Anthony Spadafora
Anthony Spadafora is the senior security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and malware to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Before joining the team, he spent three years covering cybersecurity and B2B tech for ITProPortal while living in South Korea. After moving back to the US. Anthony joined the TechRadar Pro team where he covered these topics along with VPNs, web hosting, online collaboration software and video conferencing. He also has his ears to the ground and is on the lookout for the next major cyberattack or data breach.
Based in Houston, Texas, Anthony also handles VPN testing for both Tom’s Guide and TechRadar. As someone who has worked from home exclusively since 2018, he has reviewed dozens of standing desks and has taken a closer look at other essential remote working accessories. As part of these reviews, Anthony frequently rearranges desk setups which is why he’s such a big advocate for cable management and keeping things organized. When he’s not writing, he can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and making upgrades to his smart home.
Latest articles by Anthony Spadafora
![Best VPN provider ExpressVPN on a range of devices](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5hQa5MZPUeUYVXkjZLvmYK-320-80.jpg)
The best VPN service in 2024
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
Updated I've tested dozens of the best VPN services. Here I compare the top 10, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and more.
![Kaspersky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VcbbpMKB7z5T9KVBBmBLVB-320-80.jpg)
US government bans Kaspersky antivirus software - what you need to know
By Anthony Spadafora published
The Department of Commerce has banned the Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky from selling its antivirus and other security software in the US.
![An MSI mini PC mounted to the back of a monitor at Computex](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hxuj6uRRNr8oFG5upF9ay9-320-80.jpg)
I made my own all-in-one computer with a mini PC last year but I wish I had waited for one of MSI’s new monitors
By Anthony Spadafora published
MSI has added a built-in mini PC mounting bracket to several of its new monitors to make building your own all-in-one computer even easier.
![Using a stylus with the Google Pixel Tablet on a desk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CkhBfdBf6H5h7wufmJCZ2K-320-80.jpg)
I never thought I would miss my smart home until I started traveling again
By Anthony Spadafora published
Building your own smart home is a rewarding experience, but going back to doing things the analog way can be a bit strange.
![and image of the Google Chrome logo on a laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/62aHxnvmKJvfMzFqKzR96H-320-80.jpg)
Chrome security alert — clicking this error will open the malware floodgates on your PC
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
Hackers are now using fake error messages to trick unsuspecting users into running malicious PowerShell scripts that install malware on their PCs.
![LG Gram 17 Pro (2023) review unit on table outdoors running Windows 11](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ynU5BuH6Taj5rNfWw8mmpV-320-80.jpg)
Urgent Windows security flaw lets hackers infect your PC over Wi-Fi — update right now
By Anthony Spadafora published
Microsoft has fixed a bug in the Windows Wi-Fi driver that can be exploited to infect vulnerable PCs with malware over Wi-Fi.
![An emoji on a hacked phone on top of a laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ANf6zmDAQS6zzCN9Gs2KRH-320-80.jpg)
Hackers are now using emoji to speed up their cyberattacks — how to stay safe
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
Emoji make for an easy way to express ideas and emotions but now hackers are using them to communicate with their malware over Discord.
![The Cougar Argo One gaming chair next to a desk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DdTmkqWZRRX2hpD5pXKsiV-320-80.jpg)
Gaming chairs are becoming office chairs — 3 reasons why that’s good news
By Anthony Spadafora published
These hybrid chairs mean you don’t have to pick between a gaming chair and an office chair while still getting the best features of both.
![Apple's USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack in front of a seat-back display on a plane](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r3EM42EJZAFTjmiP3QS58o-320-80.jpg)
Apple’s cheapest accessory helped me get through a 13-hour flight — this is a life saver
By Anthony Spadafora published
Wireless headphones are great if you remember to charge them before a long trip but wired headphones will never let you down, granted you have the right adapter to use them.
![Using the UGREEN Nexode 65W Charger to charge a laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3VCCLvPYUQ5EKTRNitscxa-320-80.jpg)
This GaN charger let me finally ditch my bulky laptop charger, and its 42% off right now
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The Nexode 65W Charger from UGREEN lets you charge a laptop, tablet and smartphone at the same time in a very compact form factor.
