Security

Security How-Tos

Protect Yourself From DNSChanger If the DNSChanger rootkit has infected your PC, you'll lose access to the Internet when the FBI shuts down DNSChanger's surrogate DNS servers. Here's how to determine whether you're infected, and what to do if you are.
Recover Encrypted Files From An Old Hard Drive Jeff Hudgins removed the hard drive from a dying computer, and via USB plugged it into a new PC. But he can't access his files. They're encrypted.
The Greatest PC Mysteries--Solved! PCWorld's editors band together to solve the greatest PC mysteries! Find out why your PC beeps on startup, what a .dat file is, how USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 differ, and much more!
How to Encrypt Your Email Data encryption is a complicated subject, but our top-level overview and general guide to email encryption will help you understand the basics. Learn to encrypt your Internet connection, sent and stored email with this basic tutorial.
Free Tools to Wipe Your Drives Securely Properly clear off old data from a flash drive, hard-disk drive, solid-state drive, or hybrid hard drive--at no cost.

Security News

Mobile Payments Still Slow to Catch on in U.S. Even if the next iPhone has a mobile wallet app and a Near Field Communication chip inside, don't expect contactless payments to suddenly explode in the U.S.
Email Attackers Take a Weekend Breather Email attacks which contain malicious attachments consistently fell on weekends, according to an analysis of the first quarter of 2012 by US security and malware analytics vendor, FireEye.
The Flame Virus: Your FAQs Answered Flame can sniff out information from input boxes, record audio from a connected microphone and take screenshots of applications that the virus deems important.
Netflix Agrees to Delete Former Users' Video History Netflix settles class-action privacy lawsuit and agrees to delete data showing past customers' movie rental history.
Don't Get Burned By 'Flame' Malware Attack Businesses and individuals need to be aware that other threats like 'Flame' may already be out there, and take steps to be more diligent in guarding against them.

Security Playing in PCW Video

LA Sherrif's Dept. Adopts Integrated Toughbook Technology The LA Sherrif's Department has begun to transition from an antiquated in-car system to a Toughbook-based setup that's been customized by Raytheon.
Carrier IQ: Researcher Finds Hidden Software Capturing Personal Mobile Data A secret piece of software might be tracking your every move if you own an Android, Blackberry, or Nokia smartphone, a security researcher discovered recently.
Google Wallet Launches on Nexus S 4G Phones Google Wallet became available on Nexus S 4G phones on Sprint's network this week.

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Security Reviews

Find and Update Out-of-Date Drivers With RadarSync PC Updater RadarSync is a comprehensive, complete tool for identifying and updating outdated drivers.
Stop Spyware in Its Tracks With Open-Source HijackThis HijackThis, useful as ever but now open source, helps you spot anomalies in your Windows and program installations.
First Look: ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall Launches Today ZoneAlarm's first free antivirus/firewall suite makes its debut. PCWorld examines its features.
Hotspot Shield Protects Your Privacy Either Free With Ads or Paid and Ad-Free Encrypt your wireless communications at non-secure locations with private VPN service Hotspot Shield.
Anonymizer Universal Shields You From Content-Targeting Protect your Internet anonymity with easy-to-use VPN program Anonymizer Universal.

Best Prices on Antivirus Software

Downloads: Freeware, Shareware and Software to Buy

Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus is a reliable free antivirus solution, that constantly and rapidly scans your computer for malicious programs such as viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, hoaxes, worms, dialers etc. Monitoring every action executed by the user or by the operating system and being able to react promptly when a malicious program is detected. Actions include repair, delete, block, rename and quarantine programs or files.
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition Free program protects against viruses and hackers.
3D Desktop This free Windows 7 theme includes dozens of gorgeous 3D images.

Google Warns: Clean Your PC or Lose Internet Access