub](https://github.com/fmhy/FMHY-SafeGuard)

***

### File Scanners

* 🌐 **[The Second Opinion](https://jijirae.github.io/thesecondopinion/index.html)**, [2](https://rentry.co/thesecondopinion) - Portable Malware Scanners / Removal Tools / [GitHub](https://github.com/jijirae/thesecondopinion/)
* **[VirusTotal](https://www.virustotal.com/)** / [Scan Results Guide](https://claraiscute.neocities.org/Guides/vtguide/), [2](https://claraiscute.pages.dev/Guides/vtguide/) or **[Hybrid Analysis](https://hybrid-analysis.com/)** - Online File Scanner
* **VirusTotal Tools** - [CLI](https://github.com/VirusTotal/vt-cli) / [Uploader](https://github.com/SamuelTulach/VirusTotalUploader) / [Lite Version](https://www.virustotal.com/old-browsers/)

***

### Site Legitimacy Check

* **[URL Void](https://www.urlvoid.com/)** - 35 Blocklist Engines Scan
* **[URLScan](https://urlscan.io/)** - Detailed Report / API
* **[Trend Micro](https://global.sitesafety.trendmicro.com/)** - Basic Safety Rating / Content Tags

***

## Privacy / Security

* ↪️ **[SMS Verification Sites](/more/storage#sms-verification-sites)**
* ↪️ **[File Encryption](/tools/file-tools#file-encryption)**
* ↪️ **[Drive Formatting / File Deletion](/tools/file-tools#formatting--deletion)**
* ↪️ **[Photo Forensics / Metadata](/tools/image-tools#photo-forensics--metadata)**
* ↪️ **[Privacy-Focused Android Operating Systems](/wiki/mobile#operating-systems)**
* **[Whonix](https://www.whonix.org/)** / [Telegram](https://t.me/s/Whonix) / [GitHub](https://github.com/Whonix), **[Qubes](https://www.qubes-os.org/)** / [GitHub](https://github.com/QubesOS) or **[Tails](https://tails.net/)** / [Telegram](https://t.me/torproject) / [GitHub](https://github.com/torproject) - Privacy-Focused Operating Systems

***

### Privacy Indexes

* **[The Hitchhiker’s Guide](https://anonymousplanet.org/)** - Online Anonymity Guide / [GitHub](https://github.com/Anon-Planet/thgtoa)
* **[The OPSEC Bible](http://opbible7nans45sg33cbyeiwqmlp5fu7lklu6jd6f3mivrjeqadco5yd.onion/)** (.onion), [2](https://opsec.hackliberty.org/), [3](https://bible.beginnerprivacy.com/opsec/) - Online Anonymity Guide / [SimpleX Chat](http://nowherejezfoltodf4jiyl6r56jnzintap5vyjlia7fkirfsnfizflqd.onion/simplex.html)
* **[Surveillance Self-Defense](https://ssd.eff.org/)** - Educational Guide
* **[The New Oil](https://thenewoil.org/)** - Educational Guide / [GitHub](https://github.com/tnonate/thenewoil)
* **[No Trace](https://www.notrace.how/)** - Educational Guide / [.onion](http://i4pd4zpyhrojnyx5l3d2siauy4almteocqow4bp2lqxyocrfy6prycad.onion/)
* **[Awesome Privacy](https://awesome-privacy.xyz/)** / [GitHub](https://github.com/lissy93/awesome-privacy), [Awesome Security Hardening](https://github.com/decalage2/awesome-security-hardening) or [pluja's Awesome Privacy](https://pluja.github.io/awesome-privacy/) / [GitHub](https://github.com/pluja/awesome-privacy) - Privacy Apps / Services
* **[Privacy Guides](https://www.privacyguides.org/)**, [2](https://privacyguides.github.io/privacyguides.org/), [3](https://privacyguides-org-production.b-cdn.net/en/) - Educational Guide / [Discuss](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/) / [.onion](http://www.xoe4vn5uwdztif6goazfbmogh6wh5jc4up35bqdflu6bkdc5cas5vjqd.onion/) / [Matrix](https://matrix.to##privacyguides:matrix.org) / [GitHub](https://github.com/privacyguides/privacyguides.org)
* **[Consumer Rights Wiki](https://consumerrights.wiki/)** - Documents Practices That Impact Consumer Rights / [Extension](https://github.com/FULU-Foundation/CRW-Extension) / [Discord](https://discord.gg/8w5rSNAXRf)

***

### Network Security

* **[Safing Portmaster](https://safing.io/)** - Network Monitor / DNS Resolver / Firewall / [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/9ScnccuXaZ) / [GitHub](https://github.com/safing)

