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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 VPN for Android 2024: Which ones can you trust?
When you need a quick free VPN connection for your Android phone or tablet here are the services we recommend.
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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.Latest Reviews of Security Software and Services
Reviews
Norton 360 Deluxe review: Excellent value and strong protection
Norton 360 Deluxe offers solid online protection on multiple fronts, but it could benefit from a more polished interface.
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 ton for it.
Reviews
FastestVPN review: A VPN with a low-price lifetime subscription
FastestVPN might not have the flair of some of the top VPN services, but it's very affordable, makes the right privacy promises, and comes with a generous 10 simultaneous device connections.
Reviews
Surfshark review: A versatile VPN service packed with extras
Surfshark is a leading VPN service for good reason. It offers unlimited device connections, works with Netflix, and comes with a ton of extras such as built-in antivirus and multihop functionality.
Reviews
Malwarebytes Premium Security review: An antimalware staple is now optional
Malwarebytes isn’t the vital supplement to Windows it used to be—but those who want a dead simple antivirus app will be served well.
Reviews
HMA VPN review: An easy-to-use VPN with servers in every corner of the world
There's a lot to like about HMA VPN, but there are also a few ways where it might not meet users' needs.
Reviews
Windscribe Pro review: Packed with features and a great free plan
Windscribe Pro has established itself as a simple and effective featured-packed service offering both VPN and ad blocking.
Reviews
Norton Antivirus Plus review: A slim suite for digital minimalists
Norton Antivirus Plus provides solids basics of online protection without any extra fluff—ideal for those avoiding unnecessary, expensive excess.Latest How To articles about Security Software and Services
How-To
How to test if your VPN is working
Not sure your VPN is working? Read this quick and easy guide to make sure you're data is staying private and secure online with a VPN.
How-To
How to find lost gadgets (and avoid losing them)
Steps to find (and safeguard) a lost laptop, tablet, or phone.
How-To
7 ways Windows collects your data (and how to opt out)
Microsoft tracks certain types of data on Windows 11 users. You can opt out of most of it.
Tip
Proof: Why you can't even trust verified Amazon reviews anymore
Reviews and ratings should inspire confidence while shopping, but Amazon's system is still easy to game with fake reviews.
Tip
The Amazon triangle scam: What it is, how it works, and what to do
Triangulation fraud is a type of scam that occurs on ecommerce marketplaces—including Amazon.
How-To
How to uninstall Kaspersky antivirus before it gets banned
The US government is banning Kaspersky security software—so it’ll soon stop working. Here’s how to remove it from your system.
How-To
Age verification laws threaten Pornhub, but a VPN can help
Recent age verification restrictions have made it difficult to access adult content in some U.S. states, except with the right VPN.
How-To
The ultimate free digital security guide: Stay safe without spending a dime
Excellent security tools are available to everyone. You don’t have to pay a single cent to protect yourself.Latest News about Security Software and Services
News
Hackers can wirelessly watch your screen via HDMI radiation
A newly-discovered technique combines wireless EM monitoring and AI algorithms to "read" text on a victim's screen, and it's already being used in the wild.
News
Why you should never connect a Windows XP PC to the internet
A recent experiment showed what happens when a computer running Windows XP goes online today.
News
Chrome's password manager recently swallowed over 15 million passwords
A recent issue in the Chrome web browser meant millions of users were unable to access their saved passwords.
Feature
10 simple security actions that keep you much safer online
These everyday online security tips are simple, fast, easy, and free.
Feature
Don't take your antivirus software for granted
Sometimes your antivirus is all that stands between you and security failures caused by other people.
News
Secure Boot is busted on hundreds of PCs from Dell, Acer, Intel, and others
One of the pillars of modern PC security is looking pretty shaky after a cryptographic key was leaked on GitHub.
News
Google is now ditching its plan to replace cookies in Chrome
Years after announcing Privacy Sandbox, Google says it will be optional instead of a complete replacement for user-tracking cookies.
News