Affiliate Disclosure
We believe in full transparency. Here's exactly how this directory works, how we make money, and why you can trust our recommendations.
The Short Version
Some links in this directory are affiliate links. When you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We also recommend many tools we don't earn from because they're simply the best options.
How We Choose What to List
Every tool in this directory is here because we believe it's a good option for mission-driven organizations. Our selection criteria:
- Privacy-first: Tools must respect user privacy and minimize data collection
- Security-focused: Strong encryption and security practices
- Practical: Usable by real organizations with varying technical capabilities
- Trustworthy: Companies with good track records and transparent practices
Whether or not a tool has an affiliate program has no bearing on whether we list it or how we describe it.
Tools We Don't Earn From
Some of our strongest recommendations don't pay us a penny:
- Mullvad VPN — They explicitly refuse affiliate marketing. We recommend them anyway because they're excellent.
- Signal — A nonprofit with no affiliate program. Still the gold standard for secure messaging.
- Calyx Institute — Nonprofit providing privacy-focused connectivity.
- GrapheneOS — Community project with no commercial affiliate program.
We include these because our goal is to help you find the best tools, not the most profitable ones for us.
How Affiliate Links Work
When we have an affiliate relationship with a product:
- We clearly label it as an affiliate link
- The link contains a referral code that identifies us
- If you make a purchase, we receive a commission (typically 10-40% depending on the product)
- You pay the same price you would without the affiliate link
How We Display Affiliate Status
On every product page, you'll see one of two notes under the main call-to-action button:
- "Affiliate link – we may earn a commission" — We have an affiliate relationship
- "Direct link – we don't earn from this recommendation" — No affiliate relationship
This way, you always know whether clicking benefits us financially.
Our Privacy Commitment
This directory itself follows the same privacy principles we advocate:
- No Google Analytics or third-party tracking
- No cookies for tracking purposes
- No data sold to third parties
- Affiliate links are direct (no tracking redirects through third-party networks when possible)
We use simple, aggregated click counting to understand which tools are most popular. This data contains no personally identifiable information.
Our Business Model
Ascension Strategy Solutions is a security consulting firm. This directory serves multiple purposes:
- Provide a free resource for organizations evaluating privacy tools
- Build trust and demonstrate our expertise
- Generate some revenue through affiliate commissions
- Connect organizations who need help with our consulting services
Affiliate revenue is a small part of our business. Our primary income comes from consulting engagements where we help organizations implement secure infrastructure. This means we have no incentive to recommend expensive or unnecessary tools — we'd rather help you succeed with the right solution.
Questions?
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships or how we evaluate tools, we're happy to discuss. Reach out at info@ascensionstrategy.solutions.
Last updated: January 27, 2026