About Philip Bates
Philip was the Security Editor for MUO, and has worked here since 2014. He’s been a freelance writer since 2012, having achieved a Distinction in Professional Writing FdA.
He's worked with Windows PCs since the 1990s, but is an avid iPhone user. He thinks Brave is much better than Chrome, the Nintendo Switch is the best console, and AI used in creative pursuits is appalling.
Philip has written, proofed, and edited numerous books, and written for publications like the Sherlock Holmes Magazine, HeroCollector, and The British Comedy Guide.
Latest Articles
iPhone Speaker Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Is your iPhone speaker not working? Here's how to fix your iPhone speaker and get your sound working again.
How Do CAPTCHAs Work and Why Are They So Difficult?
CAPTCHAs and reCAPTCHAs prevent spam. How do they work? And why do you find CAPTCHAs so tough to solve?
Google's ReCAPTCHAs Also Capture Your Private Information
Google's reCAPTCHA bot-detection pop-ups are a common site on the web. But what information are they collecting?
How to Sleep Better With a Smart Home
Trouble sleeping? If you have a smart home, many devices can help you sleep better, from air purifiers to white noise machines.
Google Buys Fitbit: What Does This Mean for Your Privacy?
Google has bought Fitbit. What could a data tracking giant possibly want with a fitness tracking device?
12 Classic Films on Disney+ Worth Watching
There are a host of classic films on Disney+. But which movies from the Disney archive are worth watching?
20 Common Snapchat Terms You Need to Know
Whether you're a new user or a longtime user getting confused, here are the common Snapchat terms you need to know.
Can You Trust Facebook Portal Devices With Your Privacy?
The Facebook Portal home assistant, shopping and video chat device looks amazing. But is it a massive privacy risk?
4 Serious Health Issues From Sitting Too Long (And How to Avoid Them)
Sitting too long at your desk or on your couch is a modern epidemic. Here are four deadly risks to a sedentary lifestyle.
Everything You Need to Know About Your WhatsApp Privacy Settings
As with all communication tools, privacy is of utmost importance. Here's how to protect your privacy when using WhatsApp.
The 15 Best Books for Geeks to Read in 2019
This is shaping up to be a strong year for literature. Here are the best books for geeks you should read in 2019.
Watch Out for the Online Car Insurance Scam Called Ghost Broking
Scammers are taking to the online car insurance market to target young drivers. Here's how to avoid ghost broking scams.
Marvel Unlimited vs. ComiXology Unlimited: Which Is Best?
Here's our breakdown of Marvel Unlimited vs. ComiXology Unlimited, comparing the costs, content, and interfaces to pick a winner.
Worried About Your iPhone Security? 7 Ways to Make Face ID More Secure
Want to use Face ID to keep your new iPhone or iPad secure? Here are tips and tricks to make Face ID even more secure.
Is It Safe to Use Face ID on Your New iPhone?
You should be thinking about using the Face ID security feature on your new iPhone X. But is it safe to activate?
What Deactivating or Deleting Facebook Really Means for Privacy
Thinking about quitting Facebook? Here's how deleting or deactivating Facebook can improve your online privacy.
How to Use Filters on Snapchat Quickly and Easily
Not everyone understands how Snapchat filters work. In this article, we explain EXACTLY how to use filters on Snapchat.
What Is Upscaling? How Does It Work? Is It Worth It?
What is upscaling? How does it work? Is it all it's cracked up to be? Here's everything you need to know.
How to Tell If a Site Stores Passwords as Plaintext (And What to Do)
When sending your password to a website, it isn't always done securely. Here's what you should know about plaintext passwords.
10 Amazing Gifts to Buy for Nintendo Fans
Stuck for last-minute gifts for an avid gamer? Here are some great gift ideas for Nintendo fans!