Resources · For everyone
The cybersecurity tools that really make a difference
For individuals, families and very small businesses: password managers, multi-factor authentication, VPNs, antivirus, encryption, fraud protection and firewalls. For each tool: its country, its price, whether there is a free version and what it runs on.
Password managers
One password to remember, unique passwords everywhere. It's the most cost-effective step you can take in cybersecurity.
1Password
AgileBits (1Password)- Origin
- Canada (Toronto)
- Price
- Individual: US$3.99/month (billed annually; first-year promo $2.99) · Families (5 people): US$5.99/month · 14-day trial
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Canadian company, very user-friendly, breach alerts (Watchtower), Travel Mode.
− No free version; price increase in March 2026.
1password.com ↗Proton Pass
Proton AG- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Free: unlimited passwords and devices · Pass Plus: US$2.99/month (annual) · Family: US$4.99/month
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Generous free version, email aliases, end-to-end encryption, audited.
− Dark web monitoring only in paid plans.
proton.me/pass ↗KeePassXC
Community project- Origin
- International (free software)
- Price
- Free
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, extension · mobile via KeePassDX (Android), KeePassium or Strongbox (iOS)
+ Local file, no cloud, full control.
− You have to set up syncing yourself; less beginner-friendly.
keepassxc.org ↗NordPass
Nord Security- Origin
- Lithuania
- Price
- Free version · also included in NordVPN Complete (US$107.73 for 2 years, then US$219.48/year)
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Simple, modern password manager, included if you already have NordVPN Complete.
− Bundled plans renew at a much higher price.
nordpass.com ↗F-Secure Password Manager
F-Secure- Origin
- Finland
- Price
- Included in F-Secure Total: from €69.99/year
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Included in a European suite with no increase at renewal.
− Not sold on its own; less complete than a dedicated password manager.
f-secure.com ↗Bitdefender Password Manager
Bitdefender- Origin
- Romania
- Price
- Included in Bitdefender Premium Security: US$79.99 first year (5 devices)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Handy if you already have the Bitdefender suite.
− Renewal costs more than the first year.
bitdefender.com ↗Bitwarden
Bitwarden Inc.- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free: unlimited · Premium: US$19.80/year · Families (6 people): US$47.88/year · Teams: US$4/user/month
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Best value for money, open source and audited, self-hosting possible.
− More austere interface.
bitwarden.com ↗Dashlane
Dashlane- Origin
- Founded in France · headquartered in New York
- Price
- Premium: about US$4.99/month (annual) · Friends & Family: about US$7.49/month · price to be confirmed
- Format
- Web, iOS, Android, extensions
+ French origin, VPN and dark web monitoring included.
− No free version since September 2025; no more desktop app.
dashlane.com ↗LastPass
LastPass- Origin
- United States (Boston)
- Price
- Free: one device type only (computer or mobile) · Premium: US$3/month · Families (6 people): US$4/month (billed annually)
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Very well known, easy to use, free version.
− Major breach in 2022: encrypted vaults were stolen, and some were later cracked. If you used it before 2023, change your important passwords and choose a long, unique master password.
lastpass.com ↗Apple Passwords
Apple- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included with your Apple devices
- Format
- iOS, macOS · Windows via iCloud · Chrome extension
+ Already installed for Apple users, no setup needed.
− Designed primarily for the Apple ecosystem.
support.apple.com ↗Norton Password Manager
Gen Digital- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free · also included in Norton 360 (from CA$39.99 first year)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Free and built into the Norton suite.
− Fewer features than dedicated password managers.
ca.norton.com ↗McAfee Password Manager
McAfee- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in McAfee+: about US$49 first year, then US$149
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Included with the McAfee+ suite.
− Steep increase at renewal.
mcafee.com ↗Multi-factor authentication apps
The 6-digit code or notification that blocks the vast majority of account takeovers.
Proton Authenticator
Proton AG- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Free
- Format
- iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
+ Launched in 2025; optional encrypted sync, free export, works without an account.
− Still a young app.
proton.me/authenticator ↗Aegis Authenticator
Beem Development- Origin
- Netherlands
- Price
- Free
- Format
- Android only (Google Play, F-Droid)
+ Local encrypted vault, easy import and export, no account required.
− Android only; file-based backup you manage yourself.
getaegis.app ↗Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free
- Format
- iOS, Android
+ Essential for Microsoft 365: notifications and passkeys.
