Broadband Guides: Privacy & Security

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?

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

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

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.

Top tips for working from home safely and securely

Safe remote working is easy to accomplish, even if you’ve had no training on video call security or COVID-19 scams

Antivirus software – How to secure your devices

Antiviruses represent a last line of defence against malware, but they vary considerably in performance and effectiveness.

Who are ICANN, and what do they do?

If you’re not sure who are ICANN, you’re not alone. This internet gatekeeper has a surprisingly low profile considering its responsibilities

Why do spam emails contain random words?

The phenomenon of random words in spam emails might seem pointless, but these unwanted messages are sent quite deliberately

Are QR codes safe to use?

The question of are QR codes safe has become a hot topic in our post-lockdown society, when it seems every public building requires a QR login

What are email tracking pixels, and why are they used?

As one of the internet’s stealthier monitoring tools, email tracking pixels represent a shift in the way companies record our actions

Staying safe while using public WiFi networks

Public WiFi network security is a major concern, which can be alleviated using a number of common-sense and technological solutions

Ten tips for identifying spam emails

Identifying spam emails can be invaluable for avoiding malware and spyware, providing added protection to personal and professional inboxes alike

Five tips for keeping children safe online

With so much of our lives dependent on internet access, keeping children safe online is more important than ever

You need a password manager to keep you safe online

LastPass isn’t the only password manager out there.

Five things to do with an old PC

There are many things to do with an old PC, from dismantling and destroying it to refurbishing or restoring it to factory settings

What are DDoS attacks?

DDoS attacks regularly make the news, but this popular form of cybercrime involves concepts many people may be unfamiliar with

How to improve your online security in five minutes

You don’t need an IT qualification to stay safe on the internet – it’s possible to improve your online security in a few minutes with some basic housekeeping

How secure are your smart devices?

Are you being smart about your smart home devices?

Five easy ways to improve your home broadband network’s security

In an age of endemic cybercrime and phishing, it’s vitally important to improve your home broadband security to minimise any risk of fraud or impersonation

How to read the news

In a world of fake news and online conspiracy theories, knowing fact from fiction is more important than ever!

How to check if your security software even works.

Here are some top tips to help you check up on your security checkup.

How vulnerable to broadband outages is smart security tech?

Many people will be receiving smart security tech for Christmas, but broadband outages can be a significant problem

Are paid VPNs better than free ones?

There is a lot of confusion about the relative merits of free or paid VPNs, but the decision often comes down to a choice between privacy or affordability

The best Black Friday deals might not be what they seem

Don’t let the excitement of Black Friday leave you vulnerable to scams!