Need to lock down your phone? These security apps are some of the best

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  • Six clicks: The best apps for protecting your mobile data

    Six clicks: The best apps for protecting your mobile data

    In the wake of seemingly constant cyberattacks, threats, hacks, and breaches, locking down your data is more important than ever. Yet eveb as our digital lives revolve almost entirely around our smartphones and tablets, their security is often overlooked.

    Here are some of the most secure apps, services, and technologies that can keep your data protected.

    Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • ChatSecure (iOS, Android)

    ChatSecure (iOS, Android)

    ChatSecure is a free and open-source instant messenger client that works with existing accounts, like Facebook and Google, as well as encrypted (Off-The-Record) protocols. The app, which offers strong and publicly auditable cryptography, is recommended by a number of privacy-focused websites, including The Guardian Project.

    The software is free and is available on both iOS and Android devices.

    Visit: ChatSecure

    Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • Orbot (Android only)

    Orbot (Android only)

    Orbot brings the Tor anonymity browser to your Android device. The service is used by activists and journalists to avoid their internet activity being snooped on. It also helps people avoid censorship and site-blocking measures in places where the internet is restricted. Once it connects, you can use your own browser, and even connect apps (with a proxy feature) through the network.

    Visit: Orbot (Google Play)

    Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • Silent Phone (iOS, Android)

    Silent Phone (iOS, Android)

    Silent Circle allows you to make private high-definition phone calls between two or more people. Although the service is not free -- its subscriptions are modestly priced -- the app is widely lauded by privacy groups and security experts.

    The company has opened its code up for independent review and auditing, making it one of the more trusted solutions out there. And to alleviate concerns over government data demands, the company also has a warrant canary, which shows it has never (to date) been forced to turn over user data.

    Visit: Silent Circle

    Photo by: Silent Circle

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • Silent Text (iOS, Android)

    Silent Text (iOS, Android)

    Silent Text is considered one of the best text messaging services for its end-to-end encryption capability. And because the company, Silent Circle, doesn't hold the encryption keys, any demands for data have to come to the user directly.

    Visit: Silent Circle

    Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • Signal (iOS, Android)

    Signal (iOS, Android)

    This private instant messenger and caller is one of the very few apps recommended by Edward Snowden, and comes with rave reviews from users and security experts. It's free, and easy to use, and requires very little setup. It uses some of the most advanced cryptography available, and, unlike some other apps, doesn't drain your device's battery.

    Visit: Open Whisper Systems

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 1Password (iOS, Android)

    1Password (iOS, Android)

    Password managers have a bad rap as of late, in the wake of the LastPass security breach. But they are still helpful (so long as your master password is as strong as it can be) for preventing the use of weak passwords, and securely storing other information, like credit and debit card data. 1Password is one of the highest rated password managers on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

    Visit: 1Password

    Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

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From encrypted instant messengers to secure browsers, these security and privacy apps are some of the very best for protecting your devices.

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Six clicks: The best apps for protecting your mobile data

In the wake of seemingly constant cyberattacks, threats, hacks, and breaches, locking down your data is more important than ever. Yet eveb as our digital lives revolve almost entirely around our smartphones and tablets, their security is often overlooked.

Here are some of the most secure apps, services, and technologies that can keep your data protected.

Caption by: Zack Whittaker

1 of 7

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