− No longer manages passwords since 2025 (moved to Edge).
microsoft.com ↗Google Authenticator
Google- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free
- Format
- iOS, Android
+ Very simple and widely used; syncs with your Google account.
− If your Google account goes down, so do your codes; no desktop app.
Google Play / App Store ↗Bitwarden Authenticator
Bitwarden Inc.- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free
- Format
- iOS, Android
+ Syncs with your Bitwarden vault.
− Mobile only.
bitwarden.com ↗Duo Mobile
Cisco- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free (the Duo service for businesses is paid)
- Format
- iOS, Android
+ Notifications for organizations that use Duo; also accepts other codes.
− Mainly useful if your employer uses Duo.
duo.com ↗Okta Verify
Okta- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free
- Format
- iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
+ Required if your organization uses Okta.
− Of little interest to individuals.
okta.com ↗Physical security keys
The strongest protection against phishing: without the key in your hand, no one can sign in. Buy two (one as a backup).
YubiKey
Yubico- Origin
- Sweden
- Price
- Security Key NFC: US$29 · YubiKey 5 NFC: US$58 · 5C NFC: US$58 · Bio: US$98
- Format
- USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, NFC · Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
+ The gold standard (FIDO2 and passkeys). The $29 Security Key is enough for most people.
− Firmware can't be updated: you need a new key to get new features.
yubico.com ↗Token2
Token2- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- T2F2 PIN+: €20.50
- Format
- USB-A, USB-C, NFC
+ Very affordable, FIDO2.1, up to 50 passkeys.
− Ships from Europe.
token2.com ↗Nitrokey 3
Nitrokey- Origin
- Germany
- Price
- Nitrokey 3A NFC: €60
- Format
- USB-A or USB-C, NFC
+ Open firmware, FIDO2 and OpenPGP.
− More expensive, less mainstream.
nitrokey.com ↗Titan Security Key
Google- Origin
- United States
- Price
- About US$30 to US$35 · Canadian price to be confirmed
- Format
- USB-A or USB-C, NFC
+ FIDO2, up to 250 passkeys, inexpensive.
− Designed primarily for the Google ecosystem.
store.google.com ↗VPNs
Useful on public Wi-Fi or to keep your browsing private from your provider. A VPN does not replace antivirus.
Windscribe
Windscribe- Origin
- Canada (Ontario)
- Price
- Free: about 10 GB/month with confirmed email · Pro: US$9/month or US$69/year · build-a-plan from US$3/month
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions, routers
+ Canadian VPN, useful free version, built-in ad and tracker blocker.
− The free plan runs out quickly.
windscribe.com ↗Proton VPN
Proton AG- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Free: unlimited data, 1 device · VPN Plus: US$3.49/month over 2 years (10 devices)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extension, TVs
+ Best free VPN with no data cap, audited.
− Free version: limited countries and speed.
protonvpn.com ↗Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN AB- Origin
- Sweden
- Price
- €5 per month, flat price (about CA$7.80) · 5 devices
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
+ No email required, anonymous payment possible, exemplary transparency.
− No free version.
mullvad.net ↗NordVPN
Nord Security- Origin
- Lithuania
- Price
- Basic: US$94.23 for 2 years, then US$139.08/year · also in NordVPN Complete and Prime
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Very fast, scam blocker and dark web monitoring included.
− Low introductory price, much more expensive at renewal.
nordvpn.com ↗Surfshark VPN
Surfshark (Nord Security group)- Origin
- Netherlands
- Price
- Starter: US$67.23 for 2 years, then about US$79/year · also in Surfshark One
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, TVs
+ Unlimited devices: ideal for a family.
− Same group as NordVPN.
surfshark.com ↗F-Secure VPN
F-Secure- Origin
- Finland
- Price
- Included in F-Secure Total: from €69.99/year
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Unlimited VPN included, no increase at renewal.
− Not the most feature-rich.
f-secure.com ↗ESET VPN
ESET- Origin
- Slovakia
- Price
- Included in ESET HOME Security Ultimate: about CA$129.99/year (5 devices)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Android, router
+ Unlimited VPN, even for your router.
− Only in the most complete plan.
eset.com/ca ↗Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender- Origin
- Romania
- Price
- Included in Premium Security (unlimited) · 200 MB/day with the free antivirus
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Unlimited VPN included in Premium.
