The Rise Of The Crypto Phone Between revelations of NSA spying and a sense that marketers and hackers are picking our digital pockets we re all getting a little edgy about cellular security. Hence the rapid growth of the cryptophone industry. Most of the handsets run on  hardened versions of Android that make privacy the default for app permissions and network connections. Wary users can also employ tools to convert voice or text messages into spy-proof gibberish. FreedomPop ($189) uses a virtual private network while the Silent Circle tool runs on two products released in June: the Blackphone ($629) and the Vertu Signature Touch ($10800 with a silent alarm if you re kidnapped for ransom). �The $3500 GSMK CryptoPhone s firewall even blocks snoops that can impersonate cell towers. � �Free on any platformPros It allows you to query Google without accepting cookies or giving your IP address and to use Google as a proxy clicking through to third-party sites.Con Proxy surfing feature can be slow. � � �Free Android; iOS coming late summerPros Apps enable �end-to-end encrypted calling and messaging. �Open-source code allows for shared fixes.Con Your callers also need to have the apps installed for the encryption to work. � �Free Windows OS X Linux Orbot for AndroidPros The preconfigured browser routes you through a worldwide network of proxy servers anonymizing IP numbers.Con NSA views Tor usage as suspicious. � �Free tails.boum.org/Pros Housed on a USB memory stick or a DVD this Linux variant OS uses only anonymous Tor Internet connections and leaves no evidence of your session. �Con Some popular software packages won t run on Linux. � �$40 hidecell.comPros Storing your phone in a metal-lined bag will eliminate surveillance possibilities by blocking cell-tower signals along with your Wi-Fi GPS and Bluetooth connections.Con �Mom can t get through either. � �This article originally appeared in the �September 2014 issue �of �Popular Science.