PCMag Security Watch

In his roundup of the best antivirus protection, Rubenking notes that it is unlikely that readers will face an actual computer virus. Today, data-stealing Trojans and ransomware are all the rage among the malicious programming set. Luckily, most modern AV utilities seek out and eradicate many types of malware.

In your search for antivirus solutions, look for software that goes beyond essential malware protection. Choose solutions that can handle spyware and ransomware, too. Check out our methods for testing antivirus software before you make your decision.

Stay safe,

Kim Key
PCMag Security Analyst

As the pandemic continues its slow burn around the globe, many office workers use VPNs to conduct business privately on their home networks. A VPN ban would have terrible security consequences for those employees. Forcing workers to access sensitive information over an unsecured connection increases the possibility of data breaches, while requiring them to return to the office puts them at significant risk for contracting COVID-19.

Many people use VPNs to conceal their browsing history from their ISPs and hide their IP addresses, but you must do more to ensure your security. A VPN, for example, can’t stop you from downloading ransomware or giving up your data in a phishing scheme. That’s why PCMag recommends that readers install antivirus software, enable multifactor authentication wherever it is available, and use a password manager to create and store complex passwords for all their accounts.