Supported by our partners

The PCWorld Guide to Online Security

News, Reviews and How Tos from our security experts

Best Picks

Latest Best Picks for Security Software and Services

Best Picks

Best free VPN of 2025: It's important to choose wisely

VPNs are best when they're paid for, but if a premium account isn't in the cards then here are our top recommendations for a free service.

By Ian Paul and Sam Singleton 4 days ago

Updated

Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2025: Watch from wherever you are

Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.

By Sam Singleton 1 week ago

Best Picks

Best antivirus software 2025: Keep your PC safe from malware, spyware, and more

Your Windows PC needs virus protection. Some threats can’t be avoided without the aid of antivirus software. Choose the best antivirus software for you from our top picks.

By Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago

Best Picks

Best free VPN for Android 2025: Which ones can you trust?

When you need a quick free VPN connection for your Android phone or tablet here are the services we recommend.

By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago

Updated

Best password managers 2025: Protect your online accounts

The best password is one you probably can't easily remember—that's why a password manager is so crucial to your online security. We review LastPass, Dashlane, Keeper, NordPass, and others to find the best one for managing passwords.

By Michael Ansaldo and Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago

Updated

Best VPNs for Android 2025: Top picks for phones and tablets

PCWorld's picks for the best VPNs for Android devices including smartphones and tablets.

By Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago

Best Picks

Best free antivirus 2025: Keep your PC safe without spending a dime

Many of the big names in antivirus offer a free version of their security suites. Here are our top choices for free antivirus.

By Alaina Yee, Ian Paul and Sam Singleton 2 weeks ago

Updated

Best VPN services 2025: Top picks for speed, price, privacy, and more

Surfing the web through a virtual private network (VPN) can keep your identity and data safe and secure online. We show you what to look for in a VPN and help you pick the best one for your needs.

By Sam Singleton 3 weeks ago

MORE SECURITY BEST PICKS

Browse the web anonymously

Latest Reviews of Security Software and Services

Reviews

Vivint Smart Home review: The best smart home system I've ever tested

There’s no DIY option for the initial installation, but you can add to this powerful system on your own after that.

By Michael Brown 1 day ago

Reviews

Lockin Veno 7 Pro review: This smart lock like feels like it’s still in beta

This ambitious smart lock may well bite off more than it can chew, with a mountain of features that don’t quite work perfectly.

By Christopher Null 5 days ago

Reviews

Ring Outdoor Cam Plus review: Plus what?

This new indoor/outdoor security camera promises higher resolution than the 3rd-gen Ring Stick Up Cam, but you’ll need to squint to see the improvement.

By Michael Brown 1 week ago

Reviews

AVG Internet Security review: Reliable, budget-friendly antivirus software

AVG Internet Security is a good upgrade on its free antivirus software, especially if you need broader online protection and don’t want to pay a lot for it.

By Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago

Reviews

Proton VPN review: Great paid plan, even better free plan

Proton VPN, from the Proton line of personal security services, is a great standalone paid VPN and its free option has quickly become my favorite.

By Sam Singleton 4 weeks ago

Reviews

Eufy FamiLock S3 Max review: Lock, stock, and onboard video

This smart lock has a video screen to show who’s on the other side of the door, which is kind of useless if your door has a large window in it—like mine does.

By Christopher Null 1 month ago

Reviews

Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera review

The Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera is a feature-rich, versatile option that provides excellent coverage and privacy features. It's an deal choice for those who want a local storage-first option with PTZ capabilities.

By Michael Ansaldo 1 month ago

Reviews

Trend Micro Maximum Security review: Better alternatives exist

Underwhelming features, weak antivirus protection, and potentially showstopping bugs tank Trend Micro Maximum Security's appeal.

By Alaina Yee 1 month ago

More Security Reviews

Protect your identity online

Latest How To articles about Security Software and Services

How-To

How to turn a USB flash drive into a secure key for your PC

Here's how you can turn a USB flash drive into a secure key for your PC!

By Dominic Bayley 3 hours ago

How-To

Need to surf the web anonymously? These 4 tools can help

You leave your identity behind when you surf. Within a virtual machine, you can partially blur your own surfing tracks. TOR and Tails can also make a significant contribution to remaining anonymous.

By Michael Rupp 5 days ago

How-To

How to use NordVPN’s Meshnet to create a direct, secure link between devices

NordVPN's Meshnet enables the secure connection of multiple devices — like a protected LAN — when activated on PC and mobile device.

By Christoph Hoffmann 2 weeks ago

How-To

Is a hacker logged into your Google account? Here's how to tell

If someone’s lurking within your email, photos, and other files, you can boot them.

By Alaina Yee 2 weeks ago

Tip

Already using random passwords? Great. It’s still not enough

You should definitely use random passwords. But now they’re only just one part of the best way to bolster your online security.

By Alaina Yee 3 weeks ago

Tip

Malware can lurk in file conversion tools, FBI warns. Try these instead

Watch out for lesser-known document converters, because they might steal your identity—or hold your PC for ransom.

By Alaina Yee 3 weeks ago

How-To

Is your Windows PC's security firewall good enough? An explainer

Does the Windows firewall protect your computer sufficiently? What contribution does your router make — and who needs additional security software? This article explains.

By Roland Freist 3 weeks ago