Neil J. Rubenking

Lead Analyst for Security

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that fateful meeting, I’ve become PCMag’s expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces.

Before my current security gig, I supplied PCMag readers with tips and solutions on using popular applications, operating systems, and programming languages in my "User to User" and "Ask Neil" columns, which began in 1990 and ran for almost 20 years. Along the way I wrote more than 40 utility articles, as well as Delphi Programming for Dummies and six other books covering DOS, Windows, and programming. I also reviewed thousands of products of all kinds, ranging from early Sierra Online adventure games to AOL’s precursor Q-Link.

In the early 2000s I turned my focus to security and the growing antivirus industry. After years working with antivirus, I’m known throughout the security industry as an expert on evaluating antivirus tools. I serve as an advisory board member for the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), an international nonprofit group dedicated to coordinating and improving testing of anti-malware solutions.

Follow Neil J. Rubenking

G Data Antivirus

A malware-fighting tool that goes well beyond basic protection
1 day, 3 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
What Does Malware Look Like? Check Out These Real-World Examples
Most people never come face-to-face with malware, but having tested security software for decades, we're not most people. Let's take a deep dive into the dark web to show you what malware actually looks like.
1 day, 11 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
The Best Malware Removal and Protection Software for 2024
We've tested more than 100 anti-malware apps to help you find the top malware protection and removal software for all your devices.
1 day, 13 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
The Best Antispyware Software for 2024
Antivirus and security suites should protect you against all types of malware, including spyware. These are our top tested choices for the best spyware protection.
1 day, 13 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
The Best Antivirus Software for 2024
Antivirus software protects your personal information, data, bank account, and much more. We've tested more than 40 utilities to help you choose the top antivirus for your needs.
1 day, 13 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
The Best Ransomware Protection for 2024
Ransomware attacks turn important files into encrypted gibberish; paying to get them back is often your only option. Ransomware protection can prevent those attacks from succeeding.
5 days, 17 hours By Neil J. Rubenking
The Best Security Suites for 2024
What's the best security software for keeping your PC safe? We've tested, reviewed, and rated nearly 40 apps to help you choose the top security suite for protecting your devices and data.
1 week By Neil J. Rubenking
The Best Mac Antivirus Software for 2024
Despite what you may have heard, your Apple computer isn't immune to malware. We've tested the top contenders to identify those offering the best Mac antivirus protection.
1 week, 1 day By Neil J. Rubenking
Your Ultimate Privacy and Security Toolkit
Keeping your data secure and private requires more than just strong passwords and basic antivirus. For the best protection against every possible threat, this is everything you need.
1 week, 4 days By Neil J. Rubenking
Stop Using QWERTY: 4 Easy Tips for Better Passwords
If you're still using "qwerty" or "starwars" as a password, you should stop immediately. We tell you what makes a bad password, why you should care, and how to make a good one.
1 week, 5 days By Neil J. Rubenking
Useful or Potential Spyware? Microsoft's Recall Feature Draws Regulatory Scrutiny
A UK watchdog is asking Microsoft to explain how it will safeguard user data. Meanwhile, security experts are concerned Recall will be abused to spy on users' activities.
1 week, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking, Michael Kan
EncryptUSB

Inexpensive automated encryption for your USB drives
1 week, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking
EncryptionSafe

Simple, inexpensive encryption for your files
1 week, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking
Jumbo

Free identity theft protection for everyone
2 weeks, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking
RSAC: 4 Things We Learned About AI, Hackers, and Securing Our Data
Luminaries of the security industry converged on San Francisco for the RSA Conference this month to exchange ideas and examine the latest security technology. Surprise: AI had a starring role.
3 weeks By Neil J. Rubenking
Cybercrime Unicorns: What Everyone Needs to Know About Ransomware Gangs
In the last decade, corporate ransomware has raked in billions for organized online criminals. At RSAC, security expert Mikko Hypponen breaks down what the next 10 years will bring.
3 weeks, 4 days By Neil J. Rubenking
Security Expert: AI Is Coming for Democracy, Can That Be a Positive Thing?
AI-tuned scams and deepfakes make election trickery all too easy. Fear not, says revered security guru Bruce Schneier. Properly used, AI can strengthen the democratic process.
3 weeks, 5 days By Neil J. Rubenking
McAfee Demos 'Deepfake Detector' Powered by AI and Intel
AI can create convincing deepfakes, so how can we tell what's real? We get help from AI.
3 weeks, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking
How to Trick Generative AI Into Breaking Its Own Rules
Generative AI systems include filters so they don’t return dangerous or illegal output, but there are hacks to get around those filters, according to experts at RSAC.
3 weeks, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking
Not Ready for Passkeys? Multi-Factor Authentication Is Still Better Than Nothing
While MFA has its vulnerabilities, especially SMS-based authentication, it's better than leaving your accounts open to devastating attacks, Trend Micro VP of Strategy Eric Skinner tells us at RSA.
3 weeks, 6 days By Neil J. Rubenking

Neil J. Rubenking

Lead Analyst for Security

Recent Articles By Neil J. Rubenking