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14 VPN terms and features everyone should know
Our guide to VPN terms and features will help you make sense of all that technical jargon so you can make better decisions about your VPN service.
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Foxit PDF eliminates 50 security vulnerabilities
Foxit Software has released security updates for Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor. The manufacturer has thus closed 50 problematic security gaps.
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How we test VPN services at PCWorld
PCWorld prides itself on deep-dive VPN reviews. Here's how we evaluate these privacy tools for speed, pricing, trustworthiness, user experience and more.
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50 antivirus and PC security terms everyone should know
This lexicon of the most important security terms will help you make sense of security alerts and help equip you to take appropriate steps to protect your home network and computers.
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ExpressVPN's split-tunneling returns to Windows after a DNS leak issue
Windows users can once again use split-tunneling with ExpressVPN after the service fixed a bug that was allowing DNS leaks with the feature.
Deal
Our favorite antivirus, Norton 360 Deluxe, is 80% off right now
These deals let you upgrade your antivirus protection for cheap.
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Google Chrome test feature hides your IP address from websites
The IP Protection feature is now being tested in the Canary version of Chrome.
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At last, DuckDuckGo has a Sync & Backup feature
The best part is you don’t need an account to share saved bookmarks and passwords—and the data is of course end-to-end encrypted.
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ExpressVPN disables split-tunneling on Windows due to DNS leaks
Due to a bug that wasn't properly redirecting DNS requests while using split-tunneling, ExpressVPN has temporarily disabled the feature in their Windows app.
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Mozilla is backing off its security and privacy services to focus on Firefox
Like other tech companies, Mozilla’s laying off workers—and offerings like its VPN and Mastodon instance will take the hit as the company changes its focus.
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Data brokers have your personal info. Here’s how to wipe it clean
Data brokers suck up details about you from all sources—including the real world. But with some work (or help), you can remove yourself from their sites.
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How to get unlimited masked emails to keep your inbox secure and private
A tutorial on connecting Bitwarden's password manager to DuckDuckGo's email alias service.
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4 dangerous PC security exploits attacking right now (and how to fight them)
Recently, numerous serious security vulnerabilities have been discovered in widely used programs. These pose a massive threat to PC security. We show you how you can close them.
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How to save big money by using a VPN: Risks and benefits
Some digital services and products are sold at different prices in different regions.
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Careful! This Facebook phishing scam wants your login info
Watch out for posts that hint at the death of someone you might know—they’re likely attempts to steal your Facebook account.
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Time to update your password: 26 billion personal records just leaked
The massive compilation of user credentials and personal information is being called the “mother of all breaches.”
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What is antivirus software? Getting started with PC security
What does antivirus software do, and how does it work? Here's what you need to know about essential tools for keeping you safe online and beyond.
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Framework Laptop hacked, customer names and emails stolen
The maker of upgradeable, modular laptops has fallen prey to a social engineering attack.
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Change your LastPass password before you get locked out
LastPass’s new 12-character account password requirement is now going into effect. If you don’t meet it, you’ll get shut out.
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Comcast Xfinity hack steals personal data of 36 million customers
While corporate data breaches have almost become commonplace, Comcast is in hot water for letting a critical security flaw go unpatched for weeks.
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Avira is fixing a bug that locks up Windows PCs
Avira, known for its free antivirus programs, is rolling out a fix for a major bug that locked up PCs entirely.
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FTC sounds alarm over dangerous QR codes used by scammers
The ubiquitous URL shortcuts are the latest tool for stealing personal info.
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How to protect yourself from email tracking
Email is the world's most common digital means of communication, but the almost ancient technology does not make it easy for those who care about their privacy.
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Update Chrome right now or your computer will explode (again)
For the sixth time this year, Chrome needs an emergency update to keep users safe.
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How much antivirus protection is right for you? Here’s how to tell
You don't have to pay for antivirus software to be adequately protected online, but that largely depends on your habits and how much energy you have to devote to PC security.
Deal
Get the Surfshark VPN deal that won me over for less than $2 per month
Surfshark VPN is offering two great deals for Cyber Monday, allowing you to install VPNs on all of your PCs and phones for 80 percent off for a two-year subscription.
