• News
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Best Picks
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • How-To
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Deals
  • Laptops
  • Windows
  • Security
  • TechHive
    • Smart Home Security
    • Streaming
    • Cord-Cutter Confidential
  • More
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
  • Newsletters
  • Digital Magazine – Subscribe
  • Digital Magazine – Info
  • Smart Answers
Skip to content
  • Menu
  • News
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Best Picks
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • How-To
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Deals
  • Laptops
  • Windows
  • Security
  • TechHive
    • Smart Home Security
    • Streaming
    • Cord-Cutter Confidential
  • More
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
  • Newsletters
  • Digital Magazine – Subscribe
  • Digital Magazine – Info
  • Smart Answers
  • Hot Topics
  • Future Tech
  • PCWorld Awards
  • Best laptops
  • Best VPN
  • Best antivirus
  • Best SSDs
  • Best monitors
  • Laptop deals
  • Desktop PC deals
  • Newsletters

The PCWorld Guide to Online Security

News, Reviews and How Tos from our security experts

Updated

Best antivirus software 2024: Keep your PC safe from malware, spyware, and more

By Alaina Yee and Ian Paul
Updated

Best VPN services 2024: Top picks for speed, price, privacy, and more

By Sam Singleton
Best Picks

Best free antivirus 2024: 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 free VPN of 2024: It's important to choose wisely
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.
By Ian Paul and Sam Singleton 4 days ago
Best free antivirus 2024: Keep your PC safe without spending a dime
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.
By Alaina Yee, Ian Paul and Sam Singleton 5 days ago
Fastest VPN 2024: We identify the speediest performers
Updated

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.
By Sam Singleton 6 days ago
Best antivirus software 2024: Keep your PC safe from malware, spyware, and more
Updated

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.
By Alaina Yee and Ian Paul 2 weeks ago
Best VPN services 2024: Top picks for speed, price, privacy, and more
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.
By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago
Best password managers 2024: Protect your online accounts
Updated

Best password managers 2024: 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 2 weeks ago
Best free VPN for Android 2024: Which ones can you trust?
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.
By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago
Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2024: Watch from wherever you are
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.
By Sam Singleton 3 weeks ago
MORE SECURITY BEST PICKS

Latest Reviews of Security Software and Services

TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock review: Talk to the hand
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.
By Christopher Null 4 days ago
ESET Home Security Premium review: Simple protection with a complex heart
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.
By Alaina Yee 5 days ago
Yale Code keypad lock review: Svelte & affordable, just not smart
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.
By Christopher Null 6 days ago
Avira Prime review: Comprehensive, user-friendly antivirus
Reviews

Avira Prime review: Comprehensive, user-friendly antivirus

Avira Prime is a simple, easy-to-understand antivirus suite that includes numerous features.
By Alaina Yee 1 week ago
Trend Micro Maximum Security review: Better alternatives exist
Reviews

Trend Micro Maximum Security review: Better alternatives exist

Underwhelming features, weak antivirus protection, and potentially showstopping bugs tank Trend Micro Maximum Security's appeal.
By Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago
Avast Premium Security review: Strong protection focused on PC security
Reviews

Avast Premium Security review: Strong protection focused on PC security

Avast offers several paid antivirus suites, but its Premium Security software keeps its focus on protecting your PC while online—and by extension, you as well.
By Alaina Yee 2 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 2 weeks ago
These are the best smart home products of the year
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.
By TechHive Staff 3 weeks ago
More Security Reviews

Latest How To articles about Security Software and Services

How to permanently erase data on SSDs, hard drives, & USB flash drives
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.
By Roland Freist 2 weeks ago
Protect your home network with these essential router tweaks
How-To

Protect your home network with these essential router tweaks

These must-do router tweaks will protect your gadgets from unwanted attacks.
By Anders Lundberg 3 weeks ago
How to find your saved passwords in Chrome
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.
By Alaina Yee 4 weeks ago
Windows includes built-in ransomware protection. Here's how to turn it on
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.
By Alaina Yee 4 weeks ago
How to crack your forgotten passwords
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.
By Peter Stelzel-Morawietz & Roland Freist 2 months ago
How to auto-lock your PC when you step away (and why you should)
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.
By Chris Hoffman 2 months ago
What is the Tor network? The anonymous internet, explained
How-To

What is the Tor network? The anonymous internet, explained

With the Tor network and browser, you can surf largely anonymously. Security-conscious users should be aware of the background.
By Roland Freist 2 months ago
How to save money and stay safe while shopping online with a VPN
How-To

How to save money and stay safe while shopping online with a VPN

A VPN is an essential tool for online shopping, helping you find better deals while also keeping your data safe and private.
By Sam Singleton 2 months ago
More security How tos

Latest News about Security Software and Services

Best VPN holiday deals
Deal

Best VPN holiday deals

We've scoured the web to help you find the best deals on VPNs this holiday season. Currently on discount: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
By Sam Singleton 8 hours ago
Could your VPN get around the TikTok ban? What you need to know
Feature

Could your VPN get around the TikTok ban? What you need to know

As the U.S. government steps closer to a TikTok ban, a VPN could be the answer for users who still want to access their favorite app.
By Sam Singleton 3 days ago
This sneaky phishing attack is a new take on a dirty old trick
News

This sneaky phishing attack is a new take on a dirty old trick

Attackers are using Word documents to steal Microsoft account info—and antivirus isn’t catching it yet.
By Alaina Yee 5 days ago
ExpressVPN releases new dedicated IP feature with total user anonymity
News

ExpressVPN releases new dedicated IP feature with total user anonymity

ExpressVPN's new dedicated IP features aims to offer convenience without compromising privacy.
By Sam Singleton 5 days ago
Best Cyber Monday VPN deals
Best Deals

Best Cyber Monday VPN deals

Cyber Monday 2024 is here and this year VPN bargain hunters can find steep discounts on some of the very best services on the market.
By Sam Singleton 1 week ago
Black Friday deals are here! 7 tips to avoid being scammed
Feature

Black Friday deals are here! 7 tips to avoid being scammed

Watch out for fraudsters hoping to make a quick, dirty buck amid the online chaos.
By Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago
Firefox 133 adds privacy-boosting 'bounce tracking' protection
News

Firefox 133 adds privacy-boosting 'bounce tracking' protection

Mozilla has released Firefox 133. The browser offers even more protection for your privacy. The developers have also closed some security gaps.
By Frank Ziemann 2 weeks ago
'Hacker' breaks into gym to get hired, gets arrested instead
News

'Hacker' breaks into gym to get hired, gets arrested instead

A Missouri man is being charged after allegedly "hacking" multiple businesses, then contacting them to sell his "security services."
By Michael Crider 2 weeks ago

SEE SECURITY STORIES BY CATEGORY

  • Security
  • Security News
  • Security Best Picks
  • Security Reviews
  • Security How-To
More
    PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done.
    • Policies
      • Privacy Policy
      • Cookie Policy
      • Copyright Notice
      • European Privacy Settings
      • Member Preferences
      • Editorial independence
      • Licensing & Eprints
      • California: Do not Sell my Personal Info
    • About
      • About Us
      • Advertise
      • Ad Choice
      • Contact Us
      • Foundry Careers
      • GamePro
      • Smart Answers
    • PCWorld Categories
      • Business

        Laptop

        Mobile

        PC Hardware

        Storage

        Deals

        TechHive

    • Subscribe
      • Recent cover images of Macworld Digital Magazine
      • Digital Magazine - Subscribe

        Digital Magazine - Info

        Gift Subscription

        Newsletters

    Copyright © 2024 IDG Communications, Inc.
    Top Of Page