Here are some of the best of the best security and privacy apps for Linux. Using Linux means that you value security and privacy. Here are some of the best FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software) that I have come across. Download them and check out some great programs to keep you safer on the internet.
1. Tor Browser
Development of Tor Browser began in 2008. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) helps to fund the project.
Tor Browser download page. Here are the directions to install and set it up.
2. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is one of the best open-source projects, and the password manager that I use on my computers and other devices.
If you’re on Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, and the like, download the DEB package for Bitwarden first.
On Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, or openSUSE, grab the RPM package for Bitwarden.
To install Bitwarden on Arch Linux and its derivatives, run:
sudo pacman -S bitwarden
3. Authenticator
Authenticator 2FA desktop client on Linux is used for over 200 sites for 2FA credentials.
To install it, you will need Flatpak:
sudo apt-get install flatpak -y
Add the Flathub repository with:
flatpak remote-add –if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Restart your machine to continue.
Now that Flatpak is installed, you can install Authenticator with this command:
flatpak install flathub com.belmoussaoui.Authenticator
4. VeraCrypt
You can create encrypted file volumes within container files. VeraCrypt file volumes can only be decrypted and mounted through the app. So, for example, you can create an 8 Gb encrypted file volume hidden under a container file named “Star_Wars_Complete.mkv”. If it is your Videos file, it is hidden right there in plain sight. It looks like the rest of your .mkv files. It is password protected (remember to make it a good, long, complex password).
You can download a copy of the program here.
5. Kleopatra
GnuPG (which allows users to create OpenPGP keys) is normally used through a command line, but with Kleopatra, you’ll be able to use GnuPG through a GUI. Kleopatra is a tool to encrypt and authenticate text and files using the OpenPGP standard.
You can download Kleopatra by clicking here.
6. Chkrootkit
chkrootkit is a tool to locally check for signs of a rootkit. It contains: chkrootkit: shell script that checks system binaries for rootkit modification.
Install it at the command line by typing:
sudo apt install chkrootkit -y
Then run the command:
sudo chkrootkit
Learn more by checking out their website.
7. Gufw
UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is a simple-to-use firewall utility with plenty of options for most users. It is an interface for the iptables (a low-level tool to set up rules for your network).
Gufw is a GUI version of the command line tool and is simple to use.
To get it, on Ubuntu (or derivatives) open a command prompt and type in:
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt install gufw -y
8. Signal
Signal is the secure, privacy-focused messaging application that seems everyone is using. It is easy to register and use an account.
To get Signal on your desktop:
Ubuntu (or derivatives):
sudo snap install signal-desktop
Fedora:
sudo flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.signal.Signal.flatpakref
Manjaro:
sudo pacman -Sy signal-desktop To learn more about Signal you can visit their homepage.
9. File Shredder:
File Shredder is a simple application used for securely deleting your files that you do not want to be recovered. File Shredder has a comprehensive set of preferences and progress tracking for each file.
For Ubuntu:
Follow the installation instructions given on the File Shredder website.
For other distributions:
Here is the page for numerous distros.
10. OnionShare
OnionShare is an open source tool that lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat with friends using the Tor network.
Install OnionShare using Flatpak:
https://flathub.org/apps/details/org.onionshare.OnionShare
Go to their website for full instructions and use of OnionShare.
Conclusion
Making your Linux computer more secure is important. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it also protects you from the nefarious people who would like to take advantage of you on the web. Like most of us, your computer is always available to the internet. Protect yourself.