Latest Security How-To Stories
SEE SECURITY STORIES BY CATEGORY
How-To
How to set up recovery methods in RoboForm
It takes just a few minutes to avoid a headache later.
How-To
How to set up a passkey for your Microsoft account
Microsoft wants people to use passkeys for login across Windows and other devices—so the process is simple.
Tip
Make Chrome safer against scam sites by flipping on this AI feature
Chrome's Enhanced Safe Browsing feature now uses AI to recognize online threats as they surface.
How-To
Don't get locked out of Dashlane! Here's how to set up recovery methods
It takes 10 minutes max, and you’ll avoid a huge headache if you ever forget your password or lose access to your 2FA methods.
Tip
Samsung and LG Smart TVs are watching you. Here's how to stop it
TV manufacturers such as Samsung record viewing behavior of the content you watch. However, consent to this can be refused.
How-To
You should know how to recover your Windows account. Do you?
A few minutes now can save you from getting locked out of your PC later—and losing access to all your cloud files.
How-To
Amazon account hacked? Here's what to do
Getting locked out of your Amazon account or seeing strange orders can be scary. Here’s how to take back control and keep it safe.
Tip
Unlock this AI feature in Firefox and never fall for a scam link again
AI-powered link previews are a great way to "see ahead" so you don't end up clicking on malicious links.
How-To
Instagram might be leaking your location. Here's how to check
A new feature launched this summer could be letting others track you without you knowing.
Tip
Check out this AI chatbot that doesn't spy on your every move
If you have privacy concerns when using mainstream AI chatbots, you might want to switch to Proton Lumo.
Tip
Your Windows 11 PC hangs at shutdown? Adobe may be at fault
Adobe Creative Cloud is already expensive enough. But it might be costing you time, too.
How-To
Keep hackers away from your data! How to encrypt your laptop and USB drive
Laptops, external drives, and USB sticks are especially vulnerable to data theft, but with Windows and a few tools, you can protect them using encryption.
How-To
4 exotic phishing scams are surging. Here's how to catch them in the act
Phishing attacks are getting more advanced by the day. To help protect yourself against them, we'll provide information about the latest tricks used by these lowly criminals.
Updated
Fake AI images are flooding the Internet. Here's how to recognize them
Faking images, videos, and voice recordings has become much easier with the latest AI technology. But there are also new tools designed to recognize these fakes.
How-To
Is someone spying on your Wi-Fi? How to sniff out network snoops easily
Suspiciously slow Internet or unknown devices connecting without permission? How to recognize uninvited guests on your home network
How-To
Microsoft Edge can now block scareware, but there’s a tiny catch
Microsoft’s browser can spot fake alerts about technical issues or even a compromised PC, but it’s not automatic.
Tip
This ethical hacker’s one tip changed how I think about digital scams
Just a small amount of effort has a big effect.
Tip
Clear your YouTube activity history and reclaim your data privacy
Your Google account tracks the YouTube videos you've watched, liked, and commented on. Delete this data to protect your privacy.
Tip
Proton VPN: The first 5 settings you need to change
These quick and easy changes will optimize your VPN experience.
Tip
Getting email you didn't sign up for? Don't unsubscribe—it might be a scam
If you’re trying to rid yourself of unwanted messages, you could put yourself at risk when trying to unsubscribe from the mailing list.
How-To
How to install a VPN on a Fire TV Stick
Enjoy greater privacy and the ability to unlock location-restricted content by using a VPN with your Fire TV Stick.
Tip
I use this $18 box to safely plug in all my outdoor smart devices
I use power strips and multi-plug extension cords to power my outdoor smart lights, water feature pumps, barbecue, and more. This box keeps everything hidden and dry.
Tip
Why using a VPN and Tor together can backfire on your privacy
VPNs and Tor both offer security, but using them together isn't always safer. Here's what you should know.
Tip
This dual-power LED flashlight makes my Maglite feel like a relic
The Infinity X1 can run on either rechargeable or disposable batteries, it can charge your phone, and it will make a wicked club during the zombie apocalypse.
Tip
Use this tucked-away Chrome feature to surf the web more safely
Safety has always been paramount when surfing the web. Fortunately, Chrome has a nifty feature that keeps you safe with minimal effort. Here's how to use it.
