Frequently Asked Questions

Privacy Reset Solutions is a Perth-based electronic privacy consultancy offering personal, hands-on “Privacy Reset” services for Windows PCs and laptops. In simple terms, we help you minimize your digital footprint on your computer and increase your online privacy so that you’re less prone to online surveillance, data tracking, malware, scams, and other cyber threats. Think of it as a privacy makeover for your PC – our expert comes to your home and adjusts your settings, removes risky bloatware, and installs privacy-protective tools to secure your data. We noticed that most cybersecurity services cater only to big businesses, leaving everyday people without guidance. Privacy Reset Solutions fills that gap by providing affordable, one-on-one support that gives you peace of mind and a faster, cleaner, more private computer without the hassle of doing it yourself, or making a mistake.

The answer is simple. ... Online threats to our rights to privacy and security are mounting faster than people can handle them. Most people are not even aware of how vulnerable they are online, and that this is being taken advantage of by bad actors, data brokers, marketers, "big tech" companies, and government entities. Online surveillance is pervasive, and getting more and more intrusive, and unfortunately the computer tech we use daily continues to enable this. In our opinion, personal computer operating systems (especially Microsoft Windows), most applications that run on it, and social media platforms - are basically spyware these days. Personal data is the new dollar, and it is mined, packaged, and sold to anyone who wants to pay for it. For example, marketers can buy your preferences and surfing habits; Law enforcement can buy your "publicly provided" data in lieu of justifying a warrant; Politicians can accurately guess how you are going to vote, before you even get to the polls; Scammers can buy your phone number, email address, credit card number, and driver's licence number for a pittance. (Did I hear anyone say Identity Theft?) We want to help everyday individuals reclaim their privacy and security rights. With a little effort and a bit of guidance, individuals no longer have to be easy targets for data brokers, scammers, online surveillance, or "big tech" profiling. This is why we exist: We want to help people enjoy their online experiences, and be free to express themselves without the constant fear of being 'watched', 'monitored', 'tracked', and 'profiled'.

Our services are designed for individuals and families who use Windows PCs and care about their privacy and security online. Whether you’re a tech-savvy professional worried about corporate data breaches, a parent looking to child-proof your family computer, or an activist/journalist concerned about hostile surveillance, we can help tailor a solution for you. For example, a busy professional might use our Privacy Reset to protect sensitive work files and avoid phishing scams, while a family might want to filter out malware and inappropriate content to keep their kids safe. Essentially, anyone who feels uneasy about how much of their personal information is exposed – from remote workers and small business owners to retirees – can benefit. (Note: We currently focus on individual users and small businesses, rather than large corporate clients.)

We offer a range of services - from basic to advanced. Truth is, you probably won't be needing ALL of the services we provide. The combination of services that work for you will be different from someone else's. We pride ourselves in providing the best outcomes possible for YOU - taking into consideration your needs and budget. Here is a list of basic and advanced services we can provide: • De-bloat Microsoft Windows • Disable Tracking Telemetry • Setup a trusted Password Manager • Secure and Complete Program Uninstall • Forensically Wipe Residual Data • VPN Installation and Configuration • Virtual Machine Installation • Full-disk Encryption • Adult/Malware DNS Filter (Router & Device) • Setup Local Non-Admin Windows User Accounts • Anti-Malware Deep Scan • Privacy-respecting Office Suite Installation • Data Backup Installation and Configuration • Setup Email Aliasing • Setup Multiple Virtual Debit Cards • Compromised Credential Discovery • Browser Privacy Hardening • Setup Tails OS • Kid-safe Search Engine Setup • Mobile Phone Settings Hardening (Android) • Setup De-Googled Phone. See the Services page, or call us for more information on the services we provide. That is why it is crucial to have a FREE Initial Phone Consultation - to understand your unique circumstance, and advise a suitable solution mix tailored to you. After the work is done, we'll provide you with a FREE Privacy Reset Hardening Activity Report outlining all the activities undertaken. What's in the report depends on what services you choose to use. We also provide an optional (but recommended) Quarterly Privacy/Security Health Check / Review. This is like a privacy tune-up in case settings, features, or programs have been added, removed, or changed since the last 'Privacy Reset'. Call us to discuss this, or talk to us about this when we do your Privacy Reset.

