Q: What’s the best password manager?

1Password is our top-rated password manager in 2023. Along with industry-standard security features, it offers useful extras including password security auditing, dark web monitoring, and secure password sharing. Additionally, 1Password is extremely easy to set up and use, offers affordable payment plans, and has strong customer support.

Q: What do I do if my iPhone has been hacked?

It depends. If your iPhone has been jailbroken and had malware installed on it, you should factory reset it and restore your original iOS installation. But if you’ve simply installed some suspicious apps or downloaded an unsafe configuration profile, you can fix your device really easily. Uninstalling apps and configuration profiles only takes a few taps. However, if you think hackers have gotten access to your login credentials, you’ll want to follow my step-by-step instructions above to secure your accounts. You should always be running 2-factor authentication on as many accounts as possible (which is much easier with a secure password manager ), and you should protect yourself against future attacks using a good iOS security app like Norton.

Question 1

How do password managers keep passwords safe?

Accepted Answer

Most top password managers protect user data with industry-standard features like:

256-bit AES encryption — the same type of secure encryption that banks and militaries use (it’s never been broken).
Zero-knowledge protocols — means that no one else can access the sensitive data located in your vault besides you. The only way for your passwords to be decrypted and accessed is through your master password, which only you should have knowledge of.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) — an extra layer of security that uses a second factor (like another device or a one-time code) to verify your identity before logging into your account.

My personal favorite password manager is 1Password — it’s very secure, feature-rich, has strong customer support, and is user-friendly.

Question 2

Is it possible to hack a password manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s possible to hack a password manager, but it’s very rare. However, a password manager could still get hacked if your device is infected with malware, or if a hacker gains access to your login credentials and master password. That said, most top password managers offer a variety of security features to keep your account and personal information protected, including military-grade encryption, advanced 2FA options, and more.

If you’re looking for a password manager with strong security, I recommend using 1Password — it’s never been hacked and comes with industry-standard features like 256-bit AES encryption, a zero-knowledge policy, and two-factor authentication (2FA), along with key extras like Travel Mode and virtual payment cards (US only).

Question 3

What’s the best password manager?

Accepted Answer

1Password is our top-rated password manager in 2023. Along with industry-standard security features, it offers useful extras including password security auditing, dark web monitoring, and secure password sharing. Additionally, 1Password is extremely easy to set up and use, offers affordable payment plans, and has strong customer support.

Question 4

What happens if I lose my master password?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your master password, you could lose access to your password manager account, along with all of the items stored in your password vault. However, most top password managers offer account recovery options if you happen to lose your master password so that you can regain access to your personal data without having to create a new vault.

I recommend LastPass if you’re looking for a good password manager for recovering your account — it offers multiple account recovery options if you lose your master password, including sending a recovery code to your phone and providing an option to restore your master password for 30 days after creating a new one.

Question 5

Is it safe to use a password manager on my smartphone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use a password manager on your smartphone or mobile device. Many top password managers offer extremely secure, intuitive, and feature-rich mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Similar to their desktop apps, you face very little risk of the sensitive information in your vault being breached while using the mobile apps of most premium password managers.

My favorite mobile password manager is 1Password — it has one of the most customizable mobile apps on the market, allows you to create mobile-only vaults, and is ranked #1 in our list of top password managers for both Android and iOS in 2023.

Question 6

How can I tell if my iPhone has been hacked?

Accepted Answer

There are several signs that your device may have been hacked — your iPhone display may change, you may have new apps on your device, or your device might run really slowly or overheat.

The only way to install malware directly onto an iPhone is by jailbreaking it — if somebody else has access to your iPhone, they could have jailbroken your device and changed your operating system. If you think your device has been jailbroken, take it to a professional technician.

Most iPhone hacks are things like phishing attacks, data breaches, fleeceware apps, or unsafe Wi-Fi hacks. It can be hard to tell if your information has been compromised — I’ve given instructions above with some simple methods to keep your iPhone safe. Plus, iOS security apps like Norton can protect you from the vast majority of iOS attacks in 2023.

Question 7

What do I do if my iPhone has been hacked?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If your iPhone has been jailbroken and had malware installed on it, you should factory reset it and restore your original iOS installation. But if you’ve simply installed some suspicious apps or downloaded an unsafe configuration profile, you can fix your device really easily. Uninstalling apps and configuration profiles only takes a few taps.

However, if you think hackers have gotten access to your login credentials, you’ll want to follow my step-by-step instructions above to secure your accounts. You should always be running 2-factor authentication on as many accounts as possible (which is much easier with a secure password manager), and you should protect yourself against future attacks using a good iOS security app like Norton.

