Anthony Spadafora

Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

Articles by: Anthony Spadafora

The one problem with mesh routers — read this before you buy

By Anthony Spadafora published 2 July 22

A lack of ports shouldn’t be a deterrent for those thinking about making the upgrade to a mesh network.

When does an old smartphone become unsafe to use?

By Jesse Emspak, Anthony Spadafora published 1 July 22

Android and iOS devices have safe working lifespans of different lengths – here's what you need to know.

Scanning a QR code on a computer with a phone

Think twice before scanning this QR code — it could be a phishing scam

By Anthony Spadafora published 1 July 22

Cybercriminals are now using QR codes in their phishing attacks to help avoid detection.

Telegram: What it is and how to use it

By Jesus Diaz, Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 30 June 22

Here's how to install and use Telegram to get encrypted, self-destructing, non-intrusive messaging.

Recruiter speaking with a job candidate on a video interview

Forget lying on your resume — now people are using deepfakes for video interviews

By Anthony Spadafora published 30 June 22

The FBI has warned that impostors are using stolen identities along with fake videos to apply for jobs at IT and software companies.

Is Windows Defender good enough for my new laptop?

By Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 29 June 22

Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus software now ships with all Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops. But is it good enough?

How fast is Elon Musk’s Starlink — the results are in

By Anthony Spadafora published 29 June 22

Starlink's speeds have improved significantly over the past year and other satellite internet providers are taking notice.

How to change your Facebook password

By James Archer, Anthony Spadafora published 28 June 22

This step-by-step guide can help you change your Facebook password even if you can’t remember your current one.

The Signal and Telegram apps grouped together on a smartphone screen.

Signal vs. Telegram: Which encrypted messaging app wins?

By Emily Long, Anthony Spadafora published 28 June 22

Signal and Telegram are both popular choices for encrypted messaging but which one is better for your needs?

Two children on a laptop with parents in the background

Popular child-tracking apps are actually tracking parents — how to stay safe

By Anthony Spadafora published 28 June 22

Downloading these popular child-tracking apps from the Play Store could put you and your child’s privacy and security at risk.

What to do if your Facebook account Is hacked

By Sarah Brown, Anthony Spadafora published 27 June 22

Having your Facebook account hijacked can be terrifying but you can get it back by following these steps.

This fake copyright scam is infecting PCs with ransomware — what to know

By Anthony Spadafora published 27 June 22

Cybercriminals are using copyright violation notices sent via email to infect unsuspecting users with the LockBit ransomware.

I wanted a new Android tablet — but I got this Chromebook tablet instead

By Anthony Spadafora published 26 June 22

Even the best Android tablets may not receive the latest updates, which is why I made the switch to Chrome OS.

What internet speed do I need? Here's how many Mbps is enough

By Don Reisinger, Brian Westover, Anthony Spadafora published 24 June 22

These are the internet speed improvements you should pay for and those that you shouldn’t .

Security flaws in smart Jacuzzis could get owners in hot water

By Anthony Spadafora published 24 June 22

A security issue in Jacuzzi’s SmartTub software exposed the names and email addresses of smart hot tub owners online.

The best internet security suites in 2022

By Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 23 June 22

The best internet security suites stop malware, manage your passwords, secure your connections and protect you from identity theft.

Best speed test apps in 2022: Test your internet speed

By Imad Khan, Anthony Spadafora published 23 June 22

The best speed test apps and websites will help determine if you're getting your money's worth from your ISP.

A man uses a smartphone to connect to a Wi-Fi network, with a router and a laptop sitting on a desk.

3 simple tips to speed up your Wi-Fi

By Anthony Spadafora published 23 June 22

With the right router placement and by avoiding interference, you can give your home Wi-Fi a major boost.

The best Windows 10 antivirus software in 2022

By Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 22 June 22

Keep your Windows PC protected against malware and other cyberthreats with one of the best Windows 10 antivirus programs.

The best password managers in 2022

By Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 22 June 22

The best password managers make storing and auto filling your passwords easier to help you save time and stay safe online.

An email inbox displayed on the screen of a laptop, next to a cup of coffee.

This is the one thing to look out for in scam emails

By Anthony Spadafora published 22 June 22

Scammers often send emails with blank subject lines in order to get you to open them and any links they contain.

Best parental control apps: Dark-haired boy of about 5 using smartphone while sitting on sofa.

The best parental control apps for Android and iPhone 2022

By Paul Wagenseil, Sean Riley, Anthony Spadafora published 21 June 22

These are the best parental control apps for managing apps, filtering websites and logging activities on mobile devices.

The best Android antivirus apps in 2022

By Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 21 June 22

Keep your Android devices running smoothly and free from malware with one of the best Android antivirus apps.

This free VPN exposed 25 million user records — how to stay safe

By Anthony Spadafora published 16 June 22

The company behind a popular free VPN app left an 18.5GB database of connection logs accessible to the public online.

Zoom security issues: What's gone wrong and what's been fixed

By Paul Wagenseil, Anthony Spadafora published 15 June 22

Dozens of security and privacy issues have been found in Zoom, though not all are serious and many have been fixed. Here's what you need to know.

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