Latest Security How-To Stories
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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.
How-To
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.
Answer Line
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.
How-To
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.
How-To
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.
How-To
TrueCrypt vs. encrypted .zip files
Trinu, who keeps sensitive data inside AES-encrypted .zip archives, asked the Answer Line forum about the advantages and disadvantages of switching to TrueCrypt.How-To
Lock and encode your flash drives with BitLocker to Go encryption in Windows 8
How Windows 8 Professional and Enterprise users should encrypt their external drives—for free.Answer Line
Why isn’t a program malware if it installs additional, unwanted software?
The iLivid installation routine put several unwanted programs on Threaddy's computer. Why didn't Norton block the program as malware?Hassle-Free PC
How to bypass the Windows 8 password screen
Tired of entering your password every time you boot your PC? Here's how to turn that option off.How-To
Beyond antivirus software: Eclectic PC security tools for system-wide audits
Are you doing everything necessary to keep your PC safe? These utilities can fill in the gaps left by traditional antivirus software.Answer Line
The Malicious Safety OneCare Essential Defender: Straightening out Microsoft’s confusing security tools
Microsoft has released a confusing selection of security programs over the years. Deborah Armstrong asked me to make sense of them.How-To
How (and why) to surf the web in secret
We give you essential tips and tools for hiding your IP address and surfing the Web in blissful anonymity.How-To
PC security: Your essential software toolbox
Don't fall victim! With these tools, services and tips, you can protect yourself against malware, phishing and theft.Answer Line
Gain access to your PC without the logon password
2godballdaglory asked the Answer Line how he can boot an old PC with a password he no longer remembers.Hassle-Free PC
Peek behind abbreviated Web links with Unshorten.it
Not sure where that tiny URL will lead? This handy service/browser extension will tell you if it's safe.How-To
Prepare your business for digital disaster
Whether thieves or tornadoes threaten your company, protecting your assets from utter catastrophe is easier than you think.Hassle-Free PC
How to avoid fake Download buttons
It's all too easy to click the wrong button or link on an otherwise legitimate download page. Here are three ways to protect yourself.Answer Line
Learn to use strong passwords
Passwords protect every part of your online life. If you don't treat them properly, you're exposing yourself to a whole mess of trouble.Answer Line
Can I recover a stolen laptop?
Justin Yuen asked if it's possible to recover a stolen laptop.How-To
How to encrypt your cloud storage for free
BoxCryptor is a freemium, easy-to-use encryption program that can help you keep your data private in the cloud.Answer Line
Safely send private information over the Internet
KenWid10 asked the Antivirus & Security Software forum how best to send encrypted information to someone over the InternetHow-To
How to find happiness in a world of password madness
In the grand scheme of digital security, passwords have become self-defeating, often impotent tools. We need too many of them, and the strong ones are too hard to remember. Luckily, however, you can improve today's passwords with proper management, and tomorrow's security tech may eliminate passwords completely.Answer Line