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The PCWorld Guide to Online Security

News, Reviews and How Tos from our security experts

Best Picks

Best antivirus software 2025: Keep your PC safe from malware, spyware, and more

By Alaina Yee
Updated

Best VPN services: 8 top picks for every VPN need

By Sam Singleton
Best Picks

Best free antivirus 2025: Keep your PC safe without spending a dime

By Alaina Yee, Ian Paul and Sam Singleton

Latest Best Picks for Security Software and Services

Best VPNs for Android 2025: Top picks for phones and tablets
Updated

Best VPNs for Android 2025: Top picks for phones and tablets

PCWorld's picks for the best VPNs for Android devices including smartphones and tablets.
By Sam Singleton 6 hours ago
Best antivirus software 2025: Keep your PC safe from malware, spyware, and more
Best Picks

Best antivirus software 2025: 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.
By Alaina Yee 1 day ago
Best password managers 2025: Protect your online accounts
Updated

Best password managers 2025: Protect your online accounts

The best password is one you probably can't easily remember—that's why a password manager is so crucial to your online security. We review LastPass, Dashlane, Keeper, NordPass, and others to find the best one for managing passwords.
By Michael Ansaldo and Alaina Yee 5 days ago
Best VPNs for torrenting 2025: Speed, privacy, and security matter
Best Picks

Best VPNs for torrenting 2025: 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.
By Sam Singleton 5 days ago
Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2025: Watch from wherever you are
Updated

Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2025: Watch from wherever you are

Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.
By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago
Best VPN services: 8 top picks for every VPN need
Updated

Best VPN services: 8 top picks for every VPN need

Which VPN should you use? From speed, to price, to privacy, to security features, this buyer's guide will help you find the best service for your needs.
By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago
Fastest VPN 2025: We identify the speediest performers
Updated

Fastest VPN 2025: 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.
By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago
Best free VPN of 2025: It's important to choose wisely
Best Picks

Best free VPN of 2025: 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.
By Ian Paul and Sam Singleton 4 weeks ago
MORE SECURITY BEST PICKS

Browse the web anonymously

Sponsored by

How does your online activity make you vulnerable to cyberattacks & how can Surfshark Antivirus help

How Surfshark VPN can help you watch content while travelling as if you were still at home

Surfshark Antivirus: all-around antivirus protection and more

Make Chrome secure and private by using the Surfshark VPN extension

How to check if your data has already leaked

How to use a virtual number to stay safe from scammers

Latest Reviews of Security Software and Services

EufyCam S3 Pro Kit review: Local storage means no subscription
Reviews

EufyCam S3 Pro Kit review: Local storage means no subscription

This solar-powered system stores its two 4K cameras' recordings to a local network storage device, eliminating the need for a subscription for cloud services.
By Michael Ansaldo 9 hours ago
Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera (wired) review: A premium porch watcher
Reviews

Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera (wired) review: A premium porch watcher

With this doorbell, Ecobee, maker of the exquisite Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, is one product category short of offering a great home security system.
By James Barber 2 weeks ago
NordVPN review: More than just a VPN, it’s a privacy powerhouse
Reviews

NordVPN review: More than just a VPN, it’s a privacy powerhouse

NordVPN has it all: excellent performance, lightning-fast speeds, and a solid set of features that will appeal to both novices and power users alike. It's one of the best VPNs money can buy.
By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago
Vivint Smart Home review: The best smart home system I've ever tested
Reviews

Vivint Smart Home review: The best smart home system I've ever tested

There’s no DIY option for the initial installation, but you can add to this powerful system on your own after that.
By Michael Brown 3 weeks ago
Lockin Veno 7 Pro review: This smart lock like feels like it’s still in beta
Reviews

Lockin Veno 7 Pro review: This smart lock like feels like it’s still in beta

This ambitious smart lock may well bite off more than it can chew, with a mountain of features that don’t quite work perfectly.
By Christopher Null 4 weeks ago
Ring Outdoor Cam Plus review: Plus what?
Reviews

Ring Outdoor Cam Plus review: Plus what?

