Technologies

Over Half of Us Have Faced Possible Malware, Yet Some Are Ignoring Cybercriminals

Protecting your devices and data takes a lot more than antivirus software.

When you see a malicious email or link, you may already have your next steps in mind, like deleting it right away, reporting it as spam and even blocking the sender. However, CNET’s latest survey found that some US adults don’t take any action at all.

It’s easy to comfortably assume that antivirus software and other cybersecurity tools will protect you from malware, but scammers are still finding workarounds to steal our data. In fact, even though many devices have built-in antivirus protection, over half (54%) of US adults with personal laptops have encountered potential malware within the past year.

Your first step when you notice a possible malware attempt is the most important. Clicking a link out of curiosity can lead to a virus, identity theft or even fraud. However, ignoring it isn’t the best course of action either.

We can help you navigate these instances. Here are CNET’s latest survey findings and information for how far CNET’s experts say antivirus software can really protect you from phishing headaches and hassles.

Laptop owners have encountered phishing emails the most

My mom just got a new laptop and told me she doesn’t need antivirus protection. She’s not entirely wrong. CNET’s antivirus experts, Moe Long and Attila Tomaschek, say you don’t necessarily need another antivirus program if your device already has built-in antivirus protection — as most computers today do.

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender antivirus protection. Mac users have XProtect to check for malware, while the Malware Removal tool catches anything XProtect may have missed. And the Gatekeeper feature stops you from opening apps and software that aren’t trusted. But viruses, phishing and malware attempts are still lurking, as CNET’s study shows.

CNET found that over the past year, US adults who own a laptop have encountered or interacted with phishing emails most often (37%), followed by urgent pop-ups (24%), unusual payment requests (17%), and branded spoofing (17%).

Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to make scams more believable — even through impersonation. And they’re coming up with new tactics much faster than in the 1990s, when we all took our desktops to the Geek Squad for help after a scammer’s successful malware attack.

But here’s the most important distinction to know: Antivirus software may not be able to help identify phishing and malware attempts that are constantly evolving. It can help prevent malicious software from attacking your device and personal data, so long as that malware is in its database of known threats. But you’ll need to use your best judgment to avoid clicking those suspicious links first.

88% of US adults took action after seeing potential malware

CNET found that 88% of US adults who own laptops took action after coming across potential malware over the past year. That’s encouraging news for Long and Tomaschek.

«You don’t really want to mess around with malware, especially the way a lot of modern malware is designed to get your data instead of crashing your computer or something like that,» Long says.

Here’s a closer look at how laptop owners take action.

Over half (60%) of US adults either manually deleted the file or closed a website or pop-up, and 35% immediately ran an antivirus or anti-malware scan. However, Long says some of these actions are effective and helpful, while others aren’t.

If there’s a malicious pop-up, and you close it without clicking a link, you may not have to worry about malware or a virus, Long says. If you download a malicious file, you might be able to delete it before it does any harm. But if you download an executable file, like a software application that infects your device when it’s run, you could actually be installing malware on your computer along with what you think is just an application.

Some actions are definitely worth taking, like immediately running an antivirus or anti-malware scan after encountering malware (35%), says Long.

But other actions aren’t, like installing a VPN, which 8% of US laptop owners do, according to CNET.

Long says that a VPN is a privacy tool, and it has very few security benefits. If you’re using a VPN on a public Wi-Fi network that’s under attack, a VPN can mitigate the risk of the attack reaching your device. But for the most part, VPNs are just another part of your cybersecurity toolkit, but for privacy, not online security, says Tomaschek.

The best course of action if you believe your computer is infected with malware is to perform a factory reset to wipe your hard drive clean, leaving nothing behind from the current state. You’ll also need to make sure you don’t restore from a backup where you had that malware infecting your machine, Long says. Keep in mind that it won’t erase any information that attackers may have retrieved.

There are other measures you can take to try resolving a potential malware infection without a factory reset. Long recommends disconnecting your device from the internet to prevent it from infecting other devices on your network. Then, try using advanced malware scanners, like Microsoft Defender’s offline scanner, to try to find and resolve any threats. But be careful — infected files could harm other devices if you transfer them.

There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with malware, but if you think your device is infected with malware, factory resetting it completely can be a good option, although it’s important to note that even a full factory reset may not be able to remove some malicious software, such as malware that’s embedded in difficult-to-reach locations, such as a rootkit.