The Privacy Reset is a comprehensive tune-up for your Windows PC’s privacy and security settings. We customise the process to your needs, but our core service typically includes: • De-bloating Windows: Removing unnecessary pre-installed programs and bloatware for a cleaner, faster system. • Disabling intrusive telemetry: Shutting off or limiting Windows tracking features that collect your usage data, to reduce what information is sent out. • Complete program cleanup: Uninstalling any unwanted or suspicious applications thoroughly, including leftover files and registry entries, to eliminate hidden risks. • Secure data wiping: Forensically wiping free disk space. This ensures that any previously “deleted” files are truly unrecoverable, protecting you from forensic data snooping. • Privacy-hardened web browsing: Installing a privacy-respecting web browser (or strengthening your current browser’s settings) to block trackers and ads. • Password manager setup: Setting up a secure password manager and teaching you how to use it, so you can manage all your logins safely with strong, unique passwords. All these steps work together to immediately boost your privacy and make your computer run more efficiently (you’ll likely notice it running faster and smoother as a bonus). We also adjust any other settings specific to your situation. It’s a bespoke service, so we focus on the areas of most concern to you. You can select one of our pre-packaged services, or you can call us to customise a solution for you specifically, using any of the individual services we offer.

The in-person Privacy Reset session is usually about 2 to 3 hours per computer. This gives us enough time to carefully implement all the core privacy fixes and any add-ons you requested, while also answering your questions as we go. Before the onsite visit, we’ll have a free initial phone consultation (perhaps 15 minutes) to discuss your needs and schedule the appointment. During the home visit, we work efficiently but won’t rush – we want to ensure everything is done properly and that you’re comfortable with the changes. (If you have multiple devices or choose many optional add-on services, we’ll let you know if we need a bit more time. In most cases, a single afternoon is plenty to get one PC fully “reset” and secured.)

We believe in transparent and accessible pricing. The core Privacy Reset package – which includes the full 2–3 hour in-home service with all the essential privacy enhancements – is approximately $350 AUD. This flat fee covers the entire process on one Windows PC. There are no hidden charges for the standard service. Your initial phone consultation is free of charge, and you only pay when you decide to go ahead with the in-person reset. If you choose any optional add-ons (for example, setting up a VPN or full disk encryption), those come at an additional fixed fee which we’ll discuss and confirm with you upfront, so you’re always aware of the total cost. You can also estimate these costs by visiting the Services page on our website. By leveraging trusted open-source tools and focusing on what really matters, we keep our prices much lower than typical corporate IT security consultants (who often charge thousands). Our goal is to make privacy protection affordable for the average person.

The price we advertise is indicative of what most situations require and has been carefully considered to provide the best value for most situations. However, we sometimes offer packages and discounts in certain cases. For example, if you decide to include multiple optional add-on services during your Privacy Reset (say you want a VPN setup and a secure virtual machine and full-disk encryption), we can bundle them together at a better rate rather than charging each as a separate item. We’ll customise a package price that saves you money when you combine services. We also provide discounts for ongoing service plans – a good example is our quarterly follow-up program: if you pre-pay for a year of quarterly privacy check-ups, we give a discounted rate compared to booking those visits one by one. Similarly, our monthly newsletter (if you choose to subscribe) is offered at a low cost – around $5–$10 per month – and may come at a reduced price if paid annually upfront. We’re quite flexible and upfront about pricing, so if you have particular needs, let us know and we’ll see if we can put together a cost-effective bundle that works for you. The bottom line: we want our services to be both effective and budget-friendly, and we’ll reward clients who commit to longer-term protection with better value.

Convenience and transparency. We come to you! There’s no need to haul your PC to a shop or let strangers take it away; our consultant will arrive at your home (or office) at the scheduled time with everything needed. The visit starts with a quick chat about any specific concerns or goals you have, then we get to work on your Windows computer right in front of you. A typical Privacy Reset home session lasts about 2–3 hours. During that time, we’ll perform all the steps of the service: cleaning up bloatware, tightening privacy settings, installing and configuring the agreed tools, etc., as described in our service package. You’re welcome (and encouraged) to observe everything we do. We want you to ask questions, watch the process, and learn some tips if you’re interested. Our goal is not just to fix things and leave, but to make sure you feel comfortable and informed about what’s happening on your PC. Our ultimate goal is to empower you for now and for the future. The atmosphere is friendly and professional: think of it like having a knowledgeable friend come over to improve your computer. We work carefully and methodically, and if any decision points come up (for example, choosing one browser vs. another), we involve you in the process. Importantly, no data will leave your premises! We do all the work onsite, and we don’t copy or upload your personal information anywhere. By the end of the consultation, you can expect to see a snappier computer and new privacy safeguards in place. We’ll wrap up by walking you through any new software installed (for instance, we’ll show you how to use your new Password Manager) and ensure all your questions are answered before we go. You should feel a sense of relief and empowerment knowing your PC is now much more private and secure.

