Tool Uses Fake Info to Keep Your Personal Data Safe

Uploading your personal data to websites is a scary idea for many Internet users. After all, even the most respected web-based companies are vulnerable to security attack. So, is there a way to upload your data without making it vulnerable to hackers?

A new tool called 'MaskMe' might be the answer for many web users.

First of all, there's nothing particularly new about the features found in MaskMe, which was created by privacy software developer Abine. The program includes a wide range of features that can be found elsewhere.

Many Privacy Tools, One Browser Extension

However, MaskMe's unique in that it takes all of those privacy protection tools and places them in a single, convenient extension for the Chrome and Firefox browsers from Google and Mozilla. (Source: pcworld.com)

There are two versions of MaskMe to choose from. The first is free and gives users access to several useful features. One lets you create a fake email address, which can be useful for accessing services from sites you don't want to give your real email address to.

MaskMe then tethers your real email account to the fake one, giving users a barrier between their fake and legitimate email addresses. Users can choose to have emails forwarded to their proper address or leave the wall in place. (Source: abine.com)

The free version of MaskMe also gives users access to a password generator that can be used for creating and storing extremely strong passwords. MaskMe encrypts the stored passwords, making them easy for you (but difficult for hackers) to access.

Premium Version Includes Credit Card, Phone Number Protection

The "premium" version of MaskMe can be accessed with a $5 per month subscription.

Premium MaskMe features include a "virtual" credit card number similar to the fake email address system available to basic users.

In this case MaskMe tethers your real credit card number to a fake one, allowing you to make legitimate purchases but keeping your actual credit card information off merchants' websites.

A second premium feature is called "Masked Phone" and, once again, it provides fake information to websites while MaskMe stores your actual phone number. Anyone calling the fake number can be forwarded to a person's real phone, if desired.

The advantage here is that users can customize who and what gets through. Right now the feature is only available to U.S. users, though Abine says it's working on extending Masked Phone to international clients.

If you're interested in giving MaskMe a try, it can be accessed through both the Google Play store and Apple's App Store. You can also download MaskMe through Abine's website by clicking here.