Security Articles | Tom's Guide

96% of iOS 14.5 users are opting out of ad tracking — how you can do it, too

By Ian Morris

iOS 14.5 is empowering iPhone owners to take control of how apps track their online activities. It's simple, clear and here's how you can use it.

A hand dialing a phone number on an iPhone.

Your old phone number is a hacker's dream — what you need to know

By Paul Wagenseil

Recycled phone numbers expose their previous owners to account takeover, hacking, stalking and even blackmail, researchers find.

Best VPN free trial in 2021

By Mo Harber-Lamond

VPN A VPN free trial gives you the chance to test a service before you commit to a lengthy contract – here are the best options on offer today.

The best free VPN services in 2021

By Mo Harber-Lamond

VPN Free VPN services are tempting, but users need to make sure the compromises made elsewhere are worth the sacrifice.

The Best Cheap VPN in 2021

By Mo Harber-Lamond

VPN Some cheap VPN services match up to the most expensive nowadays – here are our top picks for enhancing streaming and staying safe.

Google Play just copied the App Store's top new feature

By Paul Wagenseil

Google said the Play Store would require each app to declare what kind of personal data it collects and how it uses it — just as Apple's App Store now does.

The best VPN service in 2021

By Mo Harber-Lamond

VPN The best VPN is great for privacy and streaming – the hardest decision is which one to go for. Here's our definitive list of the best on offer today.

AirTag anti-stalking measures tested — and they're not good enough

By Rory Mellon

Apple's AirTags anti-stalking features have been tested in a real-world situation — and failed to measure up.

Peloton data leak exposes users' personal data

By Ian Morris

Peloton allowed anyone who cared to look access to its API, which contained the private details of customers.

Android 12 release date, beta and features

Serious Android flaw threatens hundreds of millions of users — what to do

By Paul Wagenseil

A flaw in Qualcomm modems used by hundreds of millions of Android phones could be used to steal data or hide malware, and it's not clear how many phones have been patched.

Apple AirTag sent in the mail to test tracking — here’s what happened next

By Tom Pritchard

Is AirTag tracking really all that? To find out, someone out their tracker in the mail.

The best parental control apps for Android and iPhone 2021

By Paul Wagenseil

Are you sure your kids are safe on their phones and tablets? Here are the best parental control apps for managing apps, filtering websites and logging activities.

'Hundreds of millions' of Dell PCs threatened by security flaws — what to do [updated]

By Paul Wagenseil

Five flaws in a 12-year-old Dell system driver threaten hundreds of millions of Windows laptops, desktops and servers.

The Facebook icon next to an icon labeled 'Ads' on an iPhone screen.

These are the creepy ads Facebook doesn't want you to see

By Paul Wagenseil

Facebook has rejected Instagram ads created by Signal that would have made very clear how much data Facebook collects about you.

Chinese TV maker: Yes, our Android TVs spied on customers [update]

By Paul Wagenseil

Chinese TV maker Skyworth admitted some of its Android sets collected far too much personal data from users, but blamed a third-party service and denied prior knowledge.

Apple devices under attack — update your Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch now

By Paul Wagenseil

Several serious Safari flaws have prompted Apple to patch Macs, Apple Watches, iPads and iPhones going back all the way to the iPhone 5s.

World Password Day sale: Top password manager LastPass is 25% off

By Paul Wagenseil

Well-known password manager LastPass is having a big sale for World Password Day, with savings of 25% on new subscriptions.

LastPass password manager review

By Sean Riley

Editor's Choice

LastPass's free version has been hobbled by a recent policy change, but LastPass's moderately-priced paid version is still the best password manager available.

The best password managers in 2021

By Paul Wagenseil

The best password managers we've tested save you time while helping you stay safe online.

A woman typing on a laptop displaying a green lock icon, with a plant behind the laptop.

The best Windows 10 antivirus software in 2021

By Paul Wagenseil

To keep your PC properly protected against malware, phishing and other online dangers, you'll need one of the best Windows 10 antivirus programs.

The best internet security suites in 2021

By Paul Wagenseil

Here are the best internet security suites to protect all your devices

The best identity theft protection services in 2021

By Paul Wagenseil

We used and tested the most popular identity theft protection services over three months. Here are the services that protect you best.

The best Mac antivirus software in 2021

By Paul Wagenseil

Bitdefender makes the best Mac antivirus software, but Kaspersky and Norton aren't far behind.

The best antivirus software 2021: Free antivirus and paid options tested

By Paul Wagenseil

Here's the best paid and free antivirus software available, based on each program's malware detection, impact on system performance and extra features.