
81%
Of breaches caused by weak passwords
€4.45M
Average cost of a data breach (2023)
3,000%
Increase in phishing attacks since 2020
52%
Of people reuse passwords

Your Digital Security Matters
In an increasingly connected world, cyber security isn't optional -it's essential. From banking to social media, our lives are digital, and criminals know it. Data breaches, identity theft, and online fraud are at all-time highs.
The good news? A few key tools can dramatically improve your security. A password manager, VPN, and basic antivirus protection will defend you against 95% of common threats.
Password Security
Unique passwords for every account
Privacy Protection
Keep your data out of the wrong hands
Malware Defence
Block viruses and ransomware
Safe Browsing
Encrypt connections on public WiFi
Our Top 3 Security Essentials
If you're just starting to improve your digital security, focus on these three things first:
- Password Manager - Use Bitwarden (free) or 1Password for unique passwords everywhere
- Two-Factor Authentication - Enable 2FA on your email, banking, and social media accounts
- VPN - Use NordVPN or Proton VPN whenever you're on public WiFi
VPN Services
Encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy online. Essential for public WiFi and bypassing geo-restrictions.
Best Overall
Fastest
Best Value
Best PrivacyPassword Managers
Generate, store, and autofill strong unique passwords for every account. The single most important security tool.
Security research note: Bitwarden and Dashlane
Researchers at ETH Zurich found practical attacks on the end-to-end encryption of Bitwarden, LastPass and Dashlane — 12, 7 and 6 attacks. They were able to reach the stored passwords, and to change them, using only the steps a browser or a user takes normally. The attacks assume the password manager’s own server is malicious or has been compromised. So this is a finding about how much you have to trust the vendor’s servers. It is not a report that ordinary users’ vaults have been stolen. The researchers told the companies before publishing and gave them 90 days; ETH Zurich says not all of them fixed the problems quickly.
We are not dropping either product. A password manager is still far safer than reusing the same password across sites. This note reports published research; we did not run these attacks.
Checked 28 August 2026 · ETH Zurich, 16 February 2026. Paper presented at the 35th USENIX Security Symposium, Baltimore, 12–14 August 2026.
Best Overall
Best Free Option
Most Features
Best New EntryAntivirus & Security Suites
Protect your devices from malware, ransomware, and online threats with comprehensive security software.
Best Protection
Most Comprehensive
Best Second Opinion
Best Free (Windows)Privacy Tools
Protect your digital privacy with encrypted email, secure browsers, and tracking prevention tools.
Best Private Email
Best Privacy Browser
Best Secure Messaging
Best Private SearchHardware Security Keys
Physical authentication devices for the strongest protection against phishing and account takeover.
Best Overall
Best for USB-C
Best Budget
Most FeaturesNetwork Security
Secure your home network with firewalls, secure routers, and DNS protection.
Best Network Security
Best DNS Security
Best Secure Router
Best DIY OptionBuying Tips
Start with a Password Manager
If you only buy one thing, make it a password manager. Unique, strong passwords for every account is the foundation of security.
Free Tools Are Often Excellent
Bitwarden, Windows Defender, Brave, and Signal are all free and provide excellent security. You don't need to spend a fortune.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Even without hardware keys, enable 2FA everywhere possible. Authenticator apps are free and dramatically improve security.
Consider the Ecosystem
Proton offers email, VPN, drive, calendar, and password manager that work together. Bundling can save money and improve integration.
Related Guides & Resources
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support SafeAndSecure.ie. Our recommendations are based on published specifications, not hands-on testing.