Question 8

Are iPhones more secure than Android?

Accepted Answer

Yes — iPhones have a much more restricted operating system than Android, which prevents users from downloading third-party apps or accessing their system files. Android devices provide much greater flexibility, which can be really great for developers and users that like to customize their devices. But iOS is much harder to hack than Android (although iPhones are still vulnerable to a range of cyberattacks).

Question 9

Which iPhone has the best security?

Accepted Answer

Any iPhone that has a fully updated version of iOS running is highly secure. But note that since iOS 16 was implemented, older iPhones are no longer receiving regular security updates. I’ve given instructions for installing iOS updates above, and all of the best iOS security apps are compatible with a wide range of iPhones and iOS versions. Norton Mobile Security runs on iOS versions 14.0 and later, so iPhone 6s and beyond are compatible with it.

Question 10

Why does Reddit say I don’t need antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

Some people suggest that strict internet safety habits negate the need for antivirus software, but it’s essential to understand that not everyone is super tech-savvy. Much like relying on a mechanic for car issues, most of us depend on external aid for our devices too. Antivirus software gives that extra security cushion, especially for those not deeply familiar with digital security.

Your digital security could be compromised at any moment for a myriad of reasons. Compromised family members could send you malware files, phishing sites might mimic legitimate sites to seize your data, or your data could be exposed in a massive data breach, all beyond your control. Malware files impact millions of Windows, macOS, and Android users daily.

The best antivirus programs provide improvement over Microsoft, Apple, and Google’s built-in protections, add additional security features, and provide trained customer support staff in the event of an emergency. Norton even offers live dark web monitoring.

Question 11

Does Windows 10 or 11 need antivirus protection?

Accepted Answer

Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender) is an excellent security tool built into Windows 10 and 11. It used to be famously very bad, but Microsoft has put a lot of work into improving its built-in Windows antivirus protection. But it’s still not as good as the best antivirus programs.

Windows Security regularly receives worse scores than standalone competitors in malware stress tests. These standalone competitors provide advanced malware detection tools, as well as helpful additional features like VPNs and password managers that Windows Security lacks.

Question 12

Which antivirus should I use?

Accepted Answer

There are good antivirus programs for every system — but overall, I think Norton is the best antivirus in 2023. It provides excellent malware detection rates for every operating system, plus it has great additional security features, a really helpful customer support team, and its plans cover a wide range of devices.

Question 13

Do Android phones or iPhones need antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Both Android and iOS platforms provide decent built-in protections, but they both face similar challenges. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store house a vast number of apps, and among them are instances of malicious apps designed to compromise user data and gain unauthorized access to devices.

As I discuss above, both Android and iPhone users have been hacked in recent years. While it’s a lot easier to put malware on Android devices, iOS users still face risks from online threats like phishing attacks and data breaches. Norton and TotalAV both make excellent apps for Android and iOS.

Question 14

How do I create strong passwords and remember them?

Accepted Answer

The best and easiest way to create a strong password is to use a password manager. They include password generators that can create super complex and unique logins for all of your accounts — and they store those logins in a secure encrypted vault, auto-filling logins with a single click. 1Password is our #1 password manager for 2023.

Question 15

How long is a strong password?

Accepted Answer

For secure passwords, aim for a minimum of 12 characters. Passwords of 8 characters are outdated and unsafe; some hacking tools can breach them in less than 6 hours. Also, using the same long password for multiple accounts is counterproductive; each password should be unique.

However, creating long passwords for all of your accounts can get overwhelming. To make this process easier, you can use a premium password manager like 1Password. With this tool you can create unhackable passwords, store them securely in an encrypted vault, and have the password manager auto-fill logins for you.

Question 16

What is an example of a strong password?

Accepted Answer

A strong password looks something like this “nSwQTr*A!e9hTP!9”. If you look closely, this password has all the characteristics of a strong password — it is 16 characters long and includes a mixture of lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.

The above password was generated by the SafetyDetectives password generator tool. You can use it to generate any number of long, complex, and strong passwords for free. However, passphrases like “correct-horse-battery-staple” can be just as secure as randomly generated passwords (1Password even includes a passphrase generator — it can make passphrases that are up to 15 words long).

Question 17

What are the 5 most common passwords?

Accepted Answer

The 5 most common passwords are:

123456
123456789
qwerty
password
12345

You should strictly avoid using these passwords or any other password similar to these. These passwords are always the first ones to be tried by cybercriminals during a hacking attack. Moreover, all of these passwords are extremely weak because they are too short, use plain dictionary words or simple number sequences, and completely lack complexity.

