Yasir Mahmood

Champaign

Features Writer at MUO

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Articles

I Switched to These Privacy-Focused Apps-You Probably Should Too

1 week ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

Tech companies track, collect, and sell information. After realizing how much information I was giving away daily, I ditched some of the services I was using and replaced them with privacy-focused alternatives that genuinely respect my digital footprint. We leave email addresses everywhere online. After signing up for countless services over the years, I realized my primary email address was probably floating around in hundreds of databases.
I Switched to These Privacy-Focused Apps—You Probably Should Too | Flipboard

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Yasir Mahmood

4 hours agoWe tested tools like Grok, Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Google's new Imagen 4 model. See the results for yourself. When you first think of AI, you probably think of a text-based chatbot like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. But AI tools are getting a whole lot more versatile. These days, even basic AI …
How I Encrypt My Files Before Uploading to the Cloud (and Why I Bother)

1 week ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

I encrypt my files before uploading them to the cloud. The reason is that cloud services promise security, but they're not impenetrable. After seeing several high-profile breaches, I developed my encryption routine that gives me peace of mind without sacrificing convenience. Cloud Storage Isn't as Secure as You Think I used to believe my files were completely safe in the cloud. That was before I learned about the numerous data breaches affecting even the biggest providers.
How I Block Email Tracking Pixels: 4 Easy Methods

3 weeks ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

Once you understand what email tracking pixels do, you'll want to block them—just like me. These silent trackers report your online activities to the sender, letting them know exactly when and how you read what lands in your inbox. But I'm done with having my privacy breached, so I found four simple ways to block them from my inbox. 4 I Disabled Automatic Image Loading Email tracking pixels are basically tiny, invisible images that are often just a single pixel in size.
6 Easy Ways to Check If a Downloaded File Is Safe Before Using It

4 weeks ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

6 Use Windows Security (or Your Built-in Antivirus) The easiest way to check your downloads is with Windows Security, which is already installed on your PC. Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender) works in the background but can scan suspicious files you download. To scan a file, right-click it and click Scan with Windows Security from the menu. The scan typically takes just seconds and provides immediate peace of mind.
Ransomware Is Rampant in 2025: 6 Quick Tips That'll Protect Your Data

1 month ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

Ransomware attacks often make headlines, and the worst part is that they target regular people, not just big corporations. Cybercriminals evolve their tactics, but protection doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. These straightforward tips can help keep ransomware at bay. 6 Use a Reliable Antivirus Solution A reliable antivirus solution is your first defense against ransomware.
The 6 Best Proton Pass Features You're Not Using

1 month ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

I use Proton Pass, and it offers many powerful features that often go unnoticed. While most people stick to basic password storage, Proton Pass has a whole suite of security tools hiding just beneath the surface that massively boost your account and online security. One of the smartest ways to protect your privacy online is by using email aliases.
Why You Shouldn’t Save Passwords in Your Notes App (and What to Use Instead)

1 month ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

The notes app on your phone is great for creating shopping lists and jotting down random thoughts, but it's terrible for storing passwords. I used to use my notes app like this, thinking it was convenient—until I realized I was leaving my passwords unprotected. Thankfully, there are many safer alternative ways to store your passwords. Your Notes App Offers Zero Security and Password Management Features The average notes app is designed for convenience, not security, plain and simple.
How Often Should You Change Your Passwords? Here’s the Real Answer

1 month ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

For years, I've heard the advice to change my passwords every few months. But is this necessary these days? I've found that the conventional password wisdom is outdated—and might even be making your accounts less secure. The Old School Approach No Longer Makes Sense We've all heard it before—change your passwords every month or two to keep your accounts secure. This advice has been drilled into our heads by IT departments, security blogs, and even government agencies for decades.
How I Turned Google Chrome Into a Beautiful, Minimalist Browser

1 month ago | makeuseof.com | Yasir Mahmood

One of my least favorite aspects of Google Chrome is its slow devolution into an on-screen mess, with tabs, extensions, and visual elements fighting for space. Here's the rub: I don't want to stop using Chrome, so I've reduced the clutter and turned it into a stripped-back, minimalist browser instead. These Extensions Helped Me Strip Chrome Down to the Essentials Visual noise in browsers isn't just annoying—it actively sabotages productivity.