− Very limited free version.
bitdefender.com ↗Norton VPN
Gen Digital- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in Norton 360: from CA$39.99 first year, then $94.99
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Included in the suite, nothing extra to install.
− Renewal about 2.5 times more expensive.
ca.norton.com ↗McAfee VPN
McAfee- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in McAfee+: about US$49 first year
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Included for an unlimited number of devices.
− Steep increase at renewal.
mcafee.com ↗Malwarebytes Privacy VPN
Malwarebytes- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in Malwarebytes Plus: about US$79.99/year (to be confirmed)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Simple, comes with the anti-malware.
− Official prices not posted.
malwarebytes.com ↗Antivirus and anti-malware
On Windows, Microsoft Defender is enough for most people if it's kept up to date. The others add extra layers of protection.
ESET HOME Security
ESET- Origin
- Slovakia · research centre in Montréal
- Price
- Essential: about CA$49.99/year for 1 device (retail price)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Android
+ Lightweight, excellent in independent tests, presence in Quebec.
− Prices vary with promotions.
eset.com/ca ↗Bitdefender
Bitdefender- Origin
- Romania
- Price
- Antivirus Free (Windows): free · Antivirus Plus: US$29.99 first year (3 devices) · Total Security: US$59.99 first year (5 devices)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Among the best test results; free version for Windows.
− Renewal significantly more expensive than the first year.
bitdefender.com ↗F-Secure Total (antivirus)
F-Secure- Origin
- Finland
- Price
- From €69.99/year (1 device) · €99.99/year (5 devices) · same price at renewal
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Well-regarded European antivirus, with VPN and password manager included.
− Only sold as a suite.
f-secure.com ↗NordVPN Antivirus (Threat Protection Pro)
Nord Security- Origin
- Lithuania
- Price
- Included in NordVPN Complete: US$107.73 for 2 years
- Format
- Windows, macOS
+ Blocks malware, trackers and ads, along with the VPN.
− Less complete than a dedicated antivirus.
nordvpn.com ↗Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark (Nord Security group)- Origin
- Netherlands
- Price
- Included in Surfshark One: US$67.23 for 2 years, then about US$99/year
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Android
+ Included with the VPN, unlimited devices.
− Less proven than dedicated antivirus products.
surfshark.com ↗Microsoft Defender
Microsoft- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in Windows 10 and 11
- Format
- Windows (and macOS, iOS, Android with Microsoft 365 Personal or Family)
+ Already installed; enough for most people if it's kept up to date.
− No central console for a small business without a business licence.
microsoft.com ↗Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free scanner · Standard: about US$44.99/year · Plus with VPN: about US$79.99/year (price to be confirmed)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, extension
+ Excellent “second opinion” for cleaning up an infection.
− The free version does not provide real-time protection.
malwarebytes.com ↗Norton AntiVirus Plus and Norton 360
Gen Digital- Origin
- United States
- Price
- AntiVirus Plus: CA$29.99 first year, then $59.99 · Norton 360: from CA$39.99
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Very good detection, Canadian prices published.
− Renewal significantly more expensive; same group as Avast.
ca.norton.com ↗McAfee+ (antivirus)
McAfee- Origin
- United States
- Price
- About US$49 first year, then US$149
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS
+ Unlimited devices.
− Steep increase at renewal.
mcafee.com ↗All-in-one bundles
Antivirus, VPN, password manager and identity monitoring in a single subscription. Watch out for the renewal price.
Proton Unlimited, Duo and Family
Proton AG- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Unlimited: US$119.88/year · Duo (2 people): US$179.88/year · Family (6 people): US$287.88/year
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ Email, storage, VPN, password manager and dark web monitoring, all encrypted and under Swiss law.
− No antivirus.
proton.me ↗F-Secure Total
F-Secure- Origin
- Finland
- Price
- 1 device: €69.99/year · 3: €89.99 · 5: €99.99 · same price at renewal
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Antivirus, VPN, password manager and identity monitoring; no increase at renewal.
− Prices shown in euros.
f-secure.com ↗ESET HOME Security Ultimate
ESET- Origin
- Slovakia
- Price
- About CA$129.99/year for 5 devices (retail price)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Android
+ Antivirus, unlimited VPN, ransomware protection and dark web monitoring.
− Exact contents of the Canadian bundle to be confirmed.
eset.com/ca ↗Bitdefender Premium and Ultimate Security
Bitdefender- Origin
- Romania
- Price
- Premium (5 devices): US$79.99 first year · Ultimate Family: about CA$119.99 first year · higher at renewal
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Top-tier antivirus, unlimited VPN, password manager.