![Phone scam showing an unknown caller on a phone screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/muFWf5MSX7498TMTJZvtv7-320-80.jpg)
Scammers are impersonating this government agency to steal your cash — don’t answer this call
By Anthony Spadafora published
Scammers are impersonating the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to trick Americans into parting with their hard-earned cash.
![Google Pixel 8 shown held in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F9TMwovbocKuDjqiv7aJhU-320-80.jpg)
Google just gave Pixel owners 50 reasons to update their smartphone — don’t sleep on these patches
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
Google is warning Pixel owners they should update their phones to patch 50 recently fixed security flaws including one zero-day.
![The Zotac Gaming Zone at Computex 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/taAhREoMCtA8aX5WjmPMoi-320-80.jpg)
Forget the Asus ROG Ally X — Zotac just revealed the first true Steam Deck competitor
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The Zotac Gaming Zone made an appearance at Computex and this new PC gaming handheld packs in loads of features we’ve yet to see in a similar device.
![A Tile tracker in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8At63ccanJAqFyddXXa7E9-320-80.jpg)
Tile customer data stolen by hacker in serious breach — what to do now
By Anthony Spadafora published
Lone hacker used Tile employee credentials to steal customer data including names, addresses, emails and phone numbers.
![Malware](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rjvaLaDqTmZTLZ7RKhKSUB-320-80.jpg)
Hackers target job hunters with dangerous new Windows backdoor — how to stay safe
By Anthony Spadafora published
Looking for a new job now requires an antivirus
![Showing a webpage on both of the ACEMAGIC Z1A's screens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pPtJxqqZhAHua4Lk6xUdKd-320-80.jpg)
I thought dual-screen laptops were silly until I tried one with side-by-side displays
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The ACEMAGIC Z1A is the first dual-screen laptop with a built-in keyboard thanks to its horizontal, side-by-side displays.
![ROG Tessen controller at Computex 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7Z7pmWCzMqdWnbc42AerGe-320-80.jpg)
Forget the Backbone One — I just found my next mobile game controller
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
Finding the right mobile game controller for your play style can be hard but the ROG Tessen from Asus ticks all the right boxes for me.
![Computex 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kXACUhkUe3wN8Co2GKKrZD-320-80.jpg)
Computex 2024 announcements — AMD, Intel and Nvidia go big on AI, plus gaming handhelds galore and more
By Jason England, Anthony Spadafora last updated
Computex 2024 is over, but we're still on the ground in Taiwan checking out gadgets and seeing the future of computing. Here's all the latest announcements, live!
![Best of Computex 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A9YvHbd8p4yEZzGaJcJdQD-320-80.jpg)
Best of Computex 2024: Here's our 11 top gadgets of the show
By Jason England published
Computex 2024 has shown a huge evolutionary step in three key categories: AI, PC hardware and gaming handhelds. Here are the 11 best announcements from the show.
![Asus' Project Dali concept laptop at Asus HQ](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uzDs7NZH9BKkJ93n4d9fXW-320-80.jpg)
Asus just made my new dream laptop, and all it took was an e-ink display!?
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
Asus’ Project Dali can give your laptop a brand new look with the push of a button whenever you want, using your own photos or even AI-generated ones.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HpQRk3BGaJ7VCsCkAkEUw8-320-80.jpg)
NSA issues warning to iPhone and Android users — do this to stop hackers
By Anthony Spadafora published
Hackers often use zero-click exploits in their attacks, but the NSA has revealed one simple trick that can help keep you and your smartphone safe.
![The GameBall Thumb trackball mouse next to a gaming laptop running Halo Infinite](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bMwUeP5St48gt7BiUAuxzE-320-80.jpg)
I tried PC gaming with a trackball and it reignited my love for mouse and keyboard
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
Some games are just better with keyboard and mouse and the GameBall Thumb let me play on PC like I used to without the wrist strain.
![MacBook Pro 2021 (16-inch) on a patio table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/76BX7qw85vqQucCvUnTHHQ-320-80.jpg)
LightSpy spyware can now snoop on your Mac and your iPhone — how to protect yourself
By Anthony Spadafora published
The LightSpy spyware can steal browser data, record your screen, take photos and even retrieve sensitive info like your passwords from Apple Keychain.