You can easily generate strong passwords using one of the techniques I shared above. Even better, you can use a password manager like 1Password to instantly generate secure passwords.

Question 18

Is a free antivirus going to keep me protected from malware?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. All the free antivirus software listed here will give you a good basic level of security, including malware protection. But if you’re looking for anything other than malware scanning and real-time threat protection, you’re going to need something more advanced, like a low-cost premium antivirus that includes a wide range of security tools to keep your devices protected.

Question 19

Are there any free antiviruses without ads?

Accepted Answer

There are, but companies need to make money somehow. If they aren’t showing you ads, they’re probably limiting features with the hope that you’ll purchase a premium upgrade. And that’s the best case scenario!

My favorite free antivirus with no ads is Bitdefender. Avira also doesn’t have ads, but the company is a bit more blatant about trying to get you to upgrade to the paid version. Still, both of these apps are among the best free antiviruses on the market.

Question 20

Which is the best free antivirus for me?

Accepted Answer

It’s true that there’s a lot of free antivirus software out there. But the majority is ineffective, and some may actually be malware disguised as legitimate antivirus software!

The first thing you need to do is choose an antivirus that has been optimized for your operating system e.g. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux. Next, you need to see if the free antivirus will offer you all of the features you need to stay protected. Some offer a VPN, while others offer phishing protection, ransomware protection, or optimization tools. There are so many choices out there, but again, it’s crucial that you only download legitimate and trusted software.

For more information on the best free antiviruses of 2023, check out our top free recommendations for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux.

Question 21

Do online virus scanners really work?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, the answer is yes and no. While there are a couple of decent antivirus scanners hosted online, they don’t have the same functionality as a downloadable antivirus program. They can’t scan your whole system for antiviruses and remove them from your computer like antivirus software. It’s just not possible for a website to enter your computer in that way.

But there are some online resources — like VirusTotal — which can scan individual files that you upload to them and assess the safety of different websites you may browse to.

Question 22

Are there websites that can remove viruses from my computer?

Accepted Answer

No. Antivirus software needs to be downloaded and given permission to erase files from your computer. Any website that is claiming to remove viruses from your computer is being dishonest. That’s why I recommended Norton’s Power Eraser — it’s a free, simple download that can detect and destroy malware and adware on your Windows PC. For Mac users, I recommend Bitdefender’s Virus Scanner for Mac, another free download that’s able to remove viruses from your system.

Question 23

How do I know I can trust a virus scanner?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of fake cybersecurity companies looking to profit off of your data. I included large, reputable companies like Bitdefender and Norton on this list because they have a long history of respecting data privacy for their millions of worldwide users. VirusTotal discloses its business model on its homepage — it’s able to provide free antivirus scanning because it’s paid by cybersecurity companies to gather information on global malware trends.

In short, all the products listed here can be trusted 100%.

Question 24

What’s the difference between an antivirus scanner and a vulnerability scanner?

Accepted Answer

Antivirus scanners look for known pieces of code in executable files — the “DNA” of a virus. A vulnerability scanner is designed to examine your software — whether it’s your browser, OS, or other program — to ensure that your systems are up-to-date with the latest security protections.

The SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner can let you know if your software is vulnerable and recommend updates and fixes. But it won’t be able to scan your computer for malware. For that, you’ll need a downloadable antivirus.

Question 25

What is the best virus removal software for Windows 10?

Accepted Answer

Norton 360 Deluxe is my favorite virus removal program for Windows 10 — it’s got one of the best virus scanners on the market, with 100% virus detection and removal. It also includes plenty of additional security features like a firewall, Wi-Fi scanner, VPN, anti-phishing protection, and identity theft protection.

While Windows 10 has a built-in antivirus (Windows Defender), it only offers basic protection against some viruses. It can’t protect your computer from cybersecurity threats like adware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, network-based attacks, or brute-force attacks. The best third-party antivirus programs (like Norton) have advanced scanning tools like machine learning, heuristic analysis, and behavior monitoring to detect all of these threats — and much more.

Question 26

Do I need a virus removal app for my Android device?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need a dedicated virus removal app for your Android device! Android devices have built-in security features, but you need more to protect you against malware, data breaches, phishing attacks, and other sophisticated forms of malware and online attack.

The best virus removal software on this list includes excellent security suites that extend protection to Androids. They also provide a wide range of really useful additional features to protect phone and tablet users — including VPNs, parental controls, system optimization tools, and much more.

