How Security Works
How Does HTTPS Work? RSA Encryption Explained - TipTopSecurity has finally been transitioned to a fully HTTPS website! So naturally, I thought this would be the perfect time to explain what that means. Read on for a complete explanation. Note: This article explains the older RSA encryption method. The newer ECC method is arguably better, however RSA is 
How Does Antivirus Work? - It’s a mysterious thing, antivirus. I mean, how do you know if it’s even working? What’s it doing, anyway? How Antivirus Programs Detect Malware Antivirus programs detect more than just viruses. A virus is only one type of malware. Malware is a broader term for any devious program that you 
All About VPNs - You’ve probably used one or at least heard about them, but what exactly is a VPN? What makes them secure? Which type should I use? I answer these questions and more in this article. What is a VPN? A VPN is a private network connection between two points over the 
What is Cryptographic Hashing? MD5, SHA, and More - Hashing is for more than just potatoes. So what does it mean to hash something in the digital world? What is a Cryptographic Hash? When you hear the term hashing in the digital world, it’s usually referring to a cryptographic hash. This is essentially the “fingerprint” of some data. A 
All About Heartbleed - Heartbleed is the talk of the internet right now. Bruce Schneier calls it “catastrophic.” An 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. Coming from Bruce, that means something. So what is it exactly? What is Heartbleed? Heartbleed is not a virus. Your computer cannot get infected by it and 
How Wireless Passwords are Hacked - Wireless data is extremely vulnerable. It floats out there naked and visible on the airwaves for anyone to see. Only the strength of your password is protecting it. Are you sure it’s good enough? To learn how to make the best wireless password ever, check out this article. What Makes 
How Does Digital File Shredding Work? - To make sure your data is gone for good, it needs to be mercilessly destroyed by virtual shredding. But what does “shredding” mean exactly when you’re talking about digital data? Your files aren’t stored on paper, after all. Why is File Shredding Necessary? When you click the “delete” button and What is Encryption? The Science and Mystery Behind Keeping Your Data Safe - Encryption is simply scrambling your information to keep it secret from eavesdroppers. Like using a Cap’n Crunch decoder ring (yes, I just dated myself). The science of cryptography, as it’s known, is a timeless practice, going back several thousands of years to ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese. But we’re talking
Password Cracking 101 – How Hackers Get Your Passwords - Knowing how passwords are weak is the best way to know how to make good ones. So let’s take a stroll inside the hacker’s head and learn their tricks. Obtaining passwords is a task ranging from ashamedly easy to moderately difficult. I wish I could say that it was really