SecurityWatch
The online world is a sketchy place. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.
Latest Stories
After a Breach, Should You Still Trust Your VPN?
The recent breaches of NordVPN and TorGuard demonstrate how trust is an intangible but important feature of security software. If you lose confidence in a security product, such as a VPN, it's probably time to ditch it.
Apple Caving on Hong Kong Shows the Limits of Security as a Sales Tool
Security expert Max Eddy explains how Apple banning an app used by pro-democracy protesters shows how even the best consumer security polices fail when there's a lack of will to enforce them appropriately.
NordVPN and TorGuard VPN Breaches: What You Need to Know
NordVPN and TorGuard VPN have suffered security breaches. Here's what happened and what it means for you (and our VPN reviews).
US Attorney General William Barr Has Encryption All Wrong
Attorney General William Barr has a completely wrong-headed take on encryption, and he's not the only one. Adding backdoors to secure services is a terrible idea, despite its popularity with law enforcement.
Think You Don't Need a VPN? Use One Anyway
When we talk about VPNs, it's often in the context of unsafe situations. Senior Security Analyst Max Eddy argues that these tools are still valuable, even when the risk is low.
Scammers Go Phishing With Deepfakes
Deepfakes, or doctored videos, have mostly been used to harm the reputations of celebrities and politicians. Now the AI-assisted technology is being used to trick companies out of big money.
Should I Use a VPN on My Router?
Configuring your router to run a VPN lets it protect all the devices on your network, but senior security analyst Max Eddy explains why it might not be practical for the average user.
The VPN Industry Is on the Cusp of a Major Breakthrough
The WireGuard protocol is intended to be the future of VPNs, promising better speeds and security. We tested NordVPN's implementation, and WireGuard appears set to deliver on its promises.
Should I Use a VPN to Stream Sports?
A PCMag reader hopes to use a VPN to stream their favorite sporting events to a smart TV. Senior security analyst Max Eddy explains that while this can work, it's a complicated and morally fraught process.
Will Deleting FaceApp Make You Safe Again?
The hysteria about FaceApp privacy is mostly overblown, but the app does some shady things that many other apps do, too. Senior Security Analyst Max Eddy examines whether deleting apps like FaceApp can restore your privacy.
Why Google Can't Solve the Privacy Paradox
Google has said that privacy and security are the focus for Android Q and many of its other releases this year, but Senior Security Analyst Max Eddy explains that a company built on mapping and sorting data can't deliver perfect privacy.
How Dangerous Is Your Foreign VPN?
The US government thinks VPNs based in other countries are a threat, but the question of trustworthiness is more complicated than mere physical addresses. Senior security analyst Max Eddy tells you what you need to know about the software you use to stay safe online.
Never Give Ransomware Scammers Your Money
A Florida city made the difficult decision to fork over the cash after ransomware hijacked city computers. Everyone needs to make their own choice, but I firmly believe you should never pay the ransom.
The Real Reason I Don't Have a Security Camera
Security expert Max Eddy doesn't want creepers spying on him (or his dog) through insecure hardware, but that's not why he doesn't have internet-connected cameras in his home.
To Save the Internet, We Have to Break It
It might sound counterintuitive, but making services harder to use might be the key to making the internet safer and more private.
Does Two-Factor Authentication Really Make You Safer?
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is becoming increasingly common, but one reader points out that it seems easy to get around its protection. Is he right? Security expert Max Eddy takes a look.
I Killed Google and My Phone Almost Died
I set out on a journey to sidestep Google's version of Android and instead use free, private, and secure open-source alternatives on my phone. I made some stupid mistakes, including potentially bursting into flames, but I learned a lot along the way.
Online Privacy Is a Right, Not a Luxury
The tech industry is finally waking up to the fact that people care about their privacy. But current solutions all come at too high a cost in money or time to the end user, according to security expert Max Eddy.
Will Google's New Privacy Plans Really Protect You From Google?
Google says it's focusing on privacy and security this year, and while the company's plan has much that is good, does it really change anything? Security expert Max Eddy weighs in.
Can You Keep Google Out of Your Gmail?
Gmail is a great service, but not everyone is comfortable giving Google access to their email. Security expert Max Eddy explains what steps will (and won't) help keep your messages private.