***

### [Linux Privacy](/wiki/linux-macos#adblock--privacy)

***

### [Mac Privacy](/wiki/linux-macos#mac-adblock--privacy)

***

### [Android Privacy](/wiki/mobile#android-privacy)

***

### [iOS Privacy](/wiki/mobile#ios-privacy)

***

## Web Privacy

* 🌐 **[Google Alt List](https://www.techspot.com/article/2752-all-google-alternatives/)**, [r/degoogle](https://www.reddit.com/r/degoogle) or [No More Google](https://nomoregoogle.com/) - Google App Alternatives
* ↪️ **[Encode / Decode URLs](/tools/text-tools#encode--decode)**
* **[PrivacySpy](https://privacyspy.org/)** / [GitHub](https://github.com/politiwatch/privacyspy) or [ToS;DR](https://tosdr.org/) / [Discord](https://discord.gg/tosdr) / [GitHub](https://github.com/tosdr) - Sites Privacy Policies
* **[JustDeleteMe](https://justdeleteme.xyz/)** - Find / Terminate Old Accounts / [GitHub](https://github.com/jdm-contrib/jdm)

***

### Browser Privacy

* 🌐 **[Browser Privacy Guides](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/desktop-browsers)** - Browser Privacy / Setup Guides
* ↪️ **[Browser Comparisons](/tools/internet-tools#browser-tools)**
* ↪️ **[Android Privacy Browsers](/wiki/mobile#android-browsers)**
* **[Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/)**, [2](https://tor.eff.org/) - Onion-Routed Browser / [TG Downloads / Bridges](https://t.me/torproject) / [.onion](http://2gzyxa5ihm7nsggfxnu52rck2vv4rvmdlkiu3zzui5du4xyclen53wid.onion/) / [GitLab](https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/applications/tor-browser)
* **[Mullvad Browser](https://mullvad.net/en/browser)** - Tor Browser Fork (without Tor network) / [GitHub](https://github.com/mullvad)
* **[arkenfox](https://github.com/arkenfox/user.js)** - Firefox Privacy Tweak / [Video](https://youtu.be/F7-bW2y6lcI) / [GUI](https://arkenfox.github.io/gui/) / [Warning](/notes#general-tweak-warning)
* **[LibreWolf](https://librewolf.net/)** - Custom Privacy-Focused Firefox / [Auto-Updater](https://github.com/ltguillaume/librewolf-winupdater), [2](https://codeberg.org/ltguillaume/librewolf-winupdater) / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/LibreWolf) / [Source Code](https://codeberg.org/librewolf)

***

### Password Privacy / 2FA

* 🌐 **[2FA Directory](https://2fa.directory/)** - List of Sites with 2FA Support / [GitHub](https://github.com/2factorauth/twofactorauth)
* ↪️ **[Password Managers](/tools/internet-tools#password-managers)**
* **[Ente Auth](https://ente.io/auth/)** - 2FA / All Platforms / [Discord](https://discord.gg/z2YVKkycX3) / [GitHub](https://github.com/ente-io/ente)
* **[Aegis](https://getaegis.app/)** - 2FA / Android / [ X ](https://x.com/beemdevelopment) / [GitHub](https://github.com/beemdevelopment/Aegis)
* **[Stratum](https://stratumauth.com)** - 2FA / Android / [GitHub](https://github.com/stratumauth/app)
* **[Password Strength Chart](https://i.ibb.co/B2Vz3hSj/89x5g3t4xrxe1.png)**

***

### Encrypted Messengers

!!! TIP
Keep in mind that even with E2EE enabled metadata may still be visible to your homeserver and homeservers of those you're chatting with.
!!!

***

* 🌐 **[Eylenburg Comparisons](https://eylenburg.github.io/im_comparison.htm)**, [SecuChart](https://bkil.gitlab.io/secuchart/), [Messenger-Matrix](https://www.messenger-matrix.de/messenger-matrix-en.html) or [Secure Messaging Apps](https://www.securemessagingapps.com/) - Chat App Indexes / Comparisons
* 🌐 **[Matrix Clients](https://matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/)** / [Mod Bot](https://github.com/matrix-org/mjolnir) / [Resources](https://matrix.org/ecosystem/) / [Servers](https://tatsumoto-ren.github.io/blog/list-of-matrix-servers.html), [2](https://tatsumoto.neocities.org/blog/list-of-matrix-servers.html), [3](https://gitlab.com/famedly/conduit), [4](https://joinmatrix.org/servers/), [5](https://archive.md/4xZE4), [6](https://wiki.asra.gr/en:public_servers)
* **[SimpleX](https://simplex.chat/)** - All Platforms / [GitHub](https://github.com/simplex-chat)
* **[Signal](https://signal.org/)** - All Platforms / Requires Phone / [GitHub](https://github.com/signalapp) or **[Molly](https://github.com/mollyim/mollyim-android)** / Some NSFW / [Stickers](https://signalstickers.org/)
* **[Briar](https://briarproject.org/)** / [Desktop](https://briarproject.org/download-briar-desktop/) / [GitLab](https://code.briarproject.org/briar/briar)

