Latest Security How-To Stories
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Hassle-Free PC
HTTPS errors: What to do when your PC freaks out
Connection errors are annoying, but they usually require a simple fix.
Answer Line
How to encrypt and password-protect ZIP files the right way
You can protect the contents of a ZIP file, but unless you know the trick, you might as well not bother.
Hassle-Free PC
The quick and easy way to find the best antivirus software
Need antivirus for your PC, but not sure which of the numerous programs to choose from? Let some independent test data be your guide.Answer Line
Your mobile IP address: Its safety is one thing, its privacy is another
Your mobile IP address isn't likely to be stolen. But you still need to take precautions.Security Measures
Trust no one: How caller ID spoofing has ruined the simple phone call
Caller ID is easy to spoof and it’s leading to a host of real threats, from account recovery fraud to marketing scams to malicious pranks resulting in SWAT teams showing up at a victim's door.Answer Line
Cloud storage alternatives: Three ways to sync your own data securely and privately
Cloud storage is convenient, but you can remove any concerns about security or other issues if you do what they do yourself.Security Measures
The 3-step plan to make your website harder to hack
Online attackers are increasingly targeting websites to make a statement, send spam or flood someone else’s network. Protecting your online brand requires vigilance.Security Measures
NFC security: 3 ways to avoid being hacked
More than a billion phones will be equipped with near-field communications technology in 2015, potentially opening up new vectors for attack.Answer Line
The dangers of Android malware may be exaggerated, but you should still play it safe
Not everyone agrees that Android malware seriously threatens security. But taking precautions is still a good idea.Security Measures
5 steps to keep your smart home from being hacked
Security researchers needed just 5 to 20 minutes to hack most smart-home devices. Learn how to keep real hackers at bay with these five strategies.
Answer Line
Five precautions for avoiding malware when you download and install software
Downloading a little-known program can be scary. Take these steps to protect yourself.Security Measures
How to prevent mobile malware in 3 easy steps
Mobile malware tends to loiter in a few "bad neighborhoods" online that you should stay out of anyway.Hassle-Free PC
How to easily secure your web browsing with TunnelBear’s free Chrome extension
Only need VPN-like protection for your browser and not your whole desktop? Check out TunnelBear for Chrome and Chrome OS.Answer Line
You can securely wipe your files, hard drive or SSD with one of these free utilities
You delete a file, then empty the recycle bin. But the contents of that file remains on your drive. Here's what to do about that.Hassle-Free PC
Sick of Netflix’s available shows? Use a VPN to change your country and see more
There may be some risk, but if you're interested you can check out the Netflix movie selection in countries around the world.
How-To
How to download your entire Google search history
Want a copy of your personal Google search history for your very own? Now you can export and download it, though it's in a funky file format.Answer Line
What to do if someone steals your IP address
Maybe there's weird activity on your home network. Maybe your ISP's asking about illegal online dealings. That's when you need to check your IP address.Answer Line
Prepare to take your laptop to another country
Planning a trip overseas with your laptop? These precautions will help with smooth sailing.Answer Line
Recover a stolen laptop, or prepare for the day your laptop is stolen
You may or may not be able to recover your stolen laptop, but the precautions you take beforehand can put the odds in your favor.Updated
How to remove the dangerous Superfish adware preinstalled on Lenovo PCs
Lenovo has been preloading new consumer PCs with Superfish adware that injects ads and hijacks the secure HTTPS encryption of every site you visit. Eradicating the threat isn't easy, but here's how, complete with a new automated tool.Answer Line
How to protect your wireless router from malware
Your PC and your phone aren't the only devices that can catch an infection. The router that connects them to the Internet may also be vulnerable.How-To
How to automatically unlock your Chromebook when your Android phone’s nearby
If you have an Android 5.0 Lollipop phone, Smart Lock eliminates the need to re-type your password every time you want to fire up your Chromebook.Answer Line
How to handle a Facebook bully or stalker
Bad people stalk the social network. Here's what you need to do if someone continually gives you trouble.Hassle-Free PC
VPNs made easy: 3 services with one-click desktop apps
Choosing the right VPN for you is hard enough. Why make it harder by having to muck about with network settings?Hassle-Free PC
4 easy ways to cut your software costs in 2015
Are you paying money for software when perfectly good free alternatives exist? Here are four areas to consider dumping your annual software payments with solid free alternatives.
