The PCWorld Guide to Online Security
News, Reviews and How Tos from our security experts
Latest Best Picks for Security Software and Services
Updated
Best antivirus software 2024: Keep your PC safe from malware, spyware, and more
Your Windows PC needs virus protection. Some threats can’t be avoided without the aid of antivirus software. Choose the best antivirus software for you from our top picks.
Best Picks
Best VPNs for torrenting 2024: Speed, privacy, and security matter
Staying safe while torrenting is essential, and using a VPN like any of these top picks is the best way to do it.
Updated
Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2024: Watch from wherever you are
Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.
Updated
Best VPNs for Android 2024: Our picks for phones and tablets
PCWorld's picks for the best VPNs for Android devices including smartphones and tablets.
Updated
Best VPN services 2024: Top picks for speed, price, privacy, and more
Surfing the web through a virtual private network (VPN) can keep your identity and data safe and secure online. We show you what to look for in a VPN and help you pick the best one for your needs.
Best Picks
Best free VPN of 2024: It's important to choose wisely
VPNs are best when they're paid for, but if a premium account isn't in the cards then here are our top recommendations for a free service.
Updated
Best password managers 2024: Protect your online accounts
The best password is one you probably can't easily remember—that's why a password manager is so crucial to your online security. We review LastPass, Dashlane, Keeper, NordPass, and others to find the best one for managing passwords.
Best Picks
Best free VPN for Android 2024: Which ones can you trust?
When you need a quick free VPN connection for your Android phone or tablet here are the services we recommend.Latest Reviews of Security Software and Services
Reviews
Malwarebytes Premium Security review: An antimalware staple is now optional
Malwarebytes isn’t the vital supplement to Windows it used to be—but those who want a dead simple antivirus app will be served well.
Reviews
HMA VPN review: An easy-to-use VPN with servers in every corner of the world
There's a lot to like about HMA VPN, but there are also a few ways where it might not meet users' needs.
Reviews
Windscribe Pro review: Packed with features and a great free plan
Windscribe Pro has established itself as a simple and effective featured-packed service offering both VPN and ad blocking.
Reviews
Norton Antivirus Plus review: A slim suite for digital minimalists
Norton Antivirus Plus provides solids basics of online protection without any extra fluff—ideal for those avoiding unnecessary, expensive excess.
Reviews
DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro review: A simple, but effective privacy bundle
DuckDuckGo's new Privacy Pro bundle of services with a VPN, data removal service, and identity theft restoration service is a nice package of privacy-focused services for an affordable price.
Reviews
NordVPN review: More than just a VPN, it’s a privacy powerhouse
NordVPN has it all: excellent performance and a solid set of features that will appeal to both novices and power users. All of this make it one of the best VPNs around.
Reviews
Trend Micro Maximum Security review: Better alternatives exist
Underwhelming features, weak antivirus protection, and potentially showstopping bugs tank Trend Micro Maximum Security's appeal.
Reviews
Avast One review: Well-priced PC security with excellent protection
Avast One defends not just your PC from online threats, but you as well—and does so by going beyond just superb antivirus protection.Latest How To articles about Security Software and Services
How-To
Age verification laws threaten Pornhub, but a VPN can help
Recent age verification restrictions have made it difficult to access adult content in some U.S. states, except with the right VPN.
How-To
The ultimate free digital security guide: Stay safe without spending a dime
Excellent security tools are available to everyone. You don’t have to pay a single cent to protect yourself.
How-To
Quishing and vishing: How to protect yourself from new security threats
Quishing and vishing use modern technologies to obtain your data. Find out how you can protect yourself against these fraud methods.
Tip
Microsoft says you should always ask this one security question to avoid scams
Online and offline threats (including seasonal scams) are on the rise. But you can ward off the danger with four words—and a little outside help.
How-To
Passkeys explained: How to embrace a passwordless future today
Passkeys are increasingly replacing traditional passwords. This makes logging on to the internet much more convenient and secure. You can create your first passkey in just one minute.
How-To
Windows includes built-in ransomware protections. Here's how to turn it on
Did you know Windows includes ransomware protection built right in? Microsoft Defender can safeguard your PC, but the feature isn’t automatically enabled. Here's how to do it yourself.
Tip
Google's dark web monitoring is actually pretty helpful
I didn’t know the depth of this feature until my family got an early alert about the recent AT&T data leak.
Tip
Should I disconnect my PC from the internet when I have a virus?
It is often recommended to disconnect the internet connection in the event of a virus attack. But is it really sensible or even necessary to disconnect the computer from the internet?Latest News about Security Software and Services
Feature
Best VPN for Indiana, Idaho, and Kansas: Pornhub workarounds
Pornhub will soon add Indiana, Idaho, and Kansas to its list of blocked states following new age verification laws—but a VPN can be a viable workaround. These are the best VPNs to continue viewing the site while protecting your privacy.
News
Crypto scammers are double-dipping victims as fake lawyers
Law firms claiming to hunt down crypto scammers are, in fact, just perpetrating one more scam on victims.
Feature
Data breaches are everywhere—but you still need to pay attention to them
There’s one very important reason you shouldn’t tune out the news of data leaks, even though they’re now so common.
Opinion
Why are tech companies so willfully bad at privacy?
Some companies been around longer than some of us have been alive, but they refuse to learn from experience—and wonder why we’re hesitant about new tech.
News
Still use Kaspersky antivirus? The US is banning it, so prepare to switch
The US government has decided to bar sales and updates of Kaspersky's antivirus software. If you're a user, you need to switch.
Feature
VPNs and the law: How often does law enforcement actually request VPN logs?
VPNs regularly field requests for data when illegal activity is suspected. But what sorts of activities make up the bulk of those requests, and more importantly, how do the VPN providers respond? Those details are revealed here.
Feature
7 warning signs your computer has been hacked — and what to do
If something seems off with your PC or laptop, there's a chance you've been hacked. Here are the warning signs to look out for.
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