Malware is just one way hackers and scammers can get you. Another common tactic is social engineering—a collection of methods that exploit vulnerabilities in human behavior to steal sensitive info, takeover accounts, or otherwise infiltrate…
Ransomware has gone corporate. These attacks, which hold files and PCs hostage until there’s a payout, may seem savage but behind the scenes, it’s civilized. The hackers have days that look a lot like any…
Your bank account is frozen. Your PC has been hacked. Your child is in jail. In each of these scenarios, the clock is ticking. You’re ready to act on the message or call—maybe frantic to,…
At a Glance Expert’s Rating Pros Top rated antivirus protection Expanded protection against malicious websites and remote attacks Clean, straightforward interface Cons Some PCs may experience a performance hit during heavier workloads Several features are…
At a Glance Expert’s Rating Pros Strong antivirus protection Wide protection against major online threats Simple, straightforward features Cons Performance impact on some PCs User interface would benefit from consolidation Upselling of additional services Our…
Passwords suck. If they’re easy to remember, they’re the simplest to guess. If they’re difficult to crack, they’re the hardest to recall. Even if you use the strongest passwords possible, they’re ineffective if they become…
Many arbitrary holidays litter our calendars (ahem, Tin Can Day), but World Password Day is one fully supported by the PCWorld staff. We’re all for ditching weak passwords — especially when strengthening your security takes…
In the days of tech yore, antivirus software was just that. You installed the application and let it scan your system for malware. But as protecting your PC became more complicated, vendors slowly morphed their…
You should definitely be using a password manager. Data breaches are happening more frequently, and that flood of stolen info has made cracking passwords even easier. And it’s not just the “password12345” variety that is…
Antivirus is a lot more than just antivirus these days, but you don’t have to fork over a hefty premium to get extra protections, even if it’s popular software. Just take today’s AVG Ultimate deal…