− Identity theft insurance and credit monitoring available in the U.S. only.
bitdefender.com ↗NordVPN Complete
Nord Security- Origin
- Lithuania
- Price
- About US$107.73 for the first 2-year term, then US$219.48/year
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, extensions
+ VPN, antivirus, NordPass password manager and 1 TB of encrypted storage.
− Renewal doubles or triples; insurance and credit monitoring (Prime) designed for the U.S.
nordvpn.com ↗Surfshark One
Surfshark (Nord Security group)- Origin
- Netherlands · owned by Nord Security
- Price
- One: US$67.23 for 2 years, then about US$99/year · One+: US$107.73 for 2 years
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, TVs
+ Unlimited devices; One+ includes Incogni (removes your data from data brokers), available in Canada.
− No password manager; same group as NordVPN.
surfshark.com ↗Norton 360
Gen Digital- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Standard: CA$39.99 first year, then $94.99 · Deluxe: $49.99, then $124.99 · Premium: $59.99, then $149.99
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Very complete suite with Canadian prices published; cloud backup (Windows).
− Renewal about 2.5 times more expensive; LifeLock not available in Canada; same group as Avast.
ca.norton.com ↗McAfee+
McAfee- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Premium: about US$49 first year, then US$149 · Canadian prices to be confirmed
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS
+ Unlimited devices, VPN, password manager, identity monitoring.
− Insurance and credit monitoring designed for the U.S.; steep increase at renewal.
mcafee.com ↗Encryption, secure email and file sharing
Protect your files and communications, even if a device is stolen or a cloud account is hacked.
Secure Exchanges
Secure Exchanges inc.- Origin
- Quebec (Drummondville)
- Price
- From CA$0.99/user/month · Advanced: $6.99 · Pro: $12.99 · 30-day trial
- Format
- Outlook and Gmail add-in, web portal
+ Encrypted emails and files without the recipient having to install anything; designed with Quebec's Law 25 in mind.
− Mainly for professionals and businesses.
secure-exchanges.com ↗VeraCrypt
IDRIX- Origin
- France
- Price
- Free (donations)
- Format
- Windows, macOS, Linux
+ Encrypts an entire drive or a file “vault”; audited.
− Technical interface.
veracrypt.io ↗Proton Mail and Proton Drive
Proton AG- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Free: 1 GB of email, up to 5 GB of storage · Mail Plus: US$3.99/month (annual)
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
+ End-to-end encrypted email and storage.
− End-to-end encryption only between Proton users (or with a password-protected message).
proton.me ↗Tresorit
Tresorit- Origin
- Switzerland (founded in Hungary)
- Price
- Basic: 3 GB free · Personal Lite (50 GB): US$4.75/month (annual) · Business: US$19/user/month
- Format
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
+ Professional-grade encrypted file sharing.
− Expensive; very limited free version.
tresorit.com ↗NordLocker
Nord Security- Origin
- Lithuania
- Price
- 1 TB included in NordVPN Complete
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Encrypted storage included if you already have the bundle.
− Less well known than dedicated solutions.
nordlocker.com ↗Signal
Signal Technology Foundation (non-profit)- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free (donations)
- Format
- iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
+ The gold standard for encrypted messages and calls.
− Tied to a phone number; does not replace email.
signal.org ↗BitLocker and FileVault
Microsoft and Apple- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in Windows Pro (BitLocker) and macOS (FileVault)
- Format
- Windows, macOS
+ Encrypts the computer's entire drive: a stolen laptop reveals nothing.
− Keep the recovery key in a safe place; Windows Home only offers “device encryption.”
support.microsoft.com ↗Has my account been compromised?
Check for free whether your email address or passwords have leaked in a known breach.
1Password Watchtower
AgileBits (1Password)- Origin
- Canada (Toronto)
- Price
- Included in 1Password: US$3.99/month
- Format
- Web, desktop, mobile
+ Warns you if a password in your vault has leaked or is reused.
− Only with a 1Password subscription.
1password.com ↗Proton Pass Plus (dark web monitoring)
Proton AG- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Included in Pass Plus: US$2.99/month (annual) and in Proton Unlimited
- Format
- Web, desktop, mobile, extensions
+ Alerts about your exposed email addresses and aliases.