Answer Line
Take precautions when using public Wi-Fi networks
When you take your laptop to a library or café, you take a risk. But if you know what you're doing, you can minimize that risk.Hassle-Free PC
Three security-boosting steps to perform on every router
If you haven't done this with your router yet, do so STAT to make sure it's nice and secure.Answer Line
Keep encrypted files encrypted when you back them up to the cloud
You keep selected files or folders encrypted on your internal drive. But are they protected when you use an online backup service?How-To
Travel safely with your tech: How to prevent theft, loss and snooping on the road
All your pricey electronics are juicy targets for hackers and sticky-fingered thieves. Here's how to reduce your risks while traveling.Answer Line
Does your computer have malware? Here are the telltale signs
Viruses, Trojans, and worms, oh, my! These symptoms are warning signs that you might have an infected PC.How-To
How to protect yourself from PC tech support scams
In the third time since 2011, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has shut down another operation selling bogus tech support to Windows PC owners.Smart Mobile Tricks
How to stop SMS spam on your Android or iOS phone
SMS spam is proliferating fast, but your phone's settings or a handy app can help stem the tide.Answer Line
BadUSB: What you can do about undetectable malware on a flash drive
We've known for years that malware can spread via portable storage. But BadUSB shows that scanning the drive may not be sufficient.Answer Line
How to encrypt sensitive data? Put it in an encrypted container
We all have files that we'd rather not share with hackers and thieves (and maybe even our spouses). Here's how to put them in a place where no one else can open them.Hassle-Free PC
Need help? Microsoft Stores offer free tech support, PC tune-ups, malware removal
If you've got a problem with your PC. The Microsoft Store may be able to fix it for you for free.How-To
Safe from Shellshock: How to protect your home computer from the Bash shell bug
The 'Shellshock' Bash shell bug is a big deal, but it's relatively easy to keep your home PC safe.Answer Line
The 6 essential Windows software programs for any PC
No matter what else you do on your PC, everyone needs basic programs that cover security, web browsing, and backup.Hassle-Free PC
Three warning signs that email is malicious
You can't always count on your spam filter to keep you safe. For those times, it pays to keep your scam sleuthing skills sharp.How-To
These 5 antivirus suites keep potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) from biting
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) pack a nasty bite if left unchecked. The antivirus suite you already have may be able to catch and muzzle them.How-To
How to keep your sexy selfies (and other sensitive files) safe in the cloud
Whether you're storing old tax returns or the occasional naughty photo, some files deserve some extra security. Here's how to keep them private.Answer Line
What happens when Microsoft ends Windows 7 mainstream support next year
Next January, Microsoft will end mainstream support for Windows 7. But relax. That won't be end of the popular operating system.Answer Line
One of the best password managers for your PC, devices, and the cloud
You need a password manager; it's as important as antivirus. KeePass can do the job on all of your devices.How-To
How to use OpenPGP to encrypt your email messages and files in the cloud
When online services lack privacy controls, you can roll your own using near military-grade encryption.Answer Line
How to use Gmail 2-step verification on multiple devices
You use Google's security tools to protect your Gmail account in your browser. Here's how to use them with applications and devices.Answer Line
Why spammers persist despite filters and well-informed users
Our email clients filter them out. We know all of their tricks. Yet the spam keeps coming. Here's why.Hassle-Free PC
How to securely overwrite deleted files with a built-in Windows tool
When you delete a file in Windows, you're just removing the pointer. The data is still there. Here's how to make sure that data is gone, baby, gone.Hassle-Free PC
These 3 Chrome extensions make encryption easier for everyone
Want to use encryption tools, but you find most too hard to use? Check out these Chrome-based tools aiming to take the difficulty out of protecting your data online.
Hassle-Free PC
How to create an anonymous email account
It's not just dissidents looking for anoymous email, but everyday people who'd rather not reveal their true identity.Answer Line
Some files need encryption and some files don’t
Chances are you don't have to encrypt your entire hard drive. But you need to know what files to encrypt.Answer Line