Latest Security How-To Stories
How-To
How to find the recovery key for your encrypted Windows 11 PC
Chances are that Microsoft automatically encrypted your PC during setup. But don’t worry—that key should be safely stored. Here’s where to find it.
How-To
OneDrive Personal Vault: How to use it to stash your ultra-sensitive files
Skittish about storing sensitive documents on your PC? Microsoft's built-in OneDrive security feature might help.
How-To
Don't trust hotel Wi-Fi during holiday travel. Here's how to keep your info safe
Hotels and family homes don't always have a safe Wi-Fi connection — here's how you fix it.
How-To
How to encrypt files in Windows
Whether you use Windows Pro's built-in Bitlocker or the free Veracrypt utility, encrypting a file, folder, or drive is an easy way to keep your sensitive documents secure.
How-To
How to spot a scam email
Scam emails can cause massive headaches or, worse, financial ruin. Here are some telltale warning signs to look out for.
How-To
Twitch hack: How to change your password and set up two-factor authentication
Here's how to change your Twitch password and set up two-factor authentication in the wake of a massive alleged hack.
Updated
How to update your PC's BIOS
Updating your BIOS can cut boot times, fix compatibility issues, and improve overall performance–or brick your system if you do it wrong. But with recent attacks on UEFI, an out-of-date BIOS can leave your PC vulnerable.
How-To
How to protect yourself from the new Microsoft Office hack
A step-by-step guide to make sure Office's Protected View is keeping you safe from the latest attack.
How-To
How to securely erase your hard drive or SSD
Ensure that the data on your old drives is safe from prying eyes with this simple guide to securely wiping your hard drives.
How-To
How to create strong, secure passwords by learning how to crack them
Learn why strong, secure paswords matter by seeing how easy it is to crack passwords with a common tool. Longer, more complex passwords are best, and you'll see why.
How-To
How to pick the perfect password
What's the best password? We'll show you the rules and strategies we'd recommend to pick a safe, strong password that will keep your data secure.
How-To
How to tell if your password has been stolen
How can you tell if your password has been stolen or compromised as part of a password breach? We'll discuss free and paid services you can use, from websites to your browser or paid password managers.Tip
Tip: You can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free
Windows 7 went end-of-life today, but you can still take advantage of Microsoft's offer of a free Windows 10 upgrade, even though it officially ended years ago.
How-To
Windows 7 is dead: How to stay as safe as possible after the security updates stop
Windows 7 is officially end of life, meaning it will no longer receive security updates. If you're going to keep using it, here's how to stay as safe as possible.
Updated
How to remove your login password from Windows 10
Sure, you can remove your password from your Windows 10 PC, as long as it's in a very safe place. Here's how.
Updated
Windows Sandbox: How to use Microsoft's simple virtual Windows PC to secure your digital life
Microsoft's Windows Sandbox creates a safe space where you can try suspicious software or sites without risking your 'real' PC. Here's how to use it.
How-To
How to protect yourself from online scams including ransomware and more
Protect yourself from online scams with these tips, including a detailed account of attempts to remove ransomware.
How-To
How to automatically delete the web activity and location history data in your Google account
Google has launched a new privacy setting that lets you automatically delete your location and web activity data. Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to avoid Internet fraud, scams, phishing and other cybercrime
Internet fraud takes many forms, but they share a common goal: Extracting money or personal data from an unsuspecting user. Here's how to avoid their traps.
How-To