Smart how-to today: Set up Apple’s Stolen Device Protection setting. This hack only works if you set it up before your iPhone goes missing, so do it now before it’s too late.
Protect all your devices with the best antivirus software
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How to choose a UPS to keep your computer (and files) safe
Today’s topic isn’t the most exciting — you might call it downright boring. If you don’t care about damaging your computer and losing your work because of a power outage, keep scrolling for the tech news you need to know. You won’t hurt my feelings.
Protect your expensive investments
🫰 It doesn’t take much, really.
- Too much dust in vents and ports can kill your TV. Clean the back with a vacuum (use the brush attachment so you don’t scrape anything) or use a high-powered air blower (27% off).
- For keyboard crumbs, go with a nice reusable brush or grab a container of inexpensive goop that grabs dust, dirt, lint and anything else.
- Get into all the little cracks and crevices with nonstatic brushes ($14) made for the job.
- The teeny-tiny desk vacuum (25% off) you didn’t know you needed.
- These screen wipes (11% off) are perfect for bigger TVs or wiping down all your smaller screens in one go.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
1 question to ask before you buy that new car
Are you getting the proper protection? Here’s how to find out, and get what you want.
What if AI gets too smart? Workers at AI companies are asking Congress for specific whistleblower protections to call out new threats, like AI turning against them. With strict NDAs, trade secret rules and swarms of company lawyers, I’d be nervous speaking up or getting killed by AI, too.
Turn on your phone's theft protection
Your phone is very valuable in the wrong hands — and not just if you have a snazzy, new iPhone 16 Pro Max that costs as much as a mortgage payment. Even a cheap smartphone is loaded with logins, personal data and financial info. Think of it as instant access to everything.
Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?
If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.
Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.
Protect your noggin
🚴🏼 Do you ride a bike or ski? I do and wanted to pass this along: Your helmet should include a Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). MIPS helmets are a bit more expensive, but in a crash, they absorb all the shock so your brain doesn’t.
- Budget option for my fellow bike riders.
- This one (17% off) includes front and back headlights, plus blinkers.
- For kids who love to ride their bikes (25% off).
- Kiddo helmet/goggle combo for the slopes.
- Perfect for the entire snowboarding family.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🛡️ Microsoft offers built-in ransomware protection for Windows PCs: The catch? You must use OneDrive to back up your data. Keep in mind it’s not 100% foolproof, either. If you want to try it, open the Windows Security app > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection, and turn on Controlled folder access. It’s free for now, but I’ll bet they’ll start charging for this soon.
👋 So long, farewell: Without warning, Russian cybersecurity provider Kaspersky Lab deleted its anti-malware protection from its subscribers’ computers and replaced it with something called UltraAV. This comes after the U.S. government added Kaspersky to its national security concern list because of its ties to the Kremlin. If you were using Kaspersky for antivirus protection, try my antivirus pick instead.
Like Uber but with guns: BlackWolf’s rideshare drivers must have at least four years of police, military or private security experience. Why? For high-profile folks seeking extra protection. The service was shut down in Phoenix for operating without the necessary permits. You can still snag a BlackWolf ride for the price of an Uber Black in Atlanta, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
🦟 This mosquito bites
Use the right anti-mosquito soap: The journal iScience reports Dial, Dove and Simple Truth soaps make you a huge mosquito magnet. But Native Coconut & Vanilla Body Wash does the complete opposite. Good news: It’s 20% off today.
Pick the right bug repellent: Picaridin 20% provides up to 12 hours of protection, while DEET 30% only provides up to 10 hours. Picaridin is odorless and non-greasy, unlike the strong smell and sticky feel of DEET. Here’s a great option on sale for $9.95.
🍋 Go au natural: Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a natural mosquito repellent approved by the CDC as an effective ingredient. Here’s a handy two-pack for under $20.
Light a special candle: Citronella scent makes it difficult for mosquitoes to locate a human. Burning citronella candles around the perimeter creates a “scent barrier” to keep away mosquitoes. Check out this Coleman pick that burns for up to 25 hours.
⚡️ Get a bug zapper: The light source in bug zappers, often a UV or LED bulb, draws in insects. This highly-rated zapper is 53% off today.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Scareware 101: How to spot this dangerous cyberattack and protect yourself
Spam is unavoidable: It clutters your phone call history and chokes your email inbox. Like spam, scareware is another annoyance that seems to go hand-in-hand with internet access. It’s why you should never click pop-ups that say your system is at risk.
6 pro tips to stay protected against malware
When a word begins with mal-, you know it’s bad news. Malodorous. Maleficent. And one that’s woefully underused: Malversation. (Look it up; it’s a good one.)
But the most dangerous to our tech lives? Malware. These insidious little programs crawl into our phones, laptops and any other smart device and wreak utter havoc. And unfortunately, it’s everywhere.
My home was broken into. What am I supposed to do now?'
Each year in the U.S., there are an estimated 2.5 million burglaries. If this has happened to you, you know the fear and anxiety you feel after a break-in.
What should you do in the moments after discovering your home has been broken into or hearing someone come in? Knowing the steps to take in a moment of fear is hard, so it’s important to have a solid plan. If it never does, great news. If it does, you’re a little more prepared.
4 ways the Dark Web can help you (It's not all bad!)
Although the Dark Web is most famous for its seedy underworld connections, there are a few advantages. That’s right: Despite the dangers, there are a few unexpected ways it can make your life easier. For example, circumventing censorship is one of the most significant Dark Web upsides.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.