Norton 360 has an excellent Android app that blocks all malicious apps before you download them to your device. Norton also comes with advanced cybersecurity protections, including anti-phishing, a Wi-Fi network scanner, and lots more.

Question 27

Is it true that iOS devices don’t need antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s not true! While iPhones can’t get “viruses” because of their built-in protections, iPhone users are still vulnerable to cyber threats like phishing sites, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, adware, spyware, and ransomware.

To make sure your iPhone is protected against all these threats, you should get antivirus software that improves on iPhone’s built-in protections. While all the products I recommend have good iPhone apps, my favorite antivirus for iPhones is Norton — which comes with anti-phishing protection, a Wi-Fi scanner, a VPN, dark web monitoring, and lots more.

Question 28

What’s the best virus removal software for Macs?

Accepted Answer

Intego is the best dedicated virus removal software for Macs — it has perfect virus detection rates, excellent real-time protection, a highly customizable firewall, cloud backup, parental controls, and excellent Mac optimization tools.

However, if you’re looking to protect multiple devices, including PCs and Androids, I recommend Norton, which supports all operating systems, is excellent at virus detection and removal, has tons of additional features, and works really well on Macs.

Question 29

What’s the best free virus removal tool?

Accepted Answer

Avira has a great free virus removal software package — it includes a virus scanner, real-time protection, ransomware protection, and a few other essential antivirus tools.

However, it’s still incredibly limited and can’t compare to the best premium antivirus packages. For example, it’s missing anti-phishing protections, and the VPN only offers 500 MB of data per month, which is nowhere near enough. Also, you don’t get any real customer support.

If you’re worried about viruses and other online threats, it’s worth investing in a premium solution. The best antivirus packages aren’t expensive, and they include everything from virus scanners to password managers and parental controls. The security and peace of mind they provide are well worth the small subscription cost.

Question 30

Are my laptop’s built-in protections good enough?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Both Windows and Mac have some built-in security tools that provide a little protection against certain viruses. But they’re not able to protect your laptop against advanced threats like phishing, adware, spyware, and ransomware.

The best laptop antiviruses have advanced anti-malware engines that can detect even the most sophisticated cybersecurity threats, and they also include tons of extra tools that improve a laptop’s overall security, such as:

Network firewalls.
Wi-Fi security scanners.
Anti-phishing protection.
VPNs (virtual private networks).
Webcam protections.

For example, Norton 360 has an advanced antivirus scanner, a VPN, parental controls, anti-phishing, dark web monitoring, and a lot of other internet security protections to ensure laptop users stay fully protected.

Question 31

Can I use a free antivirus for my laptop?

Accepted Answer

Free antiviruses are okay for basic protection. If you only use your laptop to watch YouTube videos or check emails, a free antivirus is probably good enough. But if you’re using your laptop for online shopping or banking, or if you’re storing a lot of sensitive or personal files like credit card information, account logins, photos, or Word docs, you really can’t rely on a free antivirus to keep all of that stuff secure.

That said, some free antiviruses like Avira Free Antivirus have a good virus scanner and some privacy optimization tools. However, they’re missing a lot of other cybersecurity features like a firewall, Wi-Fi scanning, dark web monitoring, and advanced malware protection.

Premium antiviruses like Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security are way better than any free antivirus, and they provide complete online protection (for a really low price).

Question 32

Do laptops really need antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

All laptops need antiviruses, especially ones that run on Windows (although MacBooks need protection, too). Since each operating system only offers basic antivirus protection, most laptops don’t come with:

Real-time malware protection.
Advanced malware scanning.
Anti-phishing protection.
Ransomware protection.
Dark web monitoring.
A VPN (virtual private network).
A password manager.
Many other important protections…

On the other hand, a good laptop antivirus will protect your laptop from all types of malware, keeping your identity and data secure while also preventing any damage to your device.

Top-rated antiviruses like Norton, Bitdefender, and Avira all have excellent malware scanners and additional protections such as VPNs, anti-phishing tools, dark web monitoring, and more.

Question 33

Which antivirus is best for laptops?

Accepted Answer

My personal favorite is Norton 360. It has a powerful malware scanner that detected 100% of the test malware on my laptops, and it uses very little CPU, meaning you can use your laptop pretty much as normal during scans. Norton also has excellent Wi-Fi scanning capabilities and a VPN with unlimited data, both of which are particularly useful if you ever connect to public Wi-Fi on your laptop. Norton’s plans are affordable, and Norton 360 Deluxe offers all Norton’s features for up to 5 devices.

