Latest Security How-To Stories
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The mysterious ~$ files–nothing to worry about
Lillian Lim noticed strange files appearing and disappearing. The file names always begin with ~$.How-To
Security to go: Three tips to keep your mobile data safe
It’s not easy keeping your devices secure, and mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and, of course, laptops are no exception. But you can do a few things to improve your mobile security. Here’s a look at three of them.Hassle-Free PC
How to set up two-factor authentication in Evernote
Even freebie accounts can now benefit from this valuable security feature.Answer Line
Actually, you do need to share your passwords
No one stays healthy forever. At some point, your loved ones will need access to all of your accounts. You can make that job easier for them.How-To
5 Wi-Fi security myths you must abandon now
Save yourself and your friends from these outdated or inaccurate security techniques, and learn the current best practices.How-To
Lockdown: How to secure your PC without going crazy
Digital privacy is within your grasp with this practical beginner's guide to encryption.Answer Line
Understanding tech language: The difference between malware and a virus
While cleaning up an infected PC, Flingwing asked the Antivirus & Security Software forum to explain the difference between malware and virusesHow-To
PC security, NSA-style: 7 tips from the spymasters
Some of the agency's countersurveillance tips are easy for anyone to implement.How-To
How to protect your PC against devious security traps
From phishers to hackers to all sorts of attackers, here's what you need to know to stay safe on the Web.How-To
How to clean and secure your browser like a pro
Ads and toolbars are the scum and villainy of the browser world. Eliminate them quickly and make sure they never come back with these simple tips.Hassle-Free PC
Why I’m turning over password management to Dashlane
This utility is so good, I'm even going to pay for the premium version.How-To
Tech Tip: Getting a password manager
Having a hard time keeping all your password information straight? A password manager can take the guesswork out of logging in.Answer Line
Put your passwords in your pocket and take them everywhere you go
Password managers help you keep more passwords than you can memorize. Eric asked if he could carry one on a flash drive.
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Here’s what an eavesdropper sees when you use an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot
Use unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots much? You'll rethink that practice after we show you what can be captured from those connections.How-To
Five essential security measures to protect your business—no matter its size
Take these basic steps to safeguard your business's invaluable information assets.How-To
How to child-proof the Internet
Child predators, pornography, online bullying—kids can stumble into all sorts of trouble online. Make sure your PC, mobile devices, and social networks are safe with these simple tips.Answer Line
Manage passwords, and not just on the Web
Mgentry2 asked the Windows forum to recommend password managers that can " keep track of both online passwords and desktop application passwords (Outlook, Quicken, etc.)."Updated
How to securely wipe sensitive files–or your entire hard drive
Rommel asked the Utilities forum for advice on cleaning files off a hard drive so that they can never be restoredHow-To
How to protect your PC from Prism surveillance
You have the right to be secure in your electronic communications. Here are a few tips on how to do it.How-To
When malware strikes: How to clean an infected PC
Snuffing out viruses and malware is serious business. Here's how to diagnose, treat, and protect an ailing PC.How-To
Five steps to ultimate Firefox security
Fend off malware, phishers, and their ilk by exercising Firefox's built-in security features and picking some useful add-ons.Answer Line
For security’s sake, upgrade to a newer version of Office
Russell Caplan still uses Office 2003, which Microsoft will stop supporting next year. He asked if he will need to upgrade to a more current version.How-To
Make your passwords harder to crack
In this video Tech Tip, we'll show you how to make life harder on hackers by coming up with more complex passwords.Hassle-Free PC
Passwords: You’re doing it wrong. Here’s how to make them uncrackable.
In honor of "Password Day," McAfee shares some tips on creating hack-proof passwords.How-To
Designing your digital legacy
Virtual life can go on. Here's how to set up your online estate through major social networks and useful Web services.How-To
E-signatures: The complete guide to paperless signing
Click-to-sign documents are just as legal as pen-and-paper versions. Here's how to implement e-signatures in your small business.How-To
How to set up two-factor authentication for Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and more
No more excuses! Microsoft, Google, and Facebook make it easy to improve your account security with two-factor authentication. Here's how.Answer Line
One antivirus program is better than two
Arcticsid installed one antivirus program on a new PC that already had another. Then he asked the Antivirus & Security Software forum if that was a good idea.Hassle-Free PC
How to enable Family Safety features in Windows 8
Microsoft has added some nifty new features to Windows' parental controls. Here's how to get your child's PC set up.How-To
12 easy PC tasks you should be doing (but aren’t)
The excuses end here! Get your PC into tip-top shape by performing these 12 simple tweaks.How-To
8 secrets to super-productive telecommuting
Telecommuting sounds like a dream come true, but it takes effort to stay productive and motivated. Here's how to work from home the right way.Answer Line
When you encrypt a file or a hard drive, is it really secure?
Porcupins asked the Antivirus & Security Software forum if encryption standards like AES really make your data secure.How-To
How (and why) to set up a VPN today
Investing in a good VPN is one of the smartest steps you can take toward improving your online privacy. We'll show you how to do it right.How-To
Google Chrome: Best security tips for safer browsing
The browser's built-in security features are good but not perfect. Here's how to work around Chrome's shortcomings and protect yourself from attack.
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Video: How to secure your home Wi-Fi network
In this Tech Tip video, we'll show you how to do more than just set a password to restrict access to your Wi-Fi network.How-To
When alien hardware invades: 4 keys to BYOD success
The ‘bring your own device’ revolution is invading workplaces nationwide, and whether you’re an IT admin or an employee, you must be ready to handle the growing pains.How-To
Windows 8 picture passwords: Their great untapped potential
Windows 8 lets you use a series of gestures to log into your PC, a minor improvement with big implications for data thieves and desktop enthusiasts.Answer Line
Answer Line: Why do I get so much spam?
Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Carol asked why there's so much of it.
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Answer Line: Change your Wi-Fi password on various devices
1gynRat258 asked the Windows forum how to change the password for a home Wi-Fi network.How-To
Windows 8: Put its hidden security features to work!
Lost among Windows 8's many controversies is a raft of useful security tools. Here's how to leverage them to the max.How-To
How to prevent ‘zombie accounts’ from haunting your digital identity
All those online services and accounts you've let languish are like zombies waiting to rise from the grave and bite you. Here's how to deal with the digital undead.How-To
A road warrior’s guide to locking down your laptop
Have notebook, will travel? Here's how to protect your valuable notebook against prying eyes, snatching hands, and malicious Wi-Fi connections.Hassle-Free PC
How to temporarily disable Microsoft Security Essentials
Think your anti-virus program is causing a conflict with some other program? Here's how to switch it off for temporary troubleshooting.How-To
How to encrypt (almost) anything
Adding a layer of protection to your data is easier than you think. Here's how to get started with the software and drives you use every day.How-To
Turn your flash drive into a portable PC survival kit
When web utilities won't work and all hope fails, a properly loaded thumb drive can fix PC hassles in a flash.
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Prepare an old PC for a new owner
James R. Miller has a new computer and will be donating his old one. He asked for advice about preparing his old PC for the transition.
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Malware or false positive?
Davikokar launched a program even though Norton warned that it was a Trojan. A subsequent hard drive scan revealed nothing bad. Davikokar then asked the Antivirus & Security Software forum if Norton had given a false positive?Hassle-Free PC
Three New Year’s resolutions for PC users
Want to keep your computer running smoothly in 2013? Make these tasks part of your regular routine.How-To
How to activate Windows Defender in Windows 8
Microsoft's stock Windows Defender app protects your Windows 8 PC against all sorts of nasties, but OEMs can disable the software to install an antivirus trial. Here's how to turn it back on.
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