7 Free Tools to Boost Your Business Cybersecurity: Protect Your Data Now!

A State Resource for Assessing Cyber Maturity

MonAideCyber is a digital service created by the innovation lab of the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI). If your business, local government, or association is new to this subject, you can connect with a “cyber helper,” a volunteer trained by ANSSI to perform a first-level diagnostic. This evaluation lasts between one to one and a half hours and is based on a questionnaire covering various themes, including security governance, access management, and workstation protection.

Following this exchange, you receive six prioritized recommendations to implement over the next six months, such as enabling two-factor authentication (see below) or establishing a backup policy. The service, which is accessible via a simple online request, does not provide a detailed written report and thus does not replace a professional cybersecurity audit.

Three Tools to Secure Daily Access

After completing the initial diagnostic, the next step is to minimize the most vulnerable daily entry points. Passwords, authentication, and the connection itself remain prime targets for cyber attackers. The three tools below address each of these points without requiring special technical skills or incurring costs.

A Free and Open Source Password Manager

Bitwarden is an open source password manager whose free version does not limit the number of passwords stored or the number of devices synchronized, unlike most competing services that reserve these features for their paid plans. Its source code is audited annually by multiple independent security firms, and the publisher issues a SOC 2 certification. This allows you to centralize your team’s credentials on a tool with an open, verifiable code, unlike typical proprietary solutions.

All password managers

An Alternative to Google and Microsoft for Two-Factor Authentication

2FAS stands out from Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator by being open source and not requiring a user account. The app does not store any data, making it a suitable choice if your company aims to reduce the number of profiles created following a series of data leaks. It synchronizes across multiple devices and offers an extension for major browsers.

All two-factor authentication tools

A European VPN to Secure Your Connection

Developed by Proton AG, a Swiss company founded by former CERN researchers, Proton VPN offers a European alternative to American services in the market. Its free version does not cap data volume but restricts you to a single device and automatically selects servers from five countries. Its no-logs policy has also been verified by an independent audit conducted by Securitum.

All VPN services

Two Free Cyber Resources to Educate Your Teams

Developed by Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, SensCyber offers a free e-learning program structured into three modules to:

1. Understand the most common threats,
2. Adopt good daily habits,
3. And spread them within your team.

Each module takes between 25 to 45 minutes and concludes with a knowledge test. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of participation, which you can keep for your employees. The program is aimed at both individuals and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as public sector workers, without any technical prerequisites.

The Cyber Pro Briefcase targets another use. If you need to lead a cybersecurity awareness workshop without prior cyber expertise, this kit provides ready-to-use materials. It includes an educational booklet, an illustrated poster, a card game focused on cooperation rather than evaluation, and an infographic to hand out at the end of the session. Distributed under an open license by Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, it can be customized with your company’s logo or supplemented with examples specific to your industry.

17Cyber, the National Program for Incident Response

Launched by the Ministry of the Interior and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, 17Cyber is considered the digital equivalent of the emergency number 17, available 24/7. As a business or local government, you can access this service if you are affected by a digital crime, whether it’s a hacked account, online fraud, or ransomware.

An initial diagnosis identifies the nature of the threat. You are then directed to dedicated documentation or, if the incident is confirmed, to a chat with a police officer or gendarme to receive “immediate advice and initiate legal proceedings,” according to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. In case of software damage, you may also be referred to a certified technical service provider.