pcworld.com
Life online can differ wildly from the real world—especially when security is involved. It’s not likely someone will break into your home if you lose your house keys. But leaked login info? That puts a target on your back. Case in point: Last week, Roku disclosed a whopping 576,000 users were victims of a credential stuffing attack, far exceeding the original 15,000 accounts first reported in mid-March. Credential stuffing involves plugging in usernames and passwords taken from data leaks and b…
7 days ago
pcworld.com
Ransomware is nasty stuff. This type of malware encrypts files on your PC so that you can’t access them—unless you pay the attacker to unlock the data. In other words, your files are held hostage until you cough up the demanded ransom, unless you’re able to survive the ransomware attack using other means. CBS News just ran a cautionary segment on the Scattered Spider ransomware group, underscoring just how much damage ransomware can do—so it pays to be prepared. The hackers shut down Las Vegas…
11 days ago
pcworld.com
Windows is generally flexible about tweaks to its system—and advanced users have long taken advantage of registry tweaks to make the OS behave. But recently, Microsoft has quietly barred access to one setting in Windows 10 and Windows 11, making a switch of your default browser only possible through the Windows settings app. As reported by Bleeping Computer, a new driver released during Microsoft’s February updates now locks down the registry, preventing any changes performed outside Windows se…
17 days ago
pcworld.com
Avira Prime is a simple, easy-to-understand antivirus suite that includes numerous features.
23 days ago
pcworld.com
All systems can be exploited. Whether that’s a freebie giveaway or computer hardware, humans will often find the weaknesses. Back in in 2018, Intel first swallowed this bitter pill when the widespread Spectre vulnerability came to light. Then in the more recent past, AMD got hit last summer with Zenbleed and Inception. Now it’s Apple’s turn, with a massive, unpatchable vulnerability in M-series CPUs that can leak encryption keys. As reported by Ars Technica, this security flaw allowed academic…
about 1 month ago
pcworld.com
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.
about 1 month ago
pcworld.com
Passwords stored in Chrome are convenient, but they can also expose you to risk. Share your device with someone else, and they can log into any website with saved credentials. At least, they can if you haven’t enabled Chrome’s built-in protections. On Windows PCs, you can use Windows Hello to lockdown access to your Chrome passwords. When turned on, you’ll have to enter a PIN or use a biometric authentication method (like a fingerprint or webcam) before Chrome will fill in a login form with you…
about 1 month ago
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Ransomware is nasty stuff. This type of malware encrypts files on your PC so that you can’t access them—unless you must pay the attacker to unlock the data. In other words, your files are held hostage until you cough up the demanded ransom, unless you’re able to survive the ransomware attack using other means. The best defense against ransomware is avoiding sites and downloads riddled with it, but you can take other protective measures, too. Modern antivirus software often restrict which apps c…
about 2 months ago
pcworld.com
Ransomware is nasty stuff. This type of malware encrypts files on your PC so that you can’t access them—unless you must pay the attacker to unlock the data. In other words, your files are held hostage until you cough up the demanded ransom. The best defense against ransomware is avoiding sites and downloads riddled with it, but you can take other protective measures, too. Modern antivirus software often restrict which apps can change files in folders commonly targeted by ransomware. Microsoft D…
about 2 months ago
pcworld.com
A friend emails you a strange-looking link. Your mom sends you a text with an unknown website. A social media post promotes a new page. You might wonder about how safe it is to click these links…and then blank out on where you can turn to for a second opinion. Previously, you’d have to ask a trusted friend — but now, more free online services have begun cropping up to help you avoid phishing scams. Here’s how they work: You input a web address, questionable message or email, or even a screensho…
2 months ago
pcworld.com
When buying a PC, you can spend a lot of time zeroing in on the right specs for your situation. But the attentiveness often ends there. After the decision’s made, we slot the machine into a spot on our desks and then go about business as usual. That fancy computer isn’t the only part that matters, though. The rest of your desk setup can have a huge impact on your quality of life day to day and upgrading it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Such was the thought of a Reddit user who asked r/buildapc wh…
2 months ago