While Norton is definitely my number 1, you can’t go wrong with any of the other antiviruses on my list either — they’ll all keep your laptop protected in 2023.

Question 34

Will an antivirus slow down my laptop?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which antivirus you choose to install. The antiviruses on this list won’t slow down your laptop — even if your device is pretty old.

Also, antiviruses like Norton 360 and Avira have device optimization tools that actually improve overall system performance, so your laptop will ultimately perform much better.

Question 35

What is the best antivirus for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Bitdefender is my #1 pick for businesses looking for an antivirus. Depending on the business suite your business chooses, the following features are available:

Endpoint detection and response.
Application and device management.
Network security.
Mobile device protection.
Sandbox analyzer.
MITRE event tagging.

Bitdefender GravityZone’s dedicated business solutions are highly versatile, including plans for small businesses as well as plans with more advanced tools for medium-to-large enterprises.

Question 36

What is the best antivirus for businesses using Mac computers?

Accepted Answer

Intego is my preferred provider for businesses that primarily use Macs. All of Intego’s products are developed specifically for Mac users, so businesses using Mac computers can be assured that the anti-malware scanner is able to protect against the most up-to-date Mac-based threats.

Intego doesn’t offer as many advanced features as Bitdefender, like a sandbox or a central hub, but its reputation as a Mac-specific security suite is well-earned, and it will provide Mac-dominant companies with the best all-round protection.

If your company uses a mix of Mac and PC devices, Intego is still a good option as it also offers protection for Windows devices. It’s able to identify Windows-based threats as well as Mac-based ones, so your business will be protected against all vulnerabilities.

Question 37

How do I choose the best antivirus for my business?

Accepted Answer

Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best antivirus for your business:

What features your business requires. Consider whether your employees travel often, how many employees work remotely, and if confidential information is handled. Depending on factors like these, certain features like protection against unsecured Wi-Fi connections and file encryption should be prioritized. Bitdefender is a great option for businesses that require a lot of features like these and more.
Who will be managing the antivirus program. Regardless of whether your company has an IT administrator, department, or a non-technical person managing the system, you will want to choose a solution that they can use efficiently. Norton Small Business is a great user-friendly antivirus option for businesses without a dedicated IT team.
Number and type of devices requiring protection. Determine the number of devices that need protection — if you’re a growing company, you’ll want to find a company with scalable license options. If you want to protect PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, be sure to choose an antivirus program that is compatible with all of your devices.
Pricing and money-back guarantees. You should choose an antivirus solution that offers a good value and that suits your business’s budget. It is difficult to know if a solution works well with your business’s needs and workflow without actually testing it out. That’s why you should always pick a solution with a money-back guarantee.

Question 38

Do you need an antivirus for your business?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While some devices have built-in security features, it is far from sufficient to protect your business and client data.

Many jurisdictions require businesses to comply with strict data protection laws, so it’s important to have high-level security solutions in place, including antivirus protection.

Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit with things like advanced ransomware attacks. By choosing an antivirus program specifically designed for business use, you are able to protect your business from the inconvenience and huge cost of cyber attacks by keeping up to date with the latest emerging threats.

Bitdefender is my top choice as it has plans for small businesses and plans for larger businesses that can be tailored to provide optimal protection for all types of companies.

Question 39

Can I use a personal antivirus plan for my small business?

Accepted Answer

You can use a personal antivirus for your small business, but there are important considerations to think about before doing so. For example, personal antiviruses will have limitations in terms of scalability and are less likely to offer features that many businesses find essential (such as centralized management).

That said, with an antivirus like Norton, it’s very easy to take the step from personal protection to small business protection, and it means you can get an oversight of your employees’ devices in a way that you would never be able to with a personal plan.

Question 40

How concerned should I be about cyber attacks on my small business?

Accepted Answer

Small-to-medium size businesses are common targets of cybercriminals. What’s more, the damage can be far-reaching: a successful cyber attack can severely impact a small business by causing financial losses, disrupting operations, affecting employee morale, eroding customer trust, and potentially leading to legal repercussions. Such consequences may hinder growth and, in severe cases, force the business to close.

So it’s really important to invest in a comprehensive cybersecurity package like Bitdefender Small Office Security. It offers flawless protection against all kinds of malware, webcam and microphone protection to secure your online meetings, and a secure browser for financial transactions. It’s super intuitive and easy to use too, making it a good option for small businesses that don’t have tech expertise on hand.

Kate Davidson

Published With SafetyDetectives

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