Do you have critical items (like family photos or lists of passwords) saved only on a single device? If so, be sure to diversify your backup strategy and move these assets to other devices and locations. Cloud backup and external hard drives are both good options.

Updates are integral to keeping all networked software secure. You can ensure updates are installed automatically, which is in fact the default for apps on Android and iOS, or schedule a big installation – like an OS update – in advance. These options are better and safer than having to apply updates manually.

As cybersecurity threats have evolved, longstanding protective tools like antivirus (AV) software have taken a back seat to different solutions like password managers and cloud backups in discussions of how to stay safe. AV still has its place though, particularly if you rely on a PC or Mac. It’ll scan for known threats and quarantine […]

If you log in to a computer you don’t own at a library, kiosk or other public place, be very careful about what you do while using it. Be aware that your activities could be monitored and that it’s probably not prudent to conduct sensitive transactions such as online banking. Most importantly, make sure to […]

In the pre-Netflix era, torrenting was a popular way to pirate video files for home consumption. While it has declined since the 2000s, BitTorrent traffic is still substantial, due to the possibility of quickly downloading free content. In addition to being illegal due to copyright infringement, torrenting can also expose your device to malware and […]

You might have navigated to websites that feature a large, colored button labeled “Download” or something similar. Don’t click on these. Usually, they’re ads (or worse) in disguise. Legitimate vendors will not make you download their software this way. Stick to official vendor websites and app stores when purchasing software.