We take your privacy and confidentiality extremely seriously – after all, privacy protection is our whole business. No, we do not go snooping through your personal documents, photos, files, or emails; in fact, during a Privacy Reset we rarely need to open your personal files at all. Our work focuses on your system’s settings and installing/configuring privacy tools, not on viewing your private data. Everything we do is done with you present and watching, so you can see firsthand that we’re only making the changes we promised and nothing more. Because the service is performed on-site at your home, none of your data ever leaves your possession. We don’t take your computer away, and we don’t transmit your information to any outside servers. This on-site, one-on-one approach is very different from remote support services where you might not know what’s happening in the background. We also adhere to strict ethical standards: any sensitive information we might incidentally see (for example, if you show us something on your screen) is kept absolutely confidential. We’re happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement if that gives you extra peace of mind. Additionally, we only use trusted, reputable software tools (largely open-source) that are well-vetted by the security community – no mystery programs that would compromise your data. In short, you remain in control throughout the process. Many clients tell us they appreciate the transparency of being able to watch every step. Our goal is to build trust: we treat your computer and data with the same care and respect as if it were our own.

Nearly all of the software and tools we use in a Privacy Reset are at no additional cost to you, and open-source or otherwise trusted privacy-focused programs. One of our core principles is to leverage excellent free solutions (if possible) so that you don’t end up needing expensive software subscriptions on top of our service. During the service, we might install or configure a variety of tools depending on your needs. For example, we often set up a privacy-respecting web browser (or harden your existing browser’s settings) to block trackers and ads. We’ll install a password manager to securely store your passwords. These programs and others are generally free to use, and we’ll show you how to use them effectively. If you’re using any applications that are known to be invasive or unsecure, we’ll suggest safer alternatives. For instance, we can install a free open-source office suite, as a privacy-friendly alternative to Microsoft Office. We also configure built-in Windows settings and free tools to encrypt your data or firewall your network as needed. All the software we put in place is reputable and widely used in the cybersecurity community – no sketchy apps. In cases where a truly premium solution is warranted (for example, if you want a top-tier VPN service for encrypted browsing), we’ll help set it up for you, but the choice of provider and any subscription cost will be up to you (we can recommend VPNs that don’t keep logs of your activity and have strong privacy track records). Rest assured, we’re not reselling software or earning commissions. Our priority is to equip you with the best tools for your privacy, at little or no extra cost. By the end of the session, your computer will be outfitted with powerful privacy software, and we’ll make sure you know how to use them day-to-day.

Absolutely! Our goal is to build a long-term relationship and keep your privacy protected over time, not just do a one-off job. After your Privacy Reset service, we remain available to you for any questions or issues that might arise. If a week later you’re unsure about something or need a bit of advice, you can always give us a call or send an email – we’ll be happy to help. For more structured ongoing support, we offer a couple of optional programs: • Quarterly Privacy Check-ups: Think of this as routine maintenance for your privacy. Every three months or so, we can schedule a short visit (about 1–1.5 hours) to review your settings and systems. We’ll check that nothing has reverted or slipped (for example, sometimes a big Windows update might turn tracking features back on – we’ll catch that and fix it). We’ll also address any new threats or concerns that have come up since your last service. These periodic check-ups keep you up-to-date and give you peace of mind that your privacy defenses remain strong. If you book a year’s worth of quarterly check-ups in advance, we provide a discount to make it cost-effective. Of course, you can also just call us as needed, but many clients like the set-and-forget assurance of a scheduled quarterly review. • Monthly Privacy Newsletter: We'll be offering a low-cost monthly email newsletter full of practical privacy tips, news, and advice to help you stay informed. It’s like getting a mini coaching session in your inbox each month. For example, we might highlight a new scam to watch out for, or a cool new privacy app you can try. This newsletter is optional and will be available by subscription (around $5–$10 per month, and you can cancel anytime). It’s a convenient way to continue learning and protecting yourself after the initial reset, especially for clients who enjoy keeping up with the latest in security. In addition to these, we generally like to check in with our past clients occasionally. You might get a friendly annual phone call or email from us just to see how things are going and to remind you to consider if any updates are needed. There’s no charge for that kind of check-in; it’s part of our commitment to your long-term privacy protection. And of course, if you ever feel something isn’t right or you have a question down the road, just reach out. We stand by our work, so if an issue related to the service arises, we’ll make it right. In summary, we don’t disappear after we’ve “reset” your privacy. We’re here to support you for the long haul with advice, updates, and services whenever you need them.