If you click a link in a phishing email or pop-up, it’s best to act right away to minimize damage — though that’s not guaranteed. Your device may have malware installed if it isn’t working normally, you’re getting pop-ups or seeing programs that you didn’t install.

However, the signs of malware or phishing aren’t always clear, so it’s best to use a malware scanner, like Malwarebytes, to see if malicious software was installed on your device. If so, your antivirus program can give you steps to remove it. Afterward, Long advises downloading another malware scanner to double-check and try to make sure the malware is completely removed.

On the other hand, 12% of laptop owners don’t take any action at all, which is concerning.

«People may not take action because they may believe it’s a false positive, but you should still verify that it’s not malware, and if it is, you should definitely take action,» Long says. A malware scanner is still a good first step for scanning your computer’s memory, files and programs for viruses.

If you suspect that you’re a victim of a scam, report it on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

‘Cybersecurity now is a multitool approach’

Antivirus software won’t protect you from a data breach, your data being on the dark web or identity theft.

«Cybersecurity now is a multitool approach,» Long says. «There are a number of different apps that people will want to have in addition to antivirus protection to make sure that they are staying secure and private.»

Tomaschek recommends educating yourself about the different types of scams and viruses to stay aware of which ones are on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission has news about the latest scams and lets you report them.

It’s also important to learn how to identify phishing and malware attempts on both your phone and computer. Look for red flags like misspellings, odd email addresses or links from domains you’ve never seen before. If you’re still unsure, contact the company directly through a different channel. Long also recommends other common internet safety practices, like using strong passwords and downloading software or apps only from verified sources, like Apple’s App Store or an official company website.

It’s also best to make sure your computer has the latest software update, which may include security upgrades. Next, arm yourself with a wide range of tools for better online security and privacy. It may all sound like a lot, but CNET’s experts have a few recommendations to help narrow down your search for the right cybersecurity tools. Here’s a list:

The best tools for online security and privacy

Antivirus software	The right antivirus software can help spot malware downloaded onto your computer. CNET recommends Bitdefender for its budget-friendly plan options, which offer strong antivirus features, including active scans that use minimal computer resources in the background. And it has a comprehensive list of digital security tools.
Identity theft protection	Signing up for an identity theft protection service can alert you if your personal data is found on the dark web or in a data breach, so that you can take action. CNET recommends Aura as the best identity theft protection service overall for its plans, easy-to-use interface and three-credit bureau monitoring.
Password manager	The right password manager helps you generate complex passwords and safely store them from hackers. CNET recommends Bitwarden for password management because it has a pretty good free plan that syncs across multiple devices.
VPN	You’ll need a VPN to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic when using public Wi-Fi or whenever you want to boost your online privacy. ExpressVPN is CNET’s top pick for its easy-to-use interface and speed, which are must-haves if you’re using a VPN for streaming. ExpressVPN has servers in all 50 states. However, it’s one of the more expensive options.

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,539 adults, of whom 1,989 own a personal laptop. Fieldwork was undertaken March 18-20, 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18-plus).

Technologies

Can’t File Your Income Taxes by Today? You Need to File a Free Extension Now

The best tax software will let you file a federal income tax extension to give yourself six more months to finish your taxes.

Time’s up, US taxpayers. The deadline for filing your income taxes is today. You have until midnight tonight to submit your 2025 tax return electronically or have it postmarked.

If you’re not able to finish your 2025 tax return today, or if you’re still missing important tax documents, don’t fret. You can file a free tax extension with the IRS, which will give you another six months to complete and submit your tax return.

There’s no cost or penalty for filing a tax extension, and most tax software will help you complete the process in a few minutes. However, there are some critical details to be aware of before you make the decision to postpone your taxes for another six months.

Read on to find all of the details for filing a tax extension in 2026 and how it will affect your tax refund or the money that you owe.

What’s the deadline to file an income tax extension?

Along with the tax return submission deadline, there’s a deadline to file for a tax extension. You’ll need to submit it by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, in your time zone. That’s also the tax filing deadline.

How to file an income tax extension in 2026

If you’re planning to file a tax extension this year, you’ll need to submit Form 4868 (PDF) to the IRS either by paper or electronically using e-file before the April 15 deadline. As long as your electronic extension is transmitted by midnight on April 15, or your letter is postmarked by that date, your extension should be good.

However, if you think that you owe taxes, you’ll need to pay your estimated income tax due using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or using a debit or credit card. If you don’t pay your estimated taxes with your extension and owe money, you’ll have to pay interest on that money and a potential penalty when you file.