This new indoor/outdoor security camera promises higher resolution than the 3rd-gen Ring Stick Up Cam, but you’ll need to squint to see the improvement.
By Michael Brown 4 weeks ago
AVG Internet Security review: Reliable, budget-friendly antivirus software
Reviews

AVG Internet Security review: Reliable, budget-friendly antivirus software

AVG Internet Security is a good upgrade on its free antivirus software, especially if you need broader online protection and don’t want to pay a lot for it.
By Alaina Yee 1 month ago
Proton VPN review: Great paid plan, even better free plan
Reviews

Proton VPN review: Great paid plan, even better free plan

Proton VPN, from the Proton line of personal security services, is a great standalone paid VPN and its free option has quickly become my favorite.
By Sam Singleton 2 months ago
More Security Reviews

Protect your identity online

Sponsored by

How to delete yourself from the internet

“They knew everything about me”–How modern identity thieves profile victims

The rise of AI voice cloning: A new era of phone scams begins

How to take back control after your data was breached

Latest How To articles about Security Software and Services

Don't get hacked! I open dubious PC files in a sandbox. You should 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.
By Thomas Rau 15 hours ago
Is someone spying on your Facebook account? Here's how to find out
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.
By Alaina Yee 1 week ago
So long, passwords: 5 easy ways to use passkeys
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.
By Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago
How to turn a USB flash drive into a secure login key for your PC
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!
By Dominic Bayley 3 weeks ago
Need to surf the web anonymously? These 4 tools can help
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.
By Michael Rupp 4 weeks ago
How to use NordVPN’s Meshnet to create a direct, secure link between devices
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.
By Christoph Hoffmann 1 month ago
Is a hacker logged into your Google account? Here's how to tell
How-To

Is a hacker logged into your Google account? Here's how to tell

If someone’s lurking within your email, photos, and other files, you can boot them.
By Alaina Yee 1 month ago
Already using random passwords? Great. It’s still not enough
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.
By Alaina Yee 1 month ago
More security How tos

Total online privacy with NordVPN

Sponsored by

What if your identity was stolen? Identity theft protection 101

How proactive data monitoring saves millions for companies

Latest News about Security Software and Services

Crypto millionaires are being targeted by kidnappers in Europe
News

Crypto millionaires are being targeted by kidnappers in Europe

At least four different kidnappings and attempts have been made against wealthy crypto investors in the last six months.
By Michael Crider 12 hours ago
Microsoft is killing Authenticator's password manager features soon
News

Microsoft is killing Authenticator's password manager features soon

By August of this year, autofill will be dead and you won't be able to access your saved passwords anymore. Here's what you need to know.
By Mikael Markander and Joel Lee 1 day ago
The best Mother's Day tech gifts: 19 ideas that are sure to wow her
Feature

The best Mother's Day tech gifts: 19 ideas that are sure to wow her

Don't know what to get her for Mother's Day? We've got your back with the coolest and most practical gadgets that'll wow her!
By Gabriela Vatu 1 day ago
Can you spot a poisoned AI chatbot? 4 tips from a Microsoft security expert
Feature

Can you spot a poisoned AI chatbot? 4 tips from a Microsoft security expert

Hackers can corrupt AI to behave in harmful ways never intended by its creators.
By Alaina Yee 1 day ago
Microsoft is now forcing new users to adopt a passwordless future
News

Microsoft is now forcing new users to adopt a passwordless future

Microsoft wants everyone to start using passkeys. The first step is to discourage new Microsoft accounts from choosing traditional password logins.
By Hans-Christian Dirscherl and Joel Lee 4 days ago
I saw how an “evil” AI chatbot finds vulnerabilities. It’s as scary as you think
Feature

I saw how an “evil” AI chatbot finds vulnerabilities. It’s as scary as you think

These rogue AI chatbots don't just find vulnerabilities, but exploits for those weaknesses, too.
By Alaina Yee 4 days ago
A Windows security developer says this is the biggest threat to your PC
Feature

A Windows security developer says this is the biggest threat to your PC

Still using your admin account all the time? Here's how switching to a standard account can keep hackers out without making your life harder.
By Alaina Yee 5 days ago
I’m ditching my passwords. You should too
Feature

I’m ditching my passwords. You should too

A newer sign-in method alleviates the headache of passwords, while still maintaining a high level of online security. And it's free.
By Alaina Yee 5 days ago

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