Latest Security How-To Stories
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How-To
Your email account was hacked. What now?
Hackers hijack mail accounts to send spam unnoticed under someone else's name. But the intruders leave traces, and there are also ways to get rid of them again.
How-To
What is a zero day exploit? The most dangerous security attacks, explained
Zero-day gaps are software vulnerabilities for which no patch is yet available, although there is no time to lose. Nevertheless, you are not completely without protection.
How-To
The 5 most dangerous Wi-Fi attacks, and how to fight them
Your router is a popular target for hackers. But if you know how such an attack works, you can take protective measures beforehand to make it impossible for hackers to take over your Wi-Fi network, router, and home network.
How-To
Sick of Chrome and Edge? Switch to one of these 9 secure browsers instead
Chrome and Edge are not the only browsers for your computer.
How-To
The best Linux backup tools: Don't put it off any longer
Although data backup is a rather annoying task, it's nevertheless necessary. We present tools that make backups particularly convenient and secure.
How-To
10 essential tips to make Google Chrome more secure
Are you aware of your browser's security settings? Here are the most important Chrome tips to help you surf more safely.
How-To
Windows 11: How to improve your security and privacy
We show you how Windows 11 keeps you safe and how to maximize your privacy.
How-To
How to spot a scam email (and scam texts)
Scam emails can cause massive headaches or, worse, financial ruin. Here are some telltale warning signs to look out for.
Updated
How to update your PC’s BIOS
Updating your BIOS can cut boot times, fix compatibility issues, and improve overall performance–or brick your system if you do it wrong. But with recent AM5 motherboard issues, an out-of-date BIOS can leave your PC vulnerable.
How-To
How to securely erase your hard drive or SSD
Ensure that the data on your old drives is safe from prying eyes with this simple guide to securely wiping your hard drives.
How-To
Get your email privacy in order with these free must-use tools
Protect your email address and stop email snooping with these free tools.
Tip
The one password manager setting you should always change
This ten-second tweak boosts the safety of your login info.
How-To
How to find the recovery key for your encrypted Windows 11 PC
Chances are that Microsoft automatically encrypted your PC during setup. But don’t worry—that key should be safely stored. Here’s where to find it.
How-To
How to encrypt files in Windows
Whether you use Windows Pro's built-in Bitlocker or the free Veracrypt utility, encrypting a file, folder, or drive is an easy way to keep your sensitive documents secure.
How-To
Twitch hack: How to change your password and set up two-factor authentication
Here's how to change your Twitch password and set up two-factor authentication in the wake of a massive alleged hack.
How-To
How to encrypt your Facebook messages with Secret Conversations
Facebook's encrypted messaging feature, Secret Conversations, is available for everyone on Android and iOS.
How-To
How to protect yourself from the new Microsoft Office hack
A step-by-step guide to make sure Office's Protected View is keeping you safe from the latest attack.
How-To
How to create strong, secure passwords by learning how to crack them
Learn why strong, secure paswords matter by seeing how easy it is to crack passwords with a common tool. Longer, more complex passwords are best, and you'll see why.
How-To
How to pick the perfect password
What's the best password? We'll show you the rules and strategies we'd recommend to pick a safe, strong password that will keep your data secure.
How-To
How to tell if your password has been stolen
How can you tell if your password has been stolen or compromised as part of a password breach? We'll discuss free and paid services you can use, from websites to your browser or paid password managers.
Updated
How to set up a VPN in Windows
Step-by-step instructions for configuring the built-in VPN client in Windows 7 and Windows 10.Tip
Tip: You can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free
Windows 7 went end-of-life today, but you can still take advantage of Microsoft's offer of a free Windows 10 upgrade, even though it officially ended years ago.
How-To
Windows 7 is dead: How to stay as safe as possible after the security updates stop
Windows 7 is officially end of life, meaning it will no longer receive security updates. If you're going to keep using it, here's how to stay as safe as possible.
Updated
How to remove your login password from Windows 10
Sure, you can remove your password from your Windows 10 PC, as long as it's in a very safe place. Here's how.