− Not in the free version.
proton.me/pass ↗F-Secure ID Protection
F-Secure- Origin
- Finland
- Price
- Included in F-Secure Total: from €69.99/year
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Dark web monitoring and help in case of identity theft.
− Up to 10 items monitored.
f-secure.com ↗ESET Identity Protection
ESET- Origin
- Slovakia
- Price
- Included in ESET HOME Security Ultimate
- Format
- Web, ESET apps
+ Alerts if your personal information shows up on the dark web.
− Only in the Ultimate plan.
eset.com/ca ↗Bitdefender (breach detection)
Bitdefender- Origin
- Romania
- Price
- Included in Premium Security · full monitoring in Ultimate
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Warns you if your accounts appear in a breach.
− Full identity monitoring is in Ultimate.
bitdefender.com ↗Nord Dark Web Monitor
Nord Security- Origin
- Lithuania
- Price
- Included in all NordVPN plans
- Format
- NordVPN apps
+ Monitors your email addresses with no extra effort.
− Only with a NordVPN subscription.
nordvpn.com ↗Surfshark Alert and Incogni
Surfshark (Nord Security group)- Origin
- Netherlands
- Price
- Alert: included in Surfshark One · Incogni: included in One+
- Format
- Surfshark apps, web
+ Breach alerts (email, card, ID); Incogni removes your data from data brokers, available in Canada.
− Incogni only in the most expensive plan.
surfshark.com ↗Mozilla Monitor
Mozilla- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free (up to 20 addresses) · Monitor Plus shut down in 2026
- Format
- Web
+ Free, available in French, run by a foundation.
− Only monitors breaches; no longer removes your data.
monitor.mozilla.org ↗Google Password Checkup
Google- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free
- Format
- Web, Chrome, Android, iOS
+ Checks the passwords saved in your Google account in one click.
− Only covers Google's password manager.
passwords.google.com ↗Norton (dark web monitoring)
Gen Digital- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in Norton 360 Deluxe: CA$49.99 first year, then $124.99
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Monitoring included in the suite.
− LifeLock (insurance) not available in Canada.
ca.norton.com ↗McAfee (identity monitoring)
McAfee- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Included in McAfee+
- Format
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
+ Identity monitoring included.
− Insurance and credit monitoring designed for the U.S.
mcafee.com ↗Have I Been Pwned
Troy Hunt- Origin
- Australia
- Price
- Free to check an address and get alerts · paid domain monitoring from about $4.39/month
- Format
- Web
+ The worldwide reference, used by governments.
− In English.
haveibeenpwned.com ↗Fraud and identity theft protection
Stop anyone from opening credit in your name and get alerted quickly to a suspicious transaction.
Security freeze (Quebec)
Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada- Origin
- Canada (regulated by the AMF)
- Price
- Free in practice since February 1, 2023 (the law allows reasonable fees)
- Format
- Online, by phone or by mail
+ Prevents anyone from opening credit, a lease or a cellphone plan in your name. The most effective way to fight identity theft.
− Do it with both bureaus; ask for the freeze, not a paid subscription.
lautorite.qc.ca ↗Bank alerts
Your bank or credit union- Origin
- Canada
- Price
- Free
- Format
- Mobile app, online services
+ Instant notice of every transaction or sign-in: you spot fraud within minutes.
− Set low thresholds (for example, any transaction over $1).
Site de votre institution ↗Equifax credit monitoring
Equifax Canada- Origin
- Canada (subsidiary of a U.S. company)
- Price
- Free online score · Complete Protection: $34.95/month
- Format
- Web
+ Ongoing alerts on your credit file.
− The free security freeze is often enough.
equifax.ca ↗TransUnion credit monitoring
TransUnion Canada- Origin
- Canada (subsidiary of a U.S. company)
- Price
- Free credit report · monitoring: about $25/month (2024 price, to be confirmed)
- Format
- Web
+ Complements Equifax monitoring.
− Paid service for something the freeze often already covers.
transunion.ca ↗Firewalls and filtering for home and very small businesses
From the simplest (changing your router's DNS, free) to a full firewall appliance.
CIRA Canadian Shield
CIRA (non-profit)- Origin
- Canada (Ottawa)
- Price
- Free
- Format
- DNS for your router or device · iOS and Android apps
+ The simplest option: change your router's DNS and the whole household is protected from known malicious sites.
