Latest Security How-To Stories
SEE SECURITY STORIES BY CATEGORY
Net Work
Use OpenDNS to Protect Your Business Network
Protect yourself from the Conficker worm and other threats with OpenDNS.Net Work
Protect Your Data With Whole-Disk Encryption
Keep your sensitive information out of the hands of interlopers with secure encryption software.Net Work
Recover Your Laptop From Theft or Loss
Laptop recovery services can rescue a stolen PC and keep your data out of the hands of thieves, as long as you choose the right service for your needs.How-To
Wi-Fi Superguide: How to Build the Ultimate Wireless Network
Connect desktop PCs, wireless laptops, game consoles, and almost anything else through a wireless router.How-To
People Search Engines: Slam the Door on What Info They Can Collect
Take these steps to stop the new generation social search engines from telling the world everything about you.BizFeed
Fight Malware on the Smartphone
As smartphones become more common, the threat of mobile malware is becoming real.Answer Line
Remove a Virus or Other Malicious Infection
A particularly malicious program infected Kentuckyearl's computer. He asked the Answer Line forum how to get rid of it.Answer Line
What’s the Safest Way To Download Software?
Mrs. Lynne wants to know how she can download software and be certain she's not getting something malicious.How-To
Disaster! How to Retrieve a Lost Windows Password
We show you techniques and tools that help solve the problem.How-To
The Ultimate Browser Security Face-Off
Does your choice of browser affect your chances of being infected? You bet. We tested the top five browsers, and the results may surprise you.BizFeed
Monitor Botnet Threats Your Antivirus Can’t See
A free download can help you detect botnet threats that typical security tools won't spot.How-To
How to Beat Card Skimmer Scams and Other Money Drains
Use free IE or Firefox plug-in Amazon PriceWatch or the Price Protectr site to make sure you don't pay too much online. Also: Advice for dealing with card skimmer ATM scams.How-To
How to Stop Operating-System Attacks
Ads for DriveCleaner, WinFixer, Antivirus XP, Antivirus 2009 and others pop up on PCs all the time, but the software may be fraudulent or ineffective. Also: Mac users need security updates, too.How-To
How to Keep Your Cell Phone Info Private
The ReCellular Data Eraser page shows you how to remove your personal data from an older cell phone before you dispose of the phone. Also: Is the Android phone the snoopiest ever?How-To
How to Safeguard Your Online Security
Use these tips to guard against security attacks related to your Facebook, MySpace, or Linked-In activity. Also, Bank of America's ShopSafe, Citibank's Virtual Card Numbers, and Discover's Secure Online Account Numbers make credit card-based shopping more secure.How-To
How to Protect Your Online Passwords
Password protection is easy with a password manager like Bruce Schneier's Password Safe or the Portableapps.com version of the KeePass software. Using a dirty public PC? Scan it first with free ClamWin antivirus software.How-To
17 High-Risk Security Threats (And How to Fix Them)
If you use a social network, a Web browser, a public computer, or a cell phone, beware: Your PC, your bank account, and your personal privacy are at risk. Here are 17 common threats, with fixes for each one.Hassle-Free PC
Stop Internet Poachers from Stealing Your Wi-Fi
Dang neighbors! Always getting the milk for free while you're paying for the cow. Here's how to make your network invisible to the outside world.BizFeed
Enable BIOS Passwords for Extra Security
Lock access to your system's BIOS settings, boot sequence, and even hard drive.Security Alert
Protecting Against the Rampant Conficker Worm
The Conficker worm, aka Downadup, has infected millions of PCs worldwide. Here's how to protect yourself.Answer Line
What Free Security Programs Can Protect My PC?
Jorge Leal wants to protect his home PC from malware and other threats, and wants to know the best way to do that for free.BizFeed
Pocket Credit Card Reader Takes Transactions on the Go
The ProPay MicroSecure Card Reader weighs in at a scant 1.4 ounces, fits into a shirt pocket, and securely stores up to 71 transactions at a time.How-To
Secure Your Vista PC in 10 Easy Steps
You don't necessarily need an expensive security suite to lock down Windows Vista. Here's how to do it using free software and a few easy system tweaks.How-To
Manage Telecommuters Without Losing Your Mind
Putting a secure and well-thought-out telecommuting plan in place at your company may yield a happier, more productive workforce.BizFeed
Log In and Configure a Router
Use your default router settings to gain access before configuring a network.BizFeed
Securely Access E-Mail In Various Clients
SSL/TLS protects your e-mail connection even if your data is intercepted.Answer Line
How Safe is My Gmail?
I answer my own question: Is the information in your Gmail messages and other Google apps safe from data disasters?Hassle-Free PC
Why You Need a Password Manager
A password manager is essential for generating, protecting, and organizing important passwords.How-To
15 Tech Secrets for the Serious Road Warrior
Use these smart mobile tech tricks to create your own wireless hotspot out of a phone or laptop in a pinch, protect your laptop from grab-and-dash thieves, and communicate with anyone anywhere.Answer Line
How Do I Turn Off Power-Saving Modes’ Password Protection?
Hans Spring has told Windows not to ask for a password when he boots. But it still demands one to come out of Stand By and Hibernate modes.BizFeed
Send and View Plain Email
Fancy formatting can look ugly on certain clients or get trapped in spam filters.How-To
Use Encryption to Safeguard Your Data
Encrypting your hard disk to protect your data doesn’t have to be a daunting task, thanks to a large number of practical tools.How-To
Seven Lessons That SMBs Can Learn from Big IT
Just because you don't have a large enterprise doesn't mean you can't run your IT operation like the big guys.How-To
Protect Your Data With a Secure Portable Drive
Traveling with sensitive business information can be risky. A hardware-encrypted hard drive can keep your files locked up on the road.How-To
A Parent’s Guide to Safe, Simple Kid-Friendly E-Mail
The Internet can be a dangerous place for children, but it's an increasingly necessary evil. Here's how to set up e-mail for your young'uns while maintaining parental control.Hassle-Free PC
Password-Protect a Word or Excel Document
Need to keep a file confidential? Microsoft Word and Excel make it simple to assign a password.Answer Line
Is What I Sent Really Spam?
Michael Coate has been accused of spamming. That's not what he would call it.Answer Line
What’s the Best Way to Backup What I Need to Backup?
David Edelbaum wants to know the best techniques and programs for backing up his PC.How-To
Put an End to Cell Phone Spam
Stop spammers from hassling you by keeping unwanted text messages, e-mail, and voice calls from reaching your mobile phone.How-To
10 Fixes for Vista’s Worst Features
Windows Vista is loaded with features, but they don't all work as they should. Here's how to tweak, modify, cope with, or work around the operating system's biggest blunders.Answer Line
Why Can’t I Open Vista’s Cookies Folder?
Lamar Redmon wants to know why he can't access Vista's Cookies folder typing "cookies" and selecting it.Answer Line
How Do I Gain Administrator Access Without a Password?
Anthony Venable purchased a used PC from a business going out of business. They didn't give him the password to the one administrator account.Privacy Watch
When to Worry About Security Holes–and When Not To
Annoyed by all the computerese that litters security stories? Here's your guide.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
Heads Up: Trojans and Viruses Are Out to Get You
Watch out for nasty Trojan horses–plus Steve Bass looks at free security tools, Microsoft tech support numbers, and goofy Olympic photos.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
Eliminate Hassles With Antivirus, Flash, Task Manager, and iTunes
Get the lead out of AVG, fix the Windows Task Manager toolbar, and dump duplicate files.How-To