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 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.
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 for streaming Netflix 2024: Watch from wherever you are
Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.
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.
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.
Best Picks
Best free antivirus 2024: Keep your PC safe without spending a dime
Many of the big names in antivirus offer a free version of their security suites. Here are our top choices for free antivirus.
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Fastest VPN 2024: We identify the speediest performers
If you have the need, the need for VPN speed, we've got recommendations about the best choices for you.
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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.Latest Reviews of Security Software and Services
Reviews
These are the best smart home products of the year
As the year winds down, get the scoop on our favorite smart speakers and displays, thermostats, security cameras, video doorbells, lighting systems, and more.
Reviews
Philips 5000-series smart deadbolt review: To open, just scan the hand
This smart lock’s palm vein scanning is incredibly good, but it’s expensive and a pain to install.
Reviews
Acronis True Image review: Top-tier do-it-all PC backup
With backup, disaster recovery, and malware protection under one roof, Acronis True Image is the most comprehensive end-user data-safety solution on the planet.
Reviews
Wyze Duo Cam Doorbell review: One doorbell, two cameras
The second camera on this affordable video doorbell keeps tabs on delivered packages, while the primary lens is trained on visitors.
Reviews
TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock review: Talk to the hand
Smart home technology once in the realm of sci-fi becomes real with this smart deadbolt that scans your palm to unlock your door.
Reviews
ESET Home Security Premium review: Simple protection with a complex heart
ESET's antivirus software gives far more control over scan and feature settings than the average rival — a plus for power users — without being intimidating.
Reviews
Yale Code keypad lock review: Svelte & affordable, just not smart
The smart lock leader focused on price and ease of use to deliver this keypad deadbolt, which doesn't offer wireless connectivity.
Reviews
Avira Prime review: Comprehensive, user-friendly antivirus
Avira Prime is a simple, easy-to-understand antivirus suite that includes numerous features.Latest How To articles about Security Software and Services
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
How to permanently erase data on SSDs, hard drives, & USB flash drives
Time and again, cases are reported in which disposed hard drives still contained readable, confidential data. With a few Windows commands and the right tools, this won't happen to you.
How-To
Protect your home network with these essential router tweaks
These must-do router tweaks will protect your gadgets from unwanted attacks.
How-To
How to find your saved passwords in Chrome
If you’re looking for your saved passwords, here’s where to locate them—and all their related settings.
How-To
How to crack your forgotten passwords
What do you do if you want to view your own data, but you don't have the right password? Fortunately for you, programmer Nir Softer offers a wide range of tools to help with this.
How-To
How to auto-lock your PC when you step away (and why you should)
Here's everything you need to know about automatically locking and unlocking your PC just by stepping away and sitting back down.Latest News about Security Software and Services
Feature
The future of VPNs: Decentralized and post-quantum security
There are some exciting advancements coming to VPNs in the near future that will address growing privacy and security threats while giving users even better control over their services.
News
Best VPN for Florida: Pornhub workarounds
Pornhub will begin blocking access to residents of Florida on January 1, following new age-verification laws—but a VPN can be a good workaround. These are the best VPNs to continue viewing the site while protecting your privacy.
Feature
Smart home at CES 2025: AI and Matter will take center stage
Generative AI is having a break-out year in smart home and home security, and we expect the trend to continue at CES in Las Vegas.
Feature
AI impersonators will wreck online security in 2025. Here’s what to watch out for
We all have to be much more vigilant about what’s real and what’s not.
Feature
The Zero Trust era is coming: What that means for VPNs and your data
Zero Trust architecture is revolutionizing network security to better protect your data, but a good VPN will never go out of style.
Opinion
5 ways to stay safe against new cyber threats targeting your phone
We've gathered the best tips to protect you (and your relatives) from being scammed.
News
Meta slapped with €251 million fine for mishandling 2018 data breach
Meta must pay millions in fines after being investigated for the 2018 data breach that affected over 50 million Facebook accounts.
Deal