***

### Email Privacy

* 🌐 **[⁠OpenPGP Email Encryption](https://www.openpgp.org/software/)** - Encrypted (OpenPGP) Email Client Index
* ↪️ **[Temp Mail Sites](/tools/internet-tools#temp-mail)** - Create Temporary / Throwaway Emails
* ↪️ **[Email Aliasing](/tools/internet-tools#email-aliasing)** - Create Permanent Anonymous Emails
* **[Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail)** - 1GB Free / Encrypted Email / Deleted After 1 Year Inactive / [.onion](https://protonmailrmez3lotccipshtkleegetolb73fuirgj7r4o4vfu7ozyd.onion/) / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/) / [More Storage](https://proton.me/support/more-free-storage-existing-users) / [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/proton) / [GitHub](https://github.com/ProtonMail)
* **[Tuta](https://tuta.com/)** - 1GB Free / Encrypted Email / Deleted After 6 Months Inactive / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/tutanota/) / [GitHub](https://github.com/tutao/tutanota)

***

### Data Breach Monitoring

* **[Have I Been Pwned?](https://haveibeenpwned.com/)** / [GitHub](https://github.com/HaveIBeenPwned) or [F-Secure](https://www.f-secure.com/en/identity-theft-checker) / [ X ](https://x.com/FSecure) - Monitor Email Breaches
* **[Have I Been Pwned Passwords](https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords)** - Password Breach Check

***

### Fingerprinting / Tracking

* **[CreepJS](https://abrahamjuliot.github.io/creepjs)**, [webkay](https://webkay.robinlinus.com/), [browserrecon](https://www.computec.ch/projekte/browserrecon/?s=scan), [TZP](https://arkenfox.github.io/TZP/tzp.html), [Cover Your Tracks](https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/) or [PersonalData](https://personaldata.info/) - Tracking / Fingerprinting Tests

***

### Search Engines

* 🌐 **[Search Engine Party](https://searchengine.party/)** - Privacy Search Engine Comparisons / [GitLab](https://gitlab.com/nitrohorse/search-engines-compare)
* ↪️ **[SearX Instances](/more/storage#searx-instances)** - SearX Instance Index / [Docs / Hosting](https://docs.searxng.org/) / [.onion](http://searxspbitokayvkhzhsnljde7rqmn7rvoga6e4waeub3h7ug3nghoad.onion/) / [Matrix](https://matrix.to##searxng:matrix.org) / [GitHub](https://github.com/searxng)
* **[searx.space](https://searx.space/)** or [FMHY Searx](https://searx.fmhy.net/) / [Docs / Hosting](https://docs.searxng.org/) / [.onion](http://searxspbitokayvkhzhsnljde7rqmn7rvoga6e4waeub3h7ug3nghoad.onion/) - SearXNG Instances / Metasearch / [Matrix](https://matrix.to##searxng:matrix.org) / [GitHub](https://github.com/searxng)
* **[Brave Search](https://search.brave.com/)** - Independent / Supports DDG Bangs
* **[4get](https://4get.canine.tools/)**, [2](https://4get.ca/), [3](https://4g.opnxng.com/) - Metasearch / [Instances](https://4get.ca/instances) / [Source Code](https://git.lolcat.ca/lolcat/4get)
* **[DuckDuckGo](https://start.duckduckgo.com/)** - Metasearch / Bing Based / [AI Free](https://noai.duckduckgo.com/) / [Lite](https://lite.duckduckgo.com/) / [HTML](https://html.duckduckgo.com/) / [Shortcuts](https://duckduckgo.com/bangs), [2](https://github.com/dmlls/yang) / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/duckduckgo/)

***

## VPN

!!! TIP
It's generally best to use a paid VPN, especially if you have privacy or speed in mind. Free VPNs are mostly useful for things like unblocking websites. Remember to [bind](https://wispydocs.pages.dev/torrenting/) your VPN to your client to avoid ISP letters.
!!!