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One of the best VPNs is 83% off for Cyber Monday
Private Internet Access is one of our favorite VPNs and it's currently on sale for next to nothing with this Cyber Monday super deal.
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Our favorite antivirus, Norton 360 Deluxe, is just $20 for Black Friday
Among the best Black Friday deals is a sizable discount on our top pick for antivirus software—and other top-notch security suites, too.
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40 countries pledge not to pay ransomware
An alliance of the US, EU, and dozens of partner countries hope to cripple the growing market for cryptocurrency ransomware payments.
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The FCC fears an AI-powered spam call apocalypse
The Federal Communications Commission will evaluate whether it has the authority and the tools necessary to crack down on AI-infused spam
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Microsoft, Amazon, and India join forces to take down tech support scammers
Raids at dozens of locations shut down call centers masquerading as tech support.
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Windows 11's original version reaches end of life
The original version of Windows 11 will no longer receive updates, including critical security patches. Here's what you need to know.
Deal
Norton 360, our favorite antivirus, is a ludicrous 75% off for Prime Day
Get a year of Norton 360 Premium's top-rated protection for a fraction of the usual price during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.
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Update now! Firefox plugs critical vulnerability that's already being attacked
Mozilla has provided an update to Firefox version 118.0.1 to close a vulnerability that is already being used to attack Chrome users. An update is also available for Firefox ESR 115.3.
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Update now! Chrome, other software hit by 0-day exploit – and it's being attacked
A new media encoder exploit could affect everything from Chrome to Skype to Nvidia drivers.
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Risk level 10: Critical security hole affects widespread software
A security vulnerability originally classified as a Chrome bug is much more serious than thought. Numerous applications are probably affected, many of which have not yet received a security update.
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Patch Tuesday: Microsoft fixes critical Windows bugs, Word exploit
On Patch Tuesday in September, Microsoft eliminated a total of 59 security vulnerabilities. Among them are five vulnerabilities that Microsoft classifies as critical.
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Adobe PDFs under attack: Update Acrobat and Reader now
Adobe provides security updates for three product groups in September that eliminate a total of five vulnerabilities, some of which are critical. Attackers are already exploiting a vulnerability in the PDF tools.
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Chrome turns on real-time phishing protection (and monitoring)
Chrome's upgraded Safe Browsing feature has nearly instant alerts for dangerous sites, But Google is downplaying the privacy issues.
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Why you should avoid free VPN services
Free VPN services are tempting, but often turn out to be an airline act. Seven good reasons why you should keep your hands off free VPNs.
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FBI erases infamous Qakbot botnet using its own servers
The FBI's 'Operation Duck Hunt' took over the Qakbot botnet and used it to deliver a tool that uninstalled it from hundreds of thousands of PCs.
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If you ever used Duolingo, watch out for phishing emails
Not only was personal information for 2.6 million accounts scraped from Duolingo’s servers, but the API that allowed it is still publicly accessible.
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Chrome will warn you about malware-infested extensions
The newest security checks in the popular browser will scan for extensions that have been abandoned or flagged.
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Intel 'Downfall': Severe flaw in billions of CPUs leaks passwords and much more
There is a serious security flaw in billions of Intel CPUs that can let attackers steal confidential data like passwords and encryption keys. Firmware updates can fix it, but at a potential significant performance loss.
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I finally ditched LastPass—and switching was a nightmare
Sick of LastPass' frequent security breaches and product changes? The act of taking your LastPass-stored passwords elsewhere is a mega-headache.
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Norton’s free AI-powered Genie tool helps you spot online scams
Not sure if the message, email, link or social media post you’ve received is a scam? The AI-powered Norton Genie is designed to help.
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Researchers steal passwords using only keyboard sounds
A new system trains itself on the sound of individual keystrokes, and can record your typing even over Zoom.
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Phishing scams love mimicking Microsoft
Check Point has published a recent list of the brands that are exploited for phishing.
Deal
Get 15 months of Norton 360 Deluxe, the best antivirus, for just $30
Norton 360 Deluxe is the best AV we've tested, and you can get it for dirt cheap with this special offer from the PCWorld Software Store.
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