Some taxpayers are automatically granted more time to file. This includes military personnel serving in combat zones or people in federally declared disaster areas. US citizens who live outside the country have until June 17 to file.

Does an extension give you more time to pay your tax bill?

No. Extending your filing deadline doesn’t delay when you have to pay taxes that you may owe. According to the IRS, you need to estimate and pay at least 90% of your tax liability by the deadline to avoid late fees. Otherwise, you will have accrued interest on what you owe, which you’ll eventually have to pay — plus possible penalties — on top of your income taxes.

The late-payment penalty is usually 0.5% per month of the outstanding tax not paid by the filing deadline, maxing out at 25%. The IRS can also issue a late-filing penalty of 5% of the amount due for every month or partial month your tax return is late. If your return is filed more than 60 days after the due date, the minimum late-filing penalty is either $450 or 100% of the unpaid tax (whichever is less).

For individual taxpayers, penalties and interest will stop accruing only when your balance is paid in full. For more on penalties or to work out a payment plan with the IRS, check out its web page.

How is child tax credit money related to tax returns?

The child tax credit provides benefits for parents of children, allowing them to lower the amount they owe in taxes each year based on how many dependents they claim. If you had a new baby or gained a dependent, you can both decrease the amount of taxes you owe and increase the amount you may get back in a tax refund.

The Child Tax Credit allows families to receive up to $2,200 per eligible child under the age of 17, as long as certain income requirements are met. By not filing your taxes by the deadline, you could be missing out on up to $2,200 per child.

Will you receive your tax refund later if you file an extension?

Yes. The timeline for getting your income tax refund depends on when you file. But even though you have until Oct. 15 to submit your return if you file an extension, it doesn’t mean you have to wait that long to file.

Some tax refunds, especially for more complicated returns or those that need corrections, could take months to arrive. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically and carefully review their details before submitting to avoid any errors that could potentially delay refunds. The agency also asks that you sign up for direct deposit to get your money even faster.

All of the ways you can file your 2025 tax return

The IRS says that taxpayers can file and schedule their federal tax payments online, by phone or with the mobile IRS2Go app.

If you need to find a tax software service to use, and you made $89,000 or less in 2025, you can find an IRS-approved free filing service easily. You’ll need to gather the following information: income statements (W2s or 1099s), any adjustments to your income, your filing status (single, married, filing jointly), and dependent information. If you made more than $89,000 last year, you still can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms.

If you haven’t already made a tax payment, the IRS prefers that payments be made electronically and offers a variety of ways to do so, including IRS Direct Pay, which is directly linked to a checking or savings account. Another option is by credit card using the mobile IRS2Go app, or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

How to review your IRS tax account online

An easy way to review all your tax-related details, including your address and payment plan details, is to access your IRS account online. Taxpayers can use information from their accounts if they need to access their adjusted gross income, find their stimulus payment and child tax credit amounts, or review their estimated tax payments or credits. Accessing your tax transcript will give you all the records necessary if you have a tax problem or a missing payment.

If you have additional questions, you can visit the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to get help.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for April 16, #1040

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for April 16, No. 1,040.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is tricky. I did love the blue category, which references a favorite Batman character. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Make fun of.

Green group hint: Brr, so cold in here!

Blue group hint: Batman’s rival.

Purple group hint: Connected with learning.

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Tease.

Green group: Thermostat settings.

Blue group: Features of a Catwoman costume.

Purple group: Training ____.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is tease. The four answers are needle, rib, ride and roast.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is thermostat settings. The four answers are auto, cool, fan and heat.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is features of a Catwoman costume. The four answers are bodysuit, claws, mask and whip.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is training ____. The four answers are bra, camp, day and wheels.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for April 16 #774

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for April 16, No. 774.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle could be tough. I understood the theme right away, but some of the answers are really difficult to unscramble. If you need hints and answers, read on.

I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands theme is: This is not working.

If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Leisure time.

Clue words to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:

STEM, STEMS, STEAM, STEAMS, MAPS, TEES, RIFF, FEAR, FEAT, RATIO, REST

Answers for today’s Strands puzzle

These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:

HOBBY, PASTIME, INTEREST, SIDELINE, RECREATION

Today’s Strands spangram

Today’s Strands spangram is JUSTFORFUN. To find it, start with the J that is the farthest-left letter on the top row, and wind down and then back up.