The vast majority of us have no idea what the padlock icon on our internet browser is – and it's putting us at risk

The padlock symbol simply means that the data being sent between the web server and the user’s computer is encrypted and cannot be read by others. But many people don’t know that.

Fiona Carroll, Reader in Human Computer Interaction, Cardiff Metropolitan University • conversation
Nov. 22, 2023 • ~6 min

How to avoid falling victim to an online scam -- research says slow down

Hoax websites are becoming more popular with fraudsters. So it’s more important than ever to protect yourself.

Nicholas J. Kelley, Assistant Professor in Social Psychology, University of Southampton • conversation
Feb. 24, 2023 • ~6 min

Why 'bad' ads appear on 'good' websites – a computer scientist explains

A combination of volume, technology and financial need has opened the door to sleazy and dangerous advertisements on reputable websites.

Eric Zeng, PhD Candidate in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington • conversation
April 13, 2022 • ~10 min

How QR codes work and what makes them dangerous – a computer scientist explains

Here’s what happens when you scan one of those ubiquitous two-dimensional black-and-white patterns.

Scott Ruoti, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Tennessee • conversation
April 7, 2022 • ~6 min

The coronavirus pandemic moved life online – a surge in website defacing followed

Vulnerable websites are popping up as organizations move online during the coronavirus pandemic – and hackers have more time at home alone. The result is more websites falling victim to defacement.

C. Jordan Howell, Doctoral candidate in Criminology, University of South Florida • conversation
May 26, 2020 • ~6 min

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