Privacy Reset Solutions is proud to be a local business based in Landsdale, Perth, Western Australia. We currently serve clients throughout the greater Perth metropolitan area. If you’re in Perth or nearby suburbs, we can come to your location for the service. We do in-home (or on-site) consultations, so our range is generally anywhere within a reasonable driving distance of Perth. Being Perth-based means we understand the local community and even some of the unique regional challenges (and we can get to you quickly, since we’re just around the corner). At the moment, our focus is on Perth and its surrounds; as a small business we want to serve our home region with a personal touch. (If you’re outside Perth: you can still contact us – we might offer remote advice or refer you to resources, and as we grow we’re planning to expand our service coverage. In fact, our long-term vision is to eventually have a network of trusted consultants in other cities. But for now, we’re all about helping the people in our own backyard.)

We operate by appointment, and we’re quite flexible to accommodate our clients’ schedules. Evening and weekend slots are available to make it really convenient for you, so you don't have to take off from work, or your other daily routines. To get started, just reach out to us via phone or email (our contact info is on the website) and request a free consultation call. We’ll discuss your needs and find a convenient time for your in-person Privacy Reset. You can also use the “Book Now” feature on our site to request a session. We’ll always confirm appointments and show up on time. And don’t worry – just contacting us doesn’t cost a thing. We’re here to answer questions, so feel free to reach out even if you’re only considering the service. Building trust is important to us, and we’re happy to chat about what you need and how we can help.

At this time, Privacy Reset Solutions focuses exclusively on Microsoft Windows installations. This is because Windows remains the most widely used operating system in Australian households and small businesses - and unfortunately, it’s also the most targeted by spyware, telemetry, and scams. By concentrating on Windows, we’re able to offer deep, hands-on expertise and deliver the highest quality results during each privacy reset session. That said, we absolutely understand the privacy concerns around Apple and Linux devices, and we plan to expand our service offerings in the future. If you use iPhones, iPads, or Linux systems alongside your Windows devices, we’re always happy to offer general advice and trusted resources during your consultation.

Unfortunately, no. Privacy Reset Solutions does not offer malware or ransomware recovery services. Our focus is on preventing these kinds of threats from happening in the first place by improving your system’s privacy and security posture. We also do not work on devices that are known or suspected to be infected, to avoid any risk of bringing malware into our own systems or other clients' environments. However, we do perform a thorough malware check on every device before starting a Privacy Reset. If we detect signs of infection that cannot be removed by standard means, we’ll stop the session and advise you to first seek help from a trusted malware removal specialist or IT recovery service. Once your device is confirmed clean, we’ll be happy to help harden it against future threats and reduce the risk of future compromise. Our priority is to keep both you and our broader client community safe.

Yes, we do. While our website highlights our most commonly requested Privacy Reset services, we also offer a range of bespoke privacy enhancements based on each client’s specific setup, risk profile, and preferences. Some additional services we may offer include: • Public Speaking Engagements • Compromised credential and email breach discovery • Monthly privacy newsletter subscription • On-call support via annual retainer • Android mobile phone settings hardening • Setup of de-Googled phones (Google Pixel devices only) • Installation of privacy-respecting alternatives to commonly used software such as: • Windows File Explorer • Adobe Photoshop • Image and PDF viewers • Microsoft Outlook or Gmail • Media Players, etc. These services are tailored on a case-by-case basis during your consultation. If you have specific privacy or software concerns, just let us know. We’re happy to advise and customise a solution that fits your needs.