− Does not replace a firewall.
cira.ca ↗Quad9
Quad9 Foundation- Origin
- Switzerland
- Price
- Free (9.9.9.9)
- Format
- DNS
+ Blocks malicious domains, protected by Swiss law.
− No dashboard.
quad9.net ↗OPNsense
Deciso- Origin
- Netherlands
- Price
- Free software · Deciso appliances from about €598
- Format
- Software (PC) or appliance
+ European firewall, open and very complete.
− Requires technical skills.
opnsense.org ↗NextDNS
NextDNS Inc.- Origin
- United States (founded by French entrepreneurs)
- Price
- Free up to 300,000 queries/month · Pro: US$1.99/month
- Format
- DNS, apps
+ Customizable filtering (ads, adult sites, malware) and logs.
− More technical setup.
nextdns.io ↗Firewalla
Firewalla Inc.- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Purple SE: US$299 · Orange (Wi-Fi 7): US$399 · Gold SE: US$549 · no subscription
- Format
- Appliance, iOS and Android app
+ Very easy to manage from your phone, no monthly fees.
− App in English.
firewalla.com ↗Ubiquiti UniFi
Ubiquiti- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Cloud Gateway Ultra: about US$129 · Dream Router 7: US$279
- Format
- Appliance
+ Excellent value for money, intrusion detection included.
− Proprietary ecosystem.
ui.com ↗pfSense CE
Netgate- Origin
- United States
- Price
- Free software
- Format
- Software (PC) or Netgate appliance
+ Mature and very well documented.
− Requires skills; the vendor pushes its paid version.
pfsense.org ↗Fraud victim? What to do and who to contact
All these resources are official and free.
- Call your bank or credit union to block your cards and accounts.
- Change your passwords, starting with your email, and turn on multi-factor authentication.
- Report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the police; keep the report number.
- Request a security freeze with Equifax and TransUnion.
| Resource | What for | Phone | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | Report fraud and get help | 1-888-495-8501 | Website ↗ |
| National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System | Single portal of the RCMP and the Anti-Fraud Centre (since November 2025) | Online | Website ↗ |
| Police: 9-1-1 in an emergency, or Sûreté du Québec | File a complaint and keep the report number | 310-4141 or *4141 (cell) | Website ↗ |
| 7726 (SPAM) | Forward a fraudulent text to your cell provider | 7726 | Website ↗ |
| Security freeze: Equifax and TransUnion | Block credit from being opened in your name | Online | Website ↗ |
| Canada Revenue Agency | Identity theft: protect your tax file | 1-833-995-2336 | Website ↗ |
| Service Canada | Fraudulent use of your Social Insurance Number | 1-866-274-6627 | Website ↗ |
| Revenu Québec | Phishing and identity theft | See the website | Website ↗ |
| Autorité des marchés financiers | Investment or crypto-asset fraud; check a broker | 1-877-525-0337 | Website ↗ |
| Office de la protection du consommateur | Dispute with a merchant | 1-888-672-2556 | Website ↗ |
| Canadian Centre for Cyber Security | “Have you been a victim of cybercrime?” guide | Online | Website ↗ |
Tools deliberately excluded or not recommended
They are popular, but we don't recommend them, for the following reasons.
- Kaspersky and Dr.Web (Russia) : Kaspersky has been banned on Government of Canada devices since 2023, and its sale has been banned in the United States since 2024.
- 360 Total Security and several free VPNs (Turbo VPN, Thunder VPN, Snap VPN) (China) : Origin or ownership linked to China, documented in 2025.
- TP-Link, Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi routers; Hikvision and Dahua cameras (China) : National security concerns in Canada and the United States; Huawei and ZTE are excluded from Canadian 5G networks.
- Avast and AVG (Czech Republic (Gen Digital group)) : US$16.5M FTC fine in 2024 for selling their users' browsing data.
- ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access (Kape Technologies) : Former adware publisher that also owns VPN review sites (conflict of interest).
- Hola VPN (Israel) : Resold its free users' bandwidth.
- Twilio Authy (United States) : Desktop apps discontinued in 2024, no way to export your codes, phone number leak in 2024.
Want help choosing and setting up the right tools?
Let's talkPrices and information checked in October 2026 on the vendors' websites or, failing that, with retailers and specialized sources. Prices shown are often first-year prices, in the original currency; renewal may cost more. Always check the final price before buying. Curseur is not affiliated with any of the vendors mentioned and receives no commission.