Broadband Guides: Privacy & Security

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

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

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

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!

How a cheap webcam cover could save you from extortion threats

Protecting your webcam is a simple step, but it could provide valuable peace of mind if you start receiving blackmail emails

How to improve online password security

There are easy ways to improve online password security, which remains a troublesome aspect of the online experience for many people

Staying safe on social media

As people become increasingly aware of how much data they’re sharing online, staying safe on social media is becoming a hot topic

How to clean up your social media accounts without deleting them.

Clean up your online footprint to protect yourself from past mistakes!

Using the Tor app

The Tor app provides a smartphone-friendly way to keep your home broadband activities below the radar of cookies, search engines and even the authorities

Is bitcoin a scam?

Bitcoin scams are endemic, but the world’s first decentralised cryptocurrency does have some merit if you can forgive its many flaws

What are the best productivity apps for a pandemic?

With the pandemic forcing us to spend more time at home, what are the best productivity apps for work and play?

Getting started with PayPal

The history of two factor authentication

Despite being an occasional annoyance, two factor authentication has been developed to optimise personal safety while online

Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency gold rush

The cryptocurrency gold rush is a digital roulette wheel, where fortunes have been made and lost with little clarity on whether competing currencies have a future

How to handle blackmail emails

Although it’s tempting to respond to blackmail emails quickly, a more considered approach is always advisable for this unwelcome threat to our safety

Ten tips for video calling

We’ve assembled a list of video calling tips which should make conference calls and online meetings more productive, effective and safe

How do chatbots work?

Chatbots are a common sight on many websites, and these automated AI programs can be useful in lieu of speaking to a real person

Could my webcam be compromised?

A compromised webcam could pose significant security risks even if you don a disguise, so ensure video cameras on web-enabled devices are functioning normally