Updated
Windows Sandbox: How to use Microsoft’s simple virtual Windows PC to secure your digital life
Microsoft's Windows Sandbox creates a safe space where you can try suspicious software or sites without risking your 'real' PC. Here's how to use it.
How-To
How to protect yourself from online scams including ransomware and more
Protect yourself from online scams with these tips, including a detailed account of attempts to remove ransomware.
How-To
How to avoid Internet fraud, scams, phishing and other cybercrime
Internet fraud takes many forms, but they share a common goal: Extracting money or personal data from an unsuspecting user. Here's how to avoid their traps.
Updated
How to remove malware from your Windows PC
Has malicious software taken your PC hostage? Our malware-removal guide will help you clean out your PC and restore it to a pristine state.
How-To
How to send anonymous emails
How to create an anonymous email account that's not connected to your daily identity.
How-To
Surprise, Opera’s free VPN is back! Here’s how to get it on your Android phone
Opera's VPN has returned as a browser feature after the standalone app was shut down last April. Here's how to get it on your phone.
How-To
How to secure, protect, and completely lock down your Android phone
Whether you just got a new Android phone or have had one for a while, it's probably not as secure as it could be. Here’s how to lock it down.How-To
How to check if Facebook shared your personal info with Cambridge Analytica
Cambridge Analytica harvested personal information from 87 million Facebook users. Here's how to tell if you were affected.
Updated
How to find your motherboard’s Spectre CPU fix
Finding and installing Spectre CPU firmware updates for DIY PCs is complicated and involves updating your motherboard BIOS. Here's how.How-To
How to download your Facebook data
What exactly is on your Facebook profile? You can peruse your profile online, but that doesn't tell the whole story. The easiest way to see your Facebook data is to download it.
Updated
Is your VPN secure? How to check for leaks
A trusted virtual private network is a great tool for security and privacy, but if it's not configured correctly it may not be so private.
Updated
How to build the best free PC security software suite
By combining the best free PC security software available, you can fortify your PC against all manner of attacks.
Smart Mobile Tricks
6 ways to make the most of 1Password for iOS and Android
You'll be a happier 1Password user once you master these mobile tips and tricks, from unlocking 1Password with your fingerprint to entering passwords with the 1Password keyboard.
Smart Mobile Tricks
6 easy ways to keep your Android phone secure
There are plenty of ways to keep your Android handset safe from the most common security threats, all with a minimum of effort. Read on to learn about the right passcodes, security settings and other safeguards.
Answer Line
4 ways to bolster your online privacy
Total online privacy is almost impossible, but these steps will get you a lot closer to being as anonymous as possible.
Updated
How to rescue your PC from ransomware
Ransomware is a serious headache. Don't negotiate with e-terrorists. Be a hero and rescue your hostage PC.Hassle-Free PC
The three laws of smart PC backups
Creating a solid backup strategy is easier than you think. Here's how to back up your PC the right way.Updated
Three privacy tools that block your Internet provider from tracking you
The government may soon allow your ISP to sell your browsing data. Here's how to fight back.
Hassle-Free PC
Three steps to make managing passwords easier
Dealing with passwords will probably never be painless, but you can at least simplify the process.Smart Mobile Tricks
5 alternative (and easier) ways to unlock your Android phone
You can set your Android phone to unlock itself when it's in your pocket, while you're near a certain location, when it hears your voice, and more.Hassle-Free PC
How to quickly check that your home IoT devices are secure
Don't let your smart clock expose you to hackers. A web app from BullGuard can help.Hassle-Free PC
How to turn off Windows Defender’s enhanced notifications in Windows 10
Windows Defender in the Anniversary Update loves to tell you what it's doing. Here's how to stop that.
Updated
A beginner’s guide to BitLocker, Windows’ built-in encryption tool
Here's how to set up BitLocker, the encryption tool Microsoft built right into many versions of Windows.
Hassle-Free PC
How to make sure you’re using the latest version of LastPass for Firefox
LastPass just patched a major security flaw that allowed an attacker to remotely compromise an account. Here's how to make sure you're not vulnerable.Answer Line
Why you should use two-step verification even if it’s a hassle
No one really likes two-step verification. It's annoying. And yes, it can be hacked. But you're still far safer with it than without it.How-To