How-To
Windows Defender isn't just PC antivirus. Here are all the ways it protects you
Microsoft causes confusion with its names. This is also the case with Defender device protection. The guide breaks down the differences between Windows Defender, the Defender app and Windows security.
Tip
This Microsoft dev battles scams daily. Here’s the one tip he wants you to know
Out of work? This acronym helps you spot phony opportunities fast—and the principles apply to other types of fraud too.
How-To
Don't get hacked! I open dubious PC files in a sandbox. You should too
Files and links that you receive could be infected with viruses. If you are ever unsure whether a file is harmless or whether a link leads to a safe website, check it in an online sandbox.
How-To
Is someone spying on your Facebook account? Here's how to find out
If a hacker has secret access to your messages, posts, photos, and videos, you can kick them out.
How-To
So long, passwords: 5 easy ways to use passkeys
This alternative to passwords is not only simpler, but more secure too. Here’s how to get started.
How-To
How to turn a USB flash drive into a secure login key for your PC
Here's how you can turn a USB flash drive into a secure key for your PC!
How-To
Need to surf the web anonymously? These 4 tools can help
You leave your identity behind when you surf. Within a virtual machine, you can partially blur your own surfing tracks. TOR and Tails can also make a significant contribution to remaining anonymous.
How-To
How to use NordVPN’s Meshnet to create a direct, secure link between devices
NordVPN's Meshnet enables the secure connection of multiple devices — like a protected LAN — when activated on PC and mobile device.
Tip
Already using random passwords? Great. It’s still not enough
You should definitely use random passwords. But now they’re only just one part of the best way to bolster your online security.
Tip
Malware can lurk in file conversion tools, FBI warns. Try these instead
Watch out for lesser-known document converters, because they might steal your identity—or hold your PC for ransom.
How-To
Is your Windows PC's security firewall good enough? An explainer
Does the Windows firewall protect your computer sufficiently? What contribution does your router make — and who needs additional security software? This article explains.
Updated
PowerSchool’s simple security error was avoidable. You can do better
Keep your sensitive accounts safe with this easy security upgrade.
How-To
Is the TOR network still secure? Key online anonymity tools, explained
Are you really anonymous on the TOR network? A recent case raises doubts. We show you alternatives to TOR and how secure they are.
How-To
How to use Windows 11 Pro to create an encrypted virtual drive
If you need a vault for your data, you don't have to resort to buying additional tools. Windows 11 Pro offers everything you need.
How-To
Using a VPN with Chrome just makes sense. Here’s how to do it
Read how to set up a VPN Chrome extension, which providers are available, and whether free Chrome VPN solutions are secure.
How-To
Are dangerous Chrome extensions hiding on your PC? Here's how to remove them
As recent news reminds us, malicious browser add-ons can start life as legit extensions. Reviewing what you’ve got installed is a smart move.
How-To
This hidden Windows feature protects you from dangerous web malware
There's a lesser-known feature in Windows that will guard you against malware, but only if you turn it on. Here's how.
How-To
Ransomware attacks hold your files hostage. These tools can free them
In a ransomware attack, extortionists demand a ransom and threaten to destroy data. Services such as ID Ransomware and No More Ransom help to identify and decrypt encrypted data.
Tip
These tiny security updates make Google Chrome so much better
If you haven’t already tried these upgrades to password and payment management, Google’s asking you to take a look now. It’s worth the time.
Tip
Your tax return is a ripe target for fraud. Here’s how to protect it
A scammer could file a tax return in your name to steal your refund. But thankfully, you can easily block this kind of scheme.
How-To
Newbie's guide to Windows BitLocker: Why you need it and how to set it up
Essential security for your Windows PC's files. Here's everything you need to know to get started and thrive.
How-To
Windows includes built-in ransomware protection. 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.
How-To
10 things I'd never, ever do as an IT professional
It's about PC security. And it's about things that an IT professional would never do, but that less IT-savvy people do again and again. These 10 mistakes always cause headaches.
Tip
Watch out! Your latest data breach notification might not be real
As always, scammers try to capitalize on any and all opportunities, as proven by this type of phishing attack.
How-To