Broadband Guides: Privacy & Security

What are ‘social engineering’ scams?

Social engineering is on the rise – we explain how to avoid becoming its next victim

How big a threat is spyware?

The spyware threat is real – but there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk of becoming a victim

How to choose a web browser that works for you

Knowing how to choose a web browser for your specific needs can simplify and streamline your online experiences

What are Trojans?

How targeted is targeted advertising?

Targeted advertising is the tip of an iceberg of personal data endlessly being resold across the internet

What is doxing, and why is it dangerous?

If you’ve ever wondered what is doxing, we explain the origins and dangers of this growing online phenomenon.

The differences between ransomware, spyware and malware

There’s a common assumption that they’re all the same, yet the differences between ransomware, spyware and malware are significant.

Should I jailbreak my smartphone?

Understanding the pros and cons of jailbroken smartphones helps you to decide whether to risk your device’s safety for extra functionality

What is zero-day malware?

Zero-day malware is too new to be caught by most antivirus packages. We explain how to stay safe

What should I do if my online passwords are compromised?

How to live without social media accounts

Life can be less stressful once you learn how to live without social media accounts and re-embrace traditional technologies

What are employee monitoring tools, and how do they work?

Employee monitoring tools are vital for home workers, but they come at the cost of personal privacy

Why too much screen time can be harmful

We investigate why too much screen time can be harmful for us – and especially for our children.

The best web browsers for privacy 2024

The best web browsers for privacy offer greater confidentiality than ever before – but which is best for your needs?

What are cookies, and can I avoid them?

The question “What are cookies” has different answers for consumers, businesses and advertisers

Top security tips for safe online banking

What are torrents?

The question ‘what are torrents’ can be answered quite simply, considering how complex these file sharing protocols are.

The top 6 best messaging apps for 2024

The best messaging apps for 2024 will keep business and personal communications flowing – providing other people are willing to use them

What are biometrics, and how do they keep us safe?

We examine the world of biometrics, including an exploration of what are biometrics used for

Online advertising’s evolution over the last 30 years

It’s been thirty years since online advertising first crept into our lives, and this industry has evolved at a phenomenal rate

Dos and don’ts when using a webcam

Using a webcam safely involves a little advanced planning – and plenty of common sense.

How to make sure your old tech doesn’t reveal personal data

Deleting personal data from old devices is crucial to protecting yourself against identity theft, data loss – and strange phone calls…

How to make the most of bookmarks and favourites

Bookmarks and favourites are one of the internet’s least treasured resources, despite their hidden value

What is peer-to-peer file sharing, and is it legal?

Peer-to-peer file sharing is a popular – if controversial – method of distributing data online

Ten tips for selling your old computer

Selling a secondhand computer is no harder than selling a smartphone, yet it’s something many people are reluctant to do

Staying safe: how to tackle online extortion

Recognising and understanding online extortion could prove invaluable if you find yourself being threatened or coerced.

What is HTTPS, and why does it matter?

What is HTTPS? Only the most secure form of web content distribution, and one which every website should adhere to nowadays

How much information about you is on the internet?

The vast quantities of personal data online represent a goldmine for companies, but a minefield for consumers

Tips for avoiding clickbait

Avoiding clickbait will give you a far more enjoyable online experience, away from low-grade content and tracking websites

Ten tips to improve your cybersecurity at home

Methods for improving domestic cybersecurity include password management, router reboots and deleting unsolicited emails.

How to choose an antivirus package

When it’s time to choose an antivirus package, there’s a lot to consider

What is bloatware, and how can I tackle it?

Bloatware is the scourge of modern computers, smartphones and tablets. Let's tackle it head-on!

What is airbrushing?

We explain what is airbrushing used for, how it’s achieved and why it’s controversial

Do I really need antivirus software?

Can you save money by not renewing or installing antivirus software subscriptions, or is this too much of a risk?

It might be time to get off social media, guys.

We weigh up the pros and cons of leaving social media to help you to make a potentially life-changing decision.

How to avoid scams while you shop online this Christmas

In a year when every pound we spend has to work harder than usual, it's important to steer clear of rip-offs and fraud.

A beginner’s guide to cloud storage

What is cloud storage? It's worth knowing, since the cloud dominates today’s online experiences.

Why do I keep getting undeliverable notifications for emails I didn’t send?

Receiving undeliverable notifications for emails you never sent usually means you’re being targeted by malware.

What is a botnet?

We explore the phenomenon of zombie computer networks, explaining what are botnets used for and how they’re assembled

How to set parental controls on broadband use

Setting up parental controls on your wifi ensures younger members of the household can’t stumble across age-inappropriate content.

8 easy ways to massively improve your online privacy

There are many reasons to turbo-charge your online privacy, so don't get caught out - start now!

How to avoid being scammed by a fake ISP ’employee’

It’s more important than ever to avoid broadband scams nowadays, since our reliance on the internet has never been greater.

What can I do with the Tor browser?

Tor browser uses are many and varied, from safe communications in warzones to avoiding geolocation restrictions

How to ensure your online security is up to date in 2022

A new year inevitably brings new online security concerns, but simple steps can ensure you’re protected against malware, phishing and hacking

Can I trust chatbots?

Their ubiquity means it’s increasingly important to trust chatbots, even though many people are unsure how these automated programs work

How to avoid falling for cryptocurrency scams

Cryptocurrency scams like Squid provide an easy revenue stream for criminals, but it’s easy to avoid falling for these online schemes

Is the internet coming through my home broadband connection censored?

The thought of ISPs blocking content might seem unethical, but it’s something they’re increasingly being forced to do

Why do I keep seeing eerily relevant adverts online?

It's all down to 'native advertising' - let's see how it works...

How to stay safe online

Staying secure is a constant challenge, requiring a blend of hardware, software, good choices and eternal vigilance.

What’s the difference between POP and IMAP email?

The differences between email systems typify the move towards cloud computing and remote over local data storage.