***

* 🌐 **[Techlore Chart](https://vpn.techlore.tech/)** - VPN Comparison Charts
* 🌐 **[VPN Relationships](https://kumu.io/Windscribe/vpn-relationships)**, [2](https://windscribe.com/vpnmap) - VPN Relationship Map
* **[Cloudflare One](https://one.one.one.one/)** - Free / Unlimited / [Wireguard](https://rentry.co/foss-warp) (kill switch) / [Config Generator](https://colab.research.google.com/drive/1fomBbh0mRxpVoGAY5gYT5zPBnFKsLV9o?usp=sharing), [2](https://f0rc3run.github.io/free-warp-endpoints/) / [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/cloudflaredev) / [Alt Client](/notes#alt-warp-clients)
* **[Proton VPN](https://protonvpn.com)** - Free & Paid / Unlimited / [Wireguard](https://protonvpn.com/support/wireguard-configurations) / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtonVPN/) / [Telegram](https://t.me/proton_privacy) / [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/proton) / [GitHub](https://github.com/ProtonVPN/) / [Torrent Guide](/notes#proton-torrenting) 
* **[Windscribe](https://windscribe.com)** - Free & Paid / 10GB Monthly / No Torrenting w/ Free Plan / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Windscribe/) / [GitHub](https://github.com/windscribe)
* **[AirVPN](https://airvpn.org/)** - Paid / [.onion](https://airvpn3epnw2fnsbx5x2ppzjs6vxtdarldas7wjyqvhscj7x43fxylqd.onion/) / [GitHub](https://github.com/AirVPN) / [GitLab](https://gitlab.com/AirVPN)
* **[Mullvad VPN](https://mullvad.net/)** - Paid / [No-Log](https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2023/4/20/mullvad-vpn-was-subject-to-a-search-warrant-customer-data-not-compromised/) / [No Port Forwarding](https://mullvad.net/en/blog/removing-the-support-for-forwarded-ports) / [.onion](https://ao54hon2e2vj6c7m3aqqu6uyece65by3vgoxxhlqlsvkmacw6a7m7kiad.onion) / [GitHub](https://github.com/mullvad)
* **[IVPN](https://www.ivpn.net/)** - Paid / [No-Log](https://www.ivpn.net/knowledgebase/privacy/how-do-we-react-when-requested-by-an-authority-for-information-relating-to-a-customer/) / [No Port Forwarding](https://www.ivpn.net/blog/gradual-removal-of-port-forwarding/) / [Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/IVPN/) / [GitHub](https://github.com/ivpn)

***

### VPN Server

* **[WireGuard](https://www.wireguard.com/)** - VPN Tunnel / [Guide](https://www.wireguard.com/quickstart/) / [Web UI](https://github.com/wg-easy/wg-easy) / [Source Code](https://www.wireguard.com/repositories/)
* **[Tailscale](https://tailscale.com/)** or **[⁠NetBird](https://netbird.io/)** - WireGuard Mesh

***

### VPN Tools

* ↪️ **[Free VPN Configs](/more/storage#free-vpn-configs)**
* **[VPN Binding Guide](https://wispydocs.pages.dev/torrenting/)** - Bind VPN to Torrent Client to Avoid ISP Letters

***

## Proxy

### Proxy Servers

* **[3X-UI](https://github.com/MHSanaei/3x-ui)** - Proxy Panel / [Telegram](https://t.me/XrayUI) / **[Guide](https://wispydocs.pages.dev/network-censorship-circumvention/)**
* **[Project X](https://github.com/XTLS/Xray-core)** - Xray Proxy Core / [Telegram](https://t.me/projectXray), [2](https://t.me/projectVless)

***

### Proxy Clients

* **[v2rayN](https://github.com/2dust/v2rayN)** - Proxy Client / Windows, Mac, Linux
* **[NekoBox](https://matsuridayo.github.io/)** - Proxy Client / Android / [GitHub](https://github.com/MatsuriDayo/NekoBoxForAndroid/)

***

### Anti Censorship 

* ↪️ **[Great Firewall Bypass](/wiki/non-english#great-firewall)**
* **[Censorship Bypass Guide](https://cbg.fmhy.bid/)** - Censorship Bypass Guide
* **[⁠Net4people](https://github.com/net4people/bbs/issues)** - Worldwide Censorship Circumvention Discussion
* **[ByeDPIAndroid](https://github.com/dovecoteescapee/ByeDPIAndroid)**, - Network Packet Alter Tool / Android
* **[zapret](https://github.com/bol-van/zapret)**, **[SpoofDPI](https://github.com/xvzc/SpoofDPI)** or **[GoodbyeDPI](https://github.com/ValdikSS/GoodbyeDPI/)** - Network Packet Alter Tools
* **[DNSveil](https://msasanmh.github.io/DNSveil/)** - DNS Client / [GitHub](https://github.com/msasanmh/DNSveil)

***

### Proxy Sites

!!! TIP
Keep in mind many proxy sites log info like IP address, sites visited, etc. They're useful for unblocking sites, but not very useful for privacy.
!!!

***

* ↪️ **[Proxy Lists](/more/storage#proxy-lists)**