I review privacy tools like hardware security keys, password managers, private messaging apps, and ad-blocking software. I also report on online scams and offer advice to families and individuals about staying safe on the internet. Before joining PCMag, I wrote about tech and video games for CNN, Fanbyte, Mashable, The New York Times, and TechRadar. I also worked at CNN International, where I did field producing and reporting on sports that are popular with worldwide audiences.
In addition to the categories below, I exclusively cover ad blockers, authenticator apps, hardware security keys, and private messaging apps.
I like testing new software for work, but I'm less "plugged in" to the internet than I used to be. I tend to read app privacy policies to see what kind of data companies collect, and as a result of those findings, I don't use many mobile apps. In a similar vein, I was an early adopter of many social media platforms, but now I’m just an infrequent Reddit lurker.
I'm a gear junkie. I split my work time between a 2021 Apple MacBook Pro and a Lenovo ThinkPad. I shoot most of my videos for PCMag using a Canon M50, a Sony A7iii, and a Sony a6000. I edit videos using Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro.
I write all of my words for PCMag either in the MS Notepad app on my ThinkPad or the Notes app on my iPhone 12 mini. If I'm traveling and working, I use my iPad to write short articles or take notes.
My dad built me my first computer sometime in the late '90s, and I used it for reading Encyclopedia Britannica and writing Sailor Moon fan fiction. My first phone was the ubiquitous Nokia candy bar.
You can't control whether the sun is shining, the rain is pouring, or the wind is howling, but these useful Android and iOS apps can help you prepare for Mother Nature's many faces.
4 days, 21 hoursProtecting your online accounts is crucial, and a hardware security key is one of your most effective defenses. These are the top security keys we've tested for keeping your information private and secure.
6 days, 15 hoursFrom counterfeit FIFA merch to malicious betting apps, scammers are targeting soccer fans online. Here's how to spot the biggest scams before they cost you money or data.
6 days, 16 hoursFake bookings, phishing texts, and AI-powered tricks are targeting travelers this summer. Here's how to spot them and fight back before you book.
1 week, 2 daysCommentary: After a breach affecting thousands of institutions, Canvas's decision to reach an agreement with attackers highlights how ransom negotiations risk turning cybercrime into a predictable business model.
1 week, 5 daysWhen you hear "the dark web," you probably think of illegal, sordid activity, but that's not the whole picture. I don't recommend staying long, but these tips can help you explore the dark web using Tails, Tor, and a VPN.
1 week, 5 daysIf you get overwhelmed trying to secure your digital life, don't worry. I'm here to help you lock down your devices, clean up your online presence, and cut back on the data tech companies harvest from you.
2 weeks, 2 daysPasskeys are simpler and more secure than passwords. Here's how they work and how to get started.
2 weeks, 4 daysDigital legacy features make it easier to transfer account access to family members without sharing passwords up front. I'll show you how to get set up in minutes.
2 weeks, 4 daysThose cameras you keep seeing? They're run by Flock Safety, a private company that tracks more than just your car's plates.
2 weeks, 6 daysStop using the same login credentials everywhere. The top password managers we've tested create unique, strong passwords for each of your online accounts and alert you to potential data leaks.
3 weeksMillions of people fall victim to scams that start with a simple direct message. I'll show you how to spot the most common tactics and keep yourself safe on Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms.
3 weeks, 5 daysFrom AI-powered scam detection to data removal and remote access blocking, here are the best tools to help protect your identity, money, and more.
3 weeks, 5 daysYou would think AI could create secure, random, and strong passwords, but that's not actually true. In many cases, AI-generated passwords are surprisingly predictable, making them easy targets for hackers. Here's what to do instead.
4 weeksRoboForm is inexpensive and beginner-friendly, while Enpass offers diverse storage and security settings. After putting both password managers through their paces, I can tell you which app is the best bet for you.
1 monthFrom pricing to features, I break down how 1Password and RoboForm stack up for beginners, families, power users, and businesses to help you decide which password manager is right for you.
1 monthYou don't need cable to watch MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL games. The best sports streaming services make it easy to catch all the primetime matchups and general coverage.
1 monthThey may look complex, but AI-generated passwords often follow predictable patterns that hackers can exploit. I'll show you what to